
The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Don't let a visit to your salon feel stale. Liven it up with these 10 fresh ideas.


#1 MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS WHEN A STAFF MEMBER DOES SOMETHING NEW - Write about it in your newsletter or post an announcement in the salon. List recent achievements and educational classes taken. Update staff members’ bios often for clients to read while they are waiting. Also keep these updated on your website.
#2 CHANGE YOUR PHONE GREETING TO SOMETHING NEW, BETTER, BIGGER, OR AT LEAST DIFFERENT - How about simply saying, “It’s a GREAT day at ___________Salon. This is ____________.How can I help you?”
#3 CHANGE YOUR PHONE GREETING OFTEN - You can change it with the seasons, the holidays, or promotions you are running. In February, in honor of Valentine’s Day, Imagine Salon in Grand Blanc, Mich., changed its phone greeting to “Love is in the hair. Thank you for calling Imagine Salon.”
#4 PROMOTE ADD-ON OPTIONS AND CROSS-MARKETING SALON SERVICES TO GET CLIENTS TO TRY SOMETHING NEW - After the client makes her appointment, simply ask her if she would like to reserve a few more minutes for an eyebrow arch, foot mask, paraffin treatment, etc.
#5 RUN A DIFFERENT PROMOTION EVERY FOUR TO SIX WEEKS TO KEEP CLIENTS INVOLVED AND EXCITED – Promotions can vary from retail promos to service promos to referral promos. Support your promotions with strong visuals and “shelf-talkers” throughout the salon.
#6 MAKE SURE YOUR GREETING IS WARM AND SINCERE WHEN A CLIENT ENTERS THE SALON - How about, Welcome to __________Salon. May I let your technician know you are here?” Greet returning clients by name. If you can’t remember her name, try, “Welcome back! May I let your technician know you are here?”
#7 WHEN A CLIENT ENTERS, OFFER TO TAKE HER COAT, FIND HER A MAGAZINE, AND POUR HER A BEVERAGE - Try seasonal beverages such as hot cocoa in the winter, iced fruit water in the spring, lemonade in the summer, and hot cider in the fall.
#8 CHANGE YOUR RETAIL SHELVES OFTEN AND ADD PROPS AND SHELF-TALKERS - An easy and inexpensive way to change background color is to add colored gift bags and tissue appropriate to the season or upcoming holidays.
#9 SHOWCASE YOUR FEATURED PRODUCT OF THE MONTH IN A SPOT NEAR THE SALON’S HIGHEST TRAFFIC AREA - Buy and display larger quantities of the featured product — make it clear that you are serious about selling it. Create eyecatching, colorful signage featuring the special promotion throughout the salon.
#10 STAY AWAY FROM WHITE OR LIGHT COLORS IN DISPLAYS - They tend to blend with the bottles into a blah, boring wall. Shine distinctive lighting from above or below the products, to help draw attention. Using sound and moving visuals such as videos is a great way to make a professional impact and intrigue browsers.
~ Kristi Valenzuela is president of Crystal Focus Coaching. To contact her, write to coachkristi@crystalfocus.com, or call (877) 378-8212.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.

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.