Before I left, I referred each of my customers to a technician I felt they would be comfortable with. In addition, I kept a current phone and address list so that I could remind them (by phone or mail) of their appointment before I returned. Now, I run the salon from home and schedule four to six customers (as opposed to 10 to 12) around my baby’s naptime, and I get the best of both worlds.
Charese Sailor, Amazing Nails, Inc., (Lansing, Mich.)
I started planning in December to leave for my baby’s delivery in March. I told all of my clients to book their appointments as soon as possible. In January, I started booking all of my clients up to March 7th (my last day). Then I asked my clients to stretch their appointments for fills.
Sherry Hawks
The Nail Girls (South Lake Tahoe, Nev.)
When I became pregnant, I slowly began introducing my clients to coworkers. When I returned part-time, the salon scheduled my clients accordingly. One of the nice things that happened was that my clients became familiar with the other technicians. Therefore, if I were unavailable, they would feel comfortable enough to schedule an appointment with another technician.
Cathy Marrone
Cut ‘N Loose Haircutters (Little Falls, N.J.)
I eased my clients’ fears by referring them to another trustworthy technician at my salon. I sent postcards alerting them to my return and the good news. If you’re not coming back, don’t leave it up to the salon to tell them. You owe your clients that much for their loyalty.
Shonta Gibbs
A Hand Above The Rest (Louisville, Ky.)
I informed my clients of my due date, and I gave them a target date of when I would return. For those clients who couldn’t wait for my return, I scheduled them with another nail technician. As for the rest, I worked them slowly back into my schedule. With my last pregnancy, I didn’t go back to work for six months, so I had to find a qualified nail technician to take care of my clients
Tan Tropics and Nails (Orlando, Fla.)