May 19 was our first company orientation; we had 10 new employees (we've hired several more since then; we currently have 18 employees — 11 nail techs, one nail tech/esthetician, three estheticians, one massage therapist, and two client coordinators). This was an introduction to ROB|B Salon and a chance for the staff to get to know each other and take care of the required paperwork. We didn't do anything technical on that day, but everyone did receive an OPI Product Guide as well as an education workbook and tabletop instructions for each of the products. With these items they can become familiar with all OPI has to offer. We all had lunch together at OPI's "George's Place" cafeteria and Robbie gave everyone a tour of OPI.

Since then, I've been conducting ongoing training sessions about three days a week at various times to accommodate everyone's schedule. We have seasoned nail techs and newbies and most are still employed at other jobs, so having a set training schedule would be difficult. I've made a signup sheet for each day and time and they can choose when to attend and what service, product line (manicure, pedicure, acrylic, gel, wraps) they need to work on. I'm working on a training schedule for our estheticians with Murad. Our estheticians and client coordinators come in and act as models so they learn the product procedures and we can start building a team spirit.

I'm really happy with how everyone gets along and how excited we all are. Some of the employees share product experiences and techniques that we're taking into consideration and might adapt into our procedures. It is amazing how much you can learn from each other and how much better you can make your services when you keep an open mind and at least try new ideas and share experiences that have worked in different situations. One thing that did surprise me out of 18 people we have six born in September, I wonder what the odds are of that?

Regards,

Nadine

Salon M.O.M.