MENU
SEARCHSalon owner Precious Sikhonde of Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, has always had a passion for the beauty industry. She ran a salon franchise before branching out on her own to open her salon, The Stain Bar, in 2017.
Salon owner Precious Sikhonde of Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa has always had a passion for the beauty industry. She ran a salon franchise before branching out on her own to open her salon, The Stain Bar, in 2017. The salon was designed to serve a wide clientele. “In Soweto, we have a very mixed income market,” explains Sikhonde. “We have people who are educated and earn a good income, but they have decided not to leave Soweto. Then we have the lower-income market that always associates good service with high prices.” Sikhonde found that people from the higher-income market were willing to travel farther due to a lack of reputable salons in their area. She wanted to attract these clients with good service closer to their homes, but without pricing out lower-income clients.
“We have priced our services to be achievable for those that are on the lower-income side, but at the same time ensuring that we make a profit and we do not compromise on service,” she says. “We have had to educate the lower-income market a lot, as they had never been exposed to some of the services we offer.”
The Stain Bar is located in a shopping mall near major stores. The mall is near a poor township, and several of the salon’s nail techs are from this area. “Providing employment to the local area is very important to me,” says Sikhonde. “I grew up in a similar environment and it’s always so inspiring that someone who was raised in similar circumstances can be successful. I get to be a role model in return as well.” Sikhonde advertises on social media to hire staff but finds most employees by word of mouth. She encourages staff to learn via YouTube and has in-salon training for them every Friday.
She hopes to continue building her business and giving back to her community. “I want to build an empire and a legacy by giving back to young people from my childhood,” she explains. “We are currently in the process of opening our second store and in the future would love to franchise.”
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
