3 Customized Services for Callus Care!

We had such a great response to our Blog of last week, with a request to be more specific about how to use any of our callus products in the Pedicure room.

The idea that anyone even reads my Blogs is super exciting. However, the hunger for Education, the desire to learn more empowers me to a level I can’t even explain.

When I owned my Salon, being creative is what made the juices flow. The nail art we offered, the decorations for the Holidays’, the constant change which made our clients look forward to the next thing……is what helped me keep going.

I miss all of it! Being able to share my creative ideas with you…..helps keep those juices flowing. Thank you to those who requested more info. I have a “page full” to share with you.

TO BEGIN WITH

If you’ve been reading my Blogs, you know that I personally believe our consultation begins at the reception desk.

If you change this one thing in your Salon, you won’t have to offer 3, 4 or 5 different Pedicures. You offer 1 Pedicure which is customized to each clients need. We modify our basic pedicure to include services such as scrubs, hot stones, callus work etc. etc. Plus, we modify each pedicure based on the clients age, how much time they have and the health condition of the client.

Can you imagine going into a clinic or even a Dr’s office with a UTI and they treat you like you have the common cold? Sounds silly doesn’t it? In reality, this is what we are doing when we offer the same Pedicure(s) to all clients.

You also need to be well versed or well educated in order to teach your reception to ask the right questions? They won’t ask ALL the questions, but they certainly would get the consultation started.

Remember, the basic need for a consultation is to protect yourself as well as your client. You want to protect yourself from not leaving enough time for a client who requires extra work. You want to protect yourself from not servicing a client who has an infection. You want to protect yourself from under-charging for your services.

What should a consultation sound like coming from the Reception desk?

Is this your first Pedicure
If no, what if anything, did you like about your last Pedicure.
If no, what if anything, did you not like about your last Pedicure.
Do you have any concerns with the skin on your feet?
If so, would you mind texting me a picture? (This is very popular in Hair Salons)
Does massage bother you?
Will you require polish?
If so, would you want a standard polish or a fast dry (as in a gel polish)

Notice, there are no specific Medical questions. This should be left up to the Foot Care specialist.

However, also notice the questions being asked are directed towards knowing how much time will be needed in the chair and having a picture of the skin of their feet will help you begin the process of what service should be suggested.

At this point, the reception would simply say, our prices begin at XXX. The Foot Care Specialist will make their suggestion and pricing will be established at that time.

WHAT NEXT?

Once the client sits in your chair DO NOT automatically put their feet in the water. In fact, the water shouldn’t be waiting for them at all.

You need to consult with them on Medical challenges.
1. Are they diabetic
2. Have they ever had or now have cancer
3. Are they on blood pressure medicine.
4. Do they have circulatory problems
5. Do they have fibromyalgia
6. Do they have neuropathy
7. Are they pregnant
8. Do they have any allergies
9. Do they have any sensitivities
You need to do a visual. The integrity of the skin on our feet change once they are placed in water. Not looking at the bottom of their feet, between their toes, removing their nail polish to look at their toes is neglect on your part. It’s like going back to that Dr. who provides a prescription for a common cold when you really have a UTI.

In addition, there are more questions which should be answered prior to performing the service.

How often to you get pedicures
What do you do to take care of your feet between services.
Tell me about you! Are you active, do you wear shoes or sandals mostly, do you walk barefoot?

It isn’t until all these questions are answered and the visual consultation is done, should you begin the Foot Care process. Why? Because;

Depending on their health concerns will depend on the temperature of the water
Depending on their health concerns will depend on whether you use implements on them or not
Depending on their health concerns will depend on what type of massage you give
1. Water to hot can throw some with circulatory problems into a blood clot
2. Someone pregnant receiving a massage can be put into labor
3. Someone with Diabetes should not have their cuticles clipped
4. Someone with Cancer has very specific needs

3 CUSTOMIZED SERVICES

FOOTLOGIX

In my early days with Footlogix, I always recommended these products to be used in every Pedicure. It didn’t happen and I couldn’t figure out why. It’s a great product, it’s effective. Yet, I noticed my clients using the product only used it for specific services. They listed it on their menu as a “Medi Pedi” a “Heeling Pedi” a “Cure All”, just to name a few. In addition, they were listing these Pedicures at a price of $75.00 upwards to $150.00.

Sounds great right? Only if they sell. But they weren’t. One big reason is because it was listed as a separate type of service on their menu…..as stated above. That’s a problem why? Because clients looking at that service didn’t feel like they needed that type of Pedicure. And, the Technicians weren’t knowledgable enough in Foot Care to be able to “sell” the difference.

Problem #1 – be knowledgable

Problem #2 – don’t list it as a separate service

Recommending the Footlogix products for a Pedicure should be customized. It’s marketed as a “clinical” brand. Why? Because it’s safe for the diabetic and it as no fragrance. In addition, it’s absorbs quickly into the skin without that greasy feeling.

These products are great products to market to your men. It’s also a great product to use if you are in a clinical environment such as a Podiatry office.

In addition, this is an easy to use product for at home care.

Footlogix has no fluff or buff. It’s simple to use, it’s effective, it’s very 1-2-3.

PODOSAFE

I try not to show favorites, because I truly believe in all the products I Educate on. However, I can tell you right now. If I still had my Salon….with PodoSafe, I would be doing things a lot different. I would be working smarter…..not harder.

PodoSafe came to my attention last August at the Foot Forward Summit. What you don’t know, I was very angry at being a part of that Summit. I felt it was very expensive to participate. Yet, Centre for Beauty had to be there. Why? Because my main 2 Mfg’s were there……right in my back yard.

I won’t get into all that, it’s not important. What is important is the real reason I was there. PodoSafe. It was just mean’t to be.

As soon as I started talking with them and began watching their demo, I knew there was something special. It was the same….yet different….then what I already carried. It was a product I could introduce into the Podiatry market yet introduce to my clients as a stand alone service. A way to work less, make more money.

I’ve recommended this service to be no less than $50.00 for 30 minutes and highly recommend you charge $75.00. Why? Because results are amazing and they are quick.

You don’t perform a full Pedicure service with the product. It is a “Callus Solution”. A service for those who have angry skin on their feet. A service for those who don’t like the whole process of a Pedicure. A service we keep in the Salon. A service where the product works for us…..we don’t work for it.

LCN

By far my most favorite full service pedicure brand. Over the past 3 years i’ve been affiliated with the brand, i’ve come to realize the European nations really have the low down on creating great, quality products. It doesn’t matter what is introduced from the home office Wilde Cosmetics, it just simply wow’s me.

What I have grown to love about the LCN brand is the reality that all men are NOT created equal. Some people like to stick with the same thing, some people need a variety in their life. No matter which category you fall into, we can provide what you need all from the LCN brand.

Its Urea product line is my anchor. Much like Footlogix but with many more beneficial ingredients. These added ingredients are visible in the results. It shows more hydration by far.

This is your full service line. You can ambience around the world with its exfoliating scrub capable of being used as a European gommage. The mask, as with any mask in the LCN brand isn’t typical. It’s lightweight and is not recommended to be washed off…..simply massaged into the skin.

The LCN brand is the epitome of customization

I also love the seasonal brands with the LCN line. Citrus and Red Wine, just to name a couple. But….hold onto your hat. In a couple more months, we will introduce their new Spa line. Wilde Cosmetics has revived some of their best sellers. It’s very exciting.

Who is your client for LCN…..simply put…..everyone! You can make it clinical, you can make it sexy. It does have a slight fragrance to it albeit a very clean fragrance. therefore, if you are looking for non fragrance, Footlogix might be your answer.

With all this being said, the one thing I truly love above all my brands…..they are interchangeable. There are no contra-indications in mixing one brand with another. This is awesome when you are trying to 100% customize and or modify to your clients specific needs.

To put all this in summary.

Offer only 1 Pedicure and customize the service to your clients needs
Use Footlogix as your more clinical product for those who simply don’t like the fluff and buff, the fragrance, the feel of more hydration
Use PodoSafe as a stand alone. No full service Pedicure. Simply a callus solution.
Use LCN as your full service Pedicure. It combines the benefits of Footlogix with benefits of luxury. Hence why we call it “Results with luxury”

You don’t have to use all 3, but I do recommend 2 of the 3. I highly suggest PodoSafe as your “solution” service and either Footlogix or LCN as your Foot Care service.

With that being said, you can ambience any of these products and do very well with them. However, remember, everything you add has a cost. That cost needs to be incorporated into what you charge.

Also, as an FYI…..all 3 brands are safe for the diabetic client.

WHAT IF?

You scheduled for a haircut and everyone received the same cut
You scheduled for a hair color and everyone received the same
You scheduled for a nail service and you received the same as everyone else
You scheduled for permanent eyebrows and you received the same shape as everyone else

This may sound a bit ridiculous, but it’s the truth…the list goes on and on. As Technicians we have got to start realizing….not all pedicures are created equal.

I believe we depend too much on our menu’s. We use our menu’s as our salespeople instead of training ourselves and our team to ask the right questions.

Happy Pedicuring!

CJ Murray, President

Our top 3 Callus Softening products!

Welcome to our 2019 Have You Heard Blog. My goal is to continue to provide you with educational, informative information in an effort to help you grow your

Foot Care Business.

Over the years we have all been introduced to many products which claim to be the best of the best when it comes to “callus removal”. Yes, many Mfg’s use that term which……if I don’t correct, someone will turn me into the callous police and i’ll get my ass chewed. Don’t get me wrong, i’m a huge proponent of making sure we use the right terminology and stay within the limits of our license. I just think the entire point is missing when focusing only on the “correct terminology”.

Anyhow, there are many great “callus softening” products available to us. However, how do we distinguish one from the other? How do we determine which one is best for our Business? How do we know which one is best for our clients?

Let me share what I know (which isn’t everything), in hopes it will help bring clarity and help you decide which is best for you and best for your clients.

To begin with, what exactly is a “callus softening” product? It makes sense to say it’s a product which softens the callouses right? True as that is, are you looking for a product which just softens the callouses? Or, are you looking for a product which helps in the process of filing the calluses off the skin? Hence, callus removal……truly just a play on words.

Another thing to consider are the long term effects. Many products which are available in our market are products which literally “remove” the callus. These products typically contain ingredients which I would consider not quite safe, effective nor long lasting.

Our calluses are there for a reason. PROTECTION. If “removed” in an inefficient manner,

they will grow back thicker and harder.

Therefore, what is really recommended are products which, are based with ingredients that drive into the layers of the epidermis allowing the softening process to work from the inside out. This allows softening from the cellular level then allowing the skin to “continuously” naturally exfoliate.

With these proper ingredients, when we do take a foot file to the callous, the skin is softer and more pliable.

There are several additional things to think about when choosing your callus products.

What is the ingredient which makes the claim to be the working ingredient? RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. There are several, if not hundreds of products on the market. There are several, if not hundreds of ingredients. The only way to know for sure, if it will work, if it is safe, if it is effective……is research.
Whichever product you decide upon, I don’t care how good it is…..never EVER remove more then 80% of the callus. Again, the callus is there to protect us. If too much is removed it will not only grow back thicker, but you can cause portal of entry for infection.
Know your foot files. Here is a link to an article I wrote in 2016. I can’t really improve upon the information except to emphasize how important it is to use a proper file in your Foot Care service.
Follow through with client at home care. I’ve said this before, and i’ll repeat myself until I go to my grave. Can you brush your teeth 1x per moth an expect to to have any problems? YUCK! The same is with the skin on our feet. Unless we rid the environment of what cause the dry skin on our feet to begin with……our lifestyle, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, walking barefoot, poor hydration and so on and so on…..we will always need the maintenance.

Centre for Beauty Salon Supply offers 3 different types of callus softening products. They are chosen carefully. I look for products which first and foremost are;

Safe for the client
Safe for the technician
Safe for diabetics
Safe for any immune compromised client

SOAK SPRAY by LCN

Soak spray is amazing because it is a Urea based product. Urea is a hygroscopic. It processes into the 7 layers of the epidermis which, allows the softening to begin working from the inside out. It contains 17% Urea.

What I personally like about the Soak Spray, are the added ingredients. Lactic Acid…..a fruit acid also a hygroscopic and Allantoin and Panthenol for calming and soothing. In addition, it works wonders with the AngelFeet file…..my favorite.

Soak spray is safe for the diabetic and any immune compromised clients.

PODOSAFE

Our newest product added to our venue in 2018 is Podosafe. Originally developed in Brazil as a cuticle softening product, Podosafe has manifested into the most up and coming callous softening product.

It also is Urea based with a minute amount of Hydrogen Potassium. This combination provides crazy, amazing results. In fact, the softening is so effective, the dead skin literally can be removed with a spoon. Watch this video.

What I personally like about the PodoSafe is it’s ability to be used as a “stand alone” service. It is so effective, you don’t need to start with a soaking process, you don’t need exfoliation. In addition, it opens the door for the Podiatry market.

PodoSafe is also safe for the diabetic client and a client who is immune compromised.

If you are looking for a new service for your venue. If you want to make more $$$$. If you want an additional revenue stream of income. PodoSafe is for you.

CALLUS SOFTENER by FLX

The Footlogix callous softening product is also a great Urea based product. It contains 20% Urea. The biggest difference reported between Footlogix and my other brands, is hydration.

It is very effective, however, it does not have any added ingredients like the LCN brand does. In addition….sadly…..it is found on Amazon and all over the internet made available to our clients at cost below our cost. this is one of the biggest reasons I opted to look for other brands.

Now, with that being said…..what isn’t found all over the internet? If our clients (and ourselves) want it, they and we will find it.

It also is safe for the diabetic and any client who is immune compromised.

In short, there is a product for everyone and anyone. My Centre for Beauty clients are all different. They prefer different methods, offer different services but we all want the same results. GREAT ONES!

Whether or not you choose one of our products or choose to use something different….please……do your research. I’m happy to personally help you if you have questions. I’m happy to investigate into products I don’t carry. I’m happy to help you!

Once you have done your research, you need to know what works best for you and your clients. What are you looking for in results? How hard do you want to work? Do you want a Foot Care system, or do you want to provide your clients with long lasting results? Do you want to offer both?

In addition don’t forget to look at your bottom line cost. This calculation should include all products AND sundries used in whatever service you are offering.

HAPPY PEDICURING

CJ MURRAY, PRESIDENT

Six (6) values for Success?

I have some very special people in my life. Most of whom I met through this Industry. Either through my years of Educating or my years of holding their hands and feet across the table.

One couple in particular came to me via another Salon referral. A client who wanted fiberglass wrap on her nails was turned down at the place she walked into because the Nail Technicians(s) did not know how to perform that service. They referred her over to my Salon.

As I said earlier this year at the 80th Birthday party of her husband…..when Cheri walked into my Salon almost 30 years ago, I never imagined I would have gained more than a client.

Words could never express what I have gained from that one act of knowing how to apply fiberglass nails.

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I’m saddened by the numbers I read in the Nails Magazine Big Book. The percentage of Technicians who don’t take continuing education classes. 12% all the way up to 78% WOW! This includes not going to trade shows, In salon training’s, Online training, Distributor classes, Mfg. classes, etc.

The hazard of this lack of Education is showing up in the $$$$ average we are charging for our services. Which, are down by 2% -10%.

DON’T YOU GET IT? Education IS the key to success. With Continued Education, you will gain the confidence to charge the prices we deserve in the Industry. UGGGGGGHHHH! I GET SO FRUSTRATED.

This makes me think back to classes i’ve taught over the years. The common denominator when it comes to determining our pricing is “confidence” or lack thereof.

What is confidence?

A feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.

I can’t imagine my life without my good friends, or as I say my “whatever’s” Cheri and Mel. If I had not educated myself on that one service, I would have missed out on a lifetime of laughter, tears, sharing, love, friendship, family….etc etc.

Education brings more than $$$ success. Education brings more than knowledge. Education brings more than a certificate on the wall. It brings a lifetime of opportunities, open doors and unlimited access to anything and anyone.

Cheri and Mel owned a very successful Electrical Company for many years. Over the years there have been so many stories shared with me. Good and bad. They have inspired me in more ways than they can imagine.

Mel has given me fatherly advice and business advice. They have listened, they have never judged.

One of the things Mel has given me I keep in my office where I can see it everyday. A framed copy of what he has lived by (and so do I) his entire life.

Six Values for a Successful Man (or Woman)

Awareness
Skepticism
Integrity
Courtesy
Learning
Commitment

When I think about the Data from Nails Magazine, and I ponder on the reasons why our $$$ that we charge are going down, and I couple that with the % of Technicians who don’t take classes……I realize…..this is an epidemic. A bad one!

I also realize I personally need to keep fighting this battle. Encouraging, teaching, sharing knowledge to help my fellow Technicians, learn and grow. However, I also realize, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t force them to drink.

There are doer’s…..and my new word….don’ters. The doer’s are the same group of Technicians we see at every show, every class, on every webinar. The don’ters are the ones that talk about it, make excuses and never show up. They are the ones who actually need Education the most. Education and confidence go hand and hand. The more you know, the more confident you become.

As we close the door to 2018 and open the door to 2019, maybe it’s time to do a little evaluation.

We talk all the time about revisiting the prices we charge, maybe re-doing our menu. We talk about reviewing our disinfection procedures and possibly looking at new products. We talk about the changes we can make in the Salon, clean house or spring clean. But….do we ever evaluate ourselves? Maybe it’s time we do!

Let’s begin by evaluating our six(6) values;

Awareness; Are you aware of your surroundings. Aware of those around you? Aware of what you need to do to be a success?
Skepticism; Are you skeptical of everyone and everything? You should be! Being a little skeptical in our Business dealings (and personal) is a huge safety net.
Integrity; I’ve always said…..you can say a lot about me, but don’t every mess with my Integrity. Personally, I think this should be #1. Talk the talk, walk the walk. Do it honestly and with sincerity. Always do the right thing.
Courtesy; I think we sometimes forget this simple yet important trait. Be courteous of others, but also, be courteous of yourself.
Learning; DON’T ever stop. Constant learning is a must, no matter what you do. The missed opportunities are endless, if you don’t continue to learn.
Commitment; It’s simple. If you are committed to sticking with the six(6) values…..you ARE committed.

I can tell you from personal experience. When I have a challenge in my life whether it be a Professional challenge or a personal one, I will always think back on these values. If i’ve faltered on any of them during whatever challenge I happen to be going through, I adjust accordingly. It does makes a difference.

In closing, “Thank You“…..for taking the time to read my blogs. “Thank You” for all your kind comments. “Thank You” for you and your continued support. “Thank You” for putting up with my rants,

If something I have said has made you think a little different, act upon something you’ve set aside and used something I’ve shared to help grow your Business….”Thank You“

Happy New Year! I wish all of you the best for a healthy, prosperous, loving and happy 2019!

CJ Murray, President

What you are not cleaning CAN kill you!

Many of you know, I just finished a 3 day course on Oncology Spa Solutions.

I took this course because i’m offering this class in February and of course, i’m not going to offer something to my clients, I haven’t experienced myself.

LIFE CHANGING!

I can’t really explain the emotionally journey this class put me on. What I can explain however, is the amount of information I received. The amount of resources I’ve been given. The rude awakening. The realization that whether you service Cancer stricken clients or not……this class is a must.

There are many classes in our Industry in regards to Pedicuring. We have the MediNails program, we have the NaSP program, we have the ANT program. These are great programs. ALL Education is GREAT Education. However,

Much of the information is the same regardless of which course you take. We learn about what or what not be within the Limits of our License. We learn toenail cutting do’s and don’t. We learn “some” infection control. We learn about options for Disinfection products and “opinions” on whether they are good, bad or indifferent.

We also learn about products. Typically the products which whatever course you are taking, promotes and reaps the benefits from.

We learn things we shouldn’t be doing here in the USA. We learn bone structures and what exactly is dry skin. Or, cracked skin or wet peeling skin.

We learn the same thing regardless of what course you decide is within your budget, within your GPS desire and within your time frame.

What OSS offers is something completely different.

The OSS teaches you about the client. It teaches you that not all clients are created equal. It teaches you, every service needs to be modified to that particular clients need.
It teaches you what treatments and medicines can do to your clients skin. It teaches you the mind and spirit aspect of taking care of your clients.
It teaches you about ingredients, it teaches you about safety. It teaches you the proper way to perform a consultation…a way you have never ever seen before.

All the above is what the class teaches you. What you learn……is something else.

You learn;

Not all clients are created equal
How important our job really is
We shouldn’t just work to “get by”
The risk of Pedicuring any client with compromised health
If you don’t have passion for what you do…..get out!
You think you know how to manage a Diabetic client? NO….you don’t
We need to be more sensitive
How to Market your skills…..not your services

The bottom line is; you may think $997.00 is a lot to put forth for a class. How about the thousands of dollars you may have to put forth on a law suit because we as Foot Care Technicians are so ill informed?

Have you worked on a client who has had or does have cancer? How about Neuropathy, Fybromialgia, circulatory problems, DVT? You may think not using implements on a diabetic and not putting them in water which is too hot is enough.

You may think performing a light massage is safe. You may even think your at home care products you are mixing yourself are better than store bought.

I encourage you…..THINK AGAIN!

Promoting this class is my Mission for 2019. Not because of the monetary benefits….there are none. It’s because I have never felt as strongly about a class as I have this one. I have never had such an emotional connection to clients with ill compromised systems as I have with what i’ve learned in this class.

Yes, this class teaches you about working with and Pedicuring clients with Cancer. But truly, it teaches you so much more.

I personally have been looking for something different to “step out of the box”. I’ve found it, and I welcome the opportunity to share it with you.

Becky Kuene is the founder of Oncology Spa Solutions. Her passion, her life changing experiences, her spirit, her knowledge along with her Mission partners……not just change lives…they unknowingly make peoples lives better.

I’m honored to have had this opportunity, to meet Becky, to meet fellow students, to meet young and old who willingly share their journey with us.

And,, I look forward to working with her Mission Partners made available to us Graduates.

I can’t think of a better way to bring in the New Year.

What does any of this have to do with “what you aren’t cleaning”? You would be surprised to find out how much we are putting ourselves and our clients at risk. Cleaning and disinfection has always and will continue to be one of my top priorities. After taking the OSS class, my Mission will now be on steroids. Things you never think about will shock you. Will make you think twice and will truly change the way you work in your Pedicure room.

Change needs to happen. Change begins with YOU!

CJ Murray, President

5 things you SHOULD do in the Pedicure room

Last week we spoke about the what not to do in the Pedicure room. Thank you to all of you, for your comments

We so often get bogged down with the process, we forget about the journey. “Journey” an act or instance of traveling from one place to another.

This reminds me of traveling to my parents or my clients. Getting on the road is not the most fun idea ever. I can make that journey to my destination miserable by road rage or being in a hurry. Or, I can leave sufficient amount of time where I am more relaxed, listen to music and sing my little heart out in the confinement of my own space.

Personally, I prefer the latter. However, in all honesty…..it’s not always as easy as it sounds.

How does this relate to what we should do in our Pedicure room?

Working in the Pedicure room is not an easy task. We have to make sure we have all the products we need to perform the service. We must have the tools we need. Our tools, our work area needs to be cleaned and disinfected. We need to take care of our clients.

We need to do all this with a happy face. Regardless of what our clients feet look like, how they treat us, how demanding they may be and, we have to do all this within a typical 50-60 minute time frame.

In addition, add the fact that we are the first responders. Performing a Pedicure today is not like performing a Pedicure 10-15-20 or more years ago. Heck, I personally remember the days of letting my clients soak for 30 minutes in steaming hot water while I visited with other clients over their cigarette break. Crazy to think about the things we use to do.

But now, with the age of the internet, the amount of competition, our sue happy society and the fact that everyone wants “what’s in it for me”……we have to be a bit more careful, a bit more attentive, definitely more knowledgeable, more aware and just downright smarter.

So….What SHOULD we do in the pedicure room?

Educate – this is #1 priority. All our Technicians performing foot care services should be educated above and beyond what we learn in Nail School. We all know, the very few hours of training we receive in order to obtain our license is BS. There are so many forms of education available these days. There is paid education and there is FREE education. I make no apologies for my anger in this statement. THERE IS NO EXCUSE!
Consultation – it is so hard for me to understand how Pedicurist are still offering a Pedicure service without performing a client consultation. There are so many health challenges we face today. Many of those challenges have to be addressed prior to performing any Pedicure service. Even if you know your client and have servicing him or her for years, basic questions need to be asked. After all, a lot can happen over a 4 – 6 week period.
Disinfection – everyone in your Salon, especially your Pedicure room should know your “proper” disinfection procedures. There should be a team meeting (at least once, if not twice per year) regarding disinfection. What are your States requirements? What are the medical challenges with the disinfections you choose? How do you handle accidents? What is the proper cleaning and disinfection procedure for the product you use? All these questions and more need to be addressed.
Tools & implements – are you working with 1 set of tools? Impossible! There is absolutely no way 1 set of tools can be “properly” used throughout the day….if you are cleaning and disinfecting properly. You may feel like it’s too much of an expense to have more than 1 set of tools and implements. But, alternating them will give your tools longer life, increase your proficiency and give you the proper amount of time needed for proper cleaning and disinfection.
Professionalism – it seems foolish for me to feel like I have to make this the top 5 “should’s” in the Pedicure room, but truly…..the things i’ve seen. Cell phones should be non-visible. Techs shouldn’t have drinks or food in the area. Be cognitive of how much of your breasts are exposed….dress to impress. Open toe shoes should not be worn. Gloves need to be made a priority. Hair shouldn’t be dangling over the clients feet. Image! It is very important regardless of what arena you work in.

I’ve started talking lately about the image of our Industry. Specifically nails. If our Technicians keep doing the things we’ve been doing, our image will not change.

Many of you talk about the difficult time we have in obtaining Podiatrist to partner with. Image is one of our problems. The way we are viewed upon is not desirable to the Medical profession. We have to, we MUST change it.

What is your goal for 2019? Is there “1” thing you can commit to change? A change which will better you? Better our Industry? Set your goal(s), write them down, put them into action. Only you are in control of your own Destiny. Only you and change you!

The end of the year is always a great time to start your new goals. It’s a great time to get re-motivated. It’s a great time to re-evaluate everything you do.

Proper disinfection, time management, image…..they are all important to your growth.

Are there only 5 things you should do in the Pedicure room. Probably not….there are indeed more. However, if you master these 5, you can feel confident you are beginning the process of offering a safe, professional Pedicure service.

CJ Murray, President

5 Things You Should NOT Do In the Pedicure Room!

Typically during this time of year, I’m working my Business Plan for the upcoming year and catching up on reading materials I’ve stored in folders on my desktop.

It’s kinda fun, yet it’s kinda aggravating. I read Marketing blogs, Trade magazines and many other sources of information which wander through my email. Both from within our Industry and from outside our Industry.

I’m always amazed at the amount of bling which is marketed. The ad after ad of colors, shapes, sizes of nails. The many different forms of nail art from crystals, stripes, marble, gold, glitter, faces….just to name a few.

The amount of monies spent to get the latest, the greatest, the most fun. Monies which, according to most Technicians I speak with, don’t get a return on their investment. Why? Because they don’t charge for their nail art and design.

Yet, the Mfg’s of such products are spending millions and millions of dollars advertising in our Trade and Non-Trade magazines because they know this is where the money is spent. And, our Technicians continue to spend hundreds of dollars traveling to classes.

What does this have to do with the 5 things we should NOT do in the Pedicure room?

Well, as I continue to read my stored articles, i’m reading articles and blogs from so called Professionals outside of our Industry.

I recently read an article from NailPro, written from an outside source that we should use a pumice stone to reduce a corn. WHAT?????? Now, in fairness, it was in context to additional information, however…..a pumice stone? Don’t they know a pumice stone is volcanic rock? Don’t they know a pumice stone can NOT be cleaned properly or sterilized? Don’t they know the rock it is made out of and can break off and get imbedded in the clients skin? Arrrghhhhhhh!!!! Why??????????

My point is, someone will read that article and think it’s a good idea. Someone will use a pumice stone. Someone will get an infection from a pumice stone and many of you won’t know any difference. Why? Because we tend to believe everything we read.

Someone recently said to me “The Truth Hurts”….”It’s Disruptive”. I don’t agree. I believe the truth is Educational. However, we need to be careful because not all Education is the truth. I also don’t believe being a shit kicker is the way to resolve a so called “untruth”. Sometimes it’s just as simple as just not knowing.

As in this story I read about this outside source recommending a pumice stone. I firmly believe the person who wrote this article has never thought of a pumice stone as being volcanic rock. Will I call her out on this? No! But, I will reach out to her directly and educate her on the realities of pumice.

So, here are the 5 things you do NOT want to do in the Pedicure room!

#1 You do NOT want to believe everything you hear or read.

I’ve been there. It is so imperative for you to research, research, research. Mis-information is the worst kind of information you can get. Pedicures is the #1 cause of death in our Salons and Spas. It needs to be taken seriously.

If you are looking for a new brand. Research it. If you don’t like something you see or read, reach out to the Mfg’s direct, or a reliable source for information. Social Media, i’m sorry…is not the place to air all this out. Everything we read (including my blogs) are interpreted by everyone differently. Social Media is fuel to the fire and there are people who thrive on this type of fuel. The Mfg’s deserve the respect to be given a chance to respond.

#2 Know what your needs are, not someone elses!

We all live in different areas of the Country. We have different clientele. We charge different prices. Are you a leader, or are you a follower?

I believe we can all learn from each other, but….what night work for 1 person may not work for you. It’s imperative to choose the products which will be in line with the service or services you want to offer. It’s imperative to choose the brands which will be financially stable for you, depending on your area.

I’m an assessor. I access a lot and then I determine what I am going to do. There are no quick decisions when it comes to offering Pedicure services. Again, this is serious Business. We should take our time to determine what best fits your needs and the needs of your clientele.

#3 Don’t offer a wide variety of Pedicure options

I have this discussion with many Salons on a daily basis. Again, learning from past experiences. If you offer 3 options ranging in price from $25.00 – $65.00, which option do you think your client is going to request?

In addition, not all Pedicures are created equal, as not all people are created equal. I can’t tell you how many times we booked a Pedicure for 2 people. Blocked out an hour each, only to find the two people were GrandMom age 65 and GrandDaughter age 8. Two completely different services and time frames.

The front desk should be held responsible for their series of questions asked PRIOR to the service being booked. No different than asking questions when they call for a Hair Service or even a waxing service.

Pricing should be listed as a “start as” price and customized beginning over the phone and finished by the knowledge and Professionalism of the Pedicurist.

#4 Don’t ReUse the same set of tools

I hate to sound like a broken record, but again….speaking from experience, you should have an alternating sets of tools. There is absolutely no way you can properly clean and disinfect one set of tools between clients. A good majority of you use disinfectants which require a minimum of 10 minutes contact time. By the time you scrub, dry and disinfect……it’s just too close.

#5 Don’t underestimate your value

The biggest thing I see which happens in our Industry is underestimating the value of a Nail Technician.

Besides the fact we physically go to school to learn, study and take a test to pass, we also have to stay updated and current with health concerns. Our feet of today are entirely different than 50 years ago. Our environment has changed. External influences are greater and the risk of infection is serious….serious….serious.

There is time involved in staying educated. There is money involved in staying educated. There is passion involved in staying educated. If we want to change our image to the outside world, we must first change our image to ourselves.

#1 – How much do you want to make an hour?

In my past life at my Salon, I would ask possible team mates this question in their interview. “I don’t know” is not an acceptable answer. What are you worth? there is no right or wrong number to this.

#2 What is your service cost?

Surprisingly, most people don’t know. It’s imperative to know for so many reasons, and figuring your Service value is one of them.

#3 What is your square footage rate?

Another number many people don’t know. If your rent is $1000 per month and you have 500 sq feet, you need to make sure that every square foot of that space is bringing in at least $2.00 per square foot. If your Pedicure service area is 100 sq feet, you need $200.00 per month just for that area.

These are just a couple of items you should look at in putting a $$$ amount on paper. I haven’t read it myself, but It is my understanding there is a very good book by Tina Alberino talking of this very subject. I highly suggest you look into it.

My main point here, is to help you realize….you are worth more then you think. Now is the perfect time of year to re-evaluate, organize, ask the difficult questions (of yourself) and make some hearty changes moving into 2019.

In addition, plant those seeds. Harvesting at this time of year reaps all that you can sow.

CJ, President

Glance Around You!

I’m sitting in my office on a relatively calm Friday afternoon. Shipments are done, the phones are quiet, it’s close to closing time.

I take a deep breath as the calm feels pretty good. I look around my office at the multitude of certificates I have on the wall, framed articles of past accomplishments, product posters, catalogues, Mfg. samples, motivational quotes and stacked invoices.

I’m reminded by all the above, these things….the people behind these things…..is the reason I am where I am today.

I’m reminded…..I should glance more often.

Many of you probably don’t know my story. My story of why I chose to be a Distributor specializing in Foot Care. My story as to why I don’t take a product on to sell, I take it on to Educate. My story being you, in your shoes and how I truly relate, My story of why I continue to fight the naysayers, the shit kickers, the obstructers. My story of Passion for loving what I do and how helping you learn, helping you grow…..is my true passion.

It’s a long story but I started in the Beauty Business in 1987 when I friend of mine asked me to help her find a buyer for her Salon. I told her to “make me an offer I can’t refuse”. She did. In June of 1987 I owned a very successful Office Supply store(s) and suddenly found myself the owner of a Nail Salon.

The Salon did very well for me. Eventually the Office Supplies took a back seat, I qualified myself as a licensed Nail Technician and within 2 years I went from Nails only to Full Service. I employed an amazing team members of which 11 stayed with me for 16 years. I owned the Salon for 24 years.

Within the first 2 years of owning my Nail Salon, I was introduced to the world of Education within the Beauty Industry. I immediately fell in love and never looked back. As an Educator I was able to still manage and work at my Salon all while traveling around the Country working Trade Shows and teaching other Salon owners, team members, Distributors and Sales people. I literally had the Best of Both Worlds.

In 2008 is when I literally feel like I found my calling. 2008 is when I was introduced to Footlogix. I had never heard of this Company before and now my Salon, my team, was host to 35 Show host, Models and Show assistants of the Home Shopping Network. KVG Group was introducing the Footlogix brand to HSN and we were the location they chose to do it.

It was that event, the Footlogix brand which began the path of where I am today.

I instantly became a Distributor for the brand, followed by their National Sales Director. This position brought me all over the Country to help bring awareness to the brand, along with awareness to the importance of feet.

It was this position which helped me on my own personal quest. My quest to help our Beauty Industry, help our Country realize the importance of Nail Technicians. To bring our Technicians from being the bottom man on the totem pole to the top. To help our Technicians grow. To help everyone realize we aren’t just Nail Technicians, we are the first responders. My mission is to;

“Provide the Nail Technician the Education, the Attention and the

Support they need to safely and properly service their clients”.

After 5 years of working with Footlogix, it was time for me to leave my Salon, leave my position with Footlogix and focus on my distribution Business. Why? There was so much more I wanted to do. I felt I could do more on the outside then I could on the in.

The move proved to be beneficial for me as I dwelled more into Education. However, it was also my relationship with Footlogix which introduced me to Medilogics as well as Micrylium. 2 Canadian Companies affiliated through the NASP program owned by KVG Group.

As I started to grow with these 3 brands, I came to the realization that teaching people about feet, teaching them about the importance of taking care of their feet, helping them (YOU), help your clients realize their feet carry them around for a lifetime.

As the Footlogix brand grew, so did their presence in the big box stores and Amazon. I saw the forest through the trees. I knew I had to expand my venue and begin offering other alternatives. The struggle being, I’m a firm believer in Urea based products and products which are safe for the Diabetic.

It took me 10 months to find a new brand. A brand which again is Urea based, safe for the Diabetic. LCN. To give credit, where credit is due. It was a post on SM by the infamous Nellie Neal which drew me to LCN.

LCN at that time, was widely known for their nail products. I wasn’t interested in the nail products, I was only interested in their Foot Care. I don’t hesitate to say…and proudly….Centre for Beauty Salon Supply was an intricate partner in bringing LCN Foot Care to the forefront in the USA.

As I move forward with the LCN brand, I also realize the challenges of competing for the same clients. Our nail industry is so different than our hair industry. It’s this difference, that i’ve come to realize which…..brought me to the path of PodoSafe.

PodoSafe is the most recent brand i’ve brought into my Distribution. It too is Urea based, safe for the diabetic. It’s a product we can Educate into Salons as well as branch into the Podiatry Industry. PodoSafe can open doors of opportunity for specialized growth.

Going back to “Glance around”, as I glance around my office, I realize it was everyone above which has made me the person I am today. It’s all of the Mfg’s I represent which have challenged me to be more creative, more assertive and more knowledgeable. It is each and everyone of them which have had a part in directing me to where my passion is and what I am passionate about doing. Each challenge, good or bad, has formed my growth. They have pushed me to search out new resources (my greatest assets). They have pushed me to study, to investigate, to have patience. They have carved my path towards my next direction.

So, I encourage you during this time of year, to sit back and “glance around”. It isn’t just the good things which have made you what you are today, it’s all the challenges, the trials and tribulations. It’s not just the people or the brands you love, it’s also the ones you hate. Be thankful!

Centre for Beauty Salon Supply has some exciting things to share as we move into 2019. Our brands are growing Nationally and Globally, and we plan to continue to be a part of all their growth.

We plan to bring you continued Education and continued awareness of why YOU are important in this industry. Centre for Beauty Salon Supply is planning to help change the way our Industry is viewed by the outside world….one Technician at a time.

Join us in 2019. Follow us on Social Media. Stay tuned for our classes on Foot Care including “an introduction too”, “foot care in oncology” “Missing Pieces” “Dr. referrals” and more. And, don’t forget

Take that pause, glance around and be Thankful

CJ Murray, President

There are various ways to increase our $$$$$

Change….make or become different!

This is the term I think of every time I think about what to write in my Blog.

Change is inevitable, change is difficult.

Many people don’t like and can not adapt to change.

However, when it comes to Business, change should be the one constant.

Change is the one thing that can keep you interesting,

the one thing to keep you motivated and the one thing to increase your bottom line.

Without change, Businesses get stagnant, they get boring which in turn, can cause you to loose clients.

Harking back to my days in my Salon. I think about the countless number of hours we spent on decorating for the Holiday’s. Not just the big ones…all of them. There were times where I felt I just couldn’t do it anymore. But, when our clients came in and saw our luxurious Salon turned into a haunted house, or how we honored our Veterans, our Mother’s, our Fathers and how we celebrated at every chance we could get…..they appreciated it and it 100% brought in increased revenue. The change woke them up.

I also remember the days when even I would get bored with my services. It seemed to be the same thing over and over again. A full set, a Fill, a Pedicure. Maybe a Polish Change here and there, and even possibly a Manicure. the same mundane work schedule everyday. Yes, we offered Paraffin dips, Hot Stones and such, but the process was all the same. What made me different? What kept my clients from getting bored? I constantly changed the delivery process. Whether it was to honor a Holiday or offer a special cocktail or lunch deal. The change did us all good and yes…..it woke my clients up and increased our revenue.

There are so many more options these days then there were when I had my Salon. We have more improved solutions for calluses and foot care. We have anti-aging solutions as basic services and/or add ons. We have choices for exfoliants, for masks. We have endless selections of nail color along with acrylic colors along with gel polish colors. We have glitter and 3D nail art. We have we have………..the selections and/or solutions go on and on.

This phenomenon is not ending. The choices we have these days are mind boggling. Once you think you have found the newest and the greatest. The next newest and greatest thing comes along. Change….it’s inevitable. And, don’t think for one moment, these Mfg’s don’t know what they are doing. They change products constantly. They keep you excited. They increase revenue.

CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE

As we head into the last two months of 2018, I hope by now, you have at least thought about your Marketing plan for 2019. Change is new and exciting. We should always go into a New Year with new and exciting changes.

For Centre for Beauty, changes you will see

Monthly webinars. We are changing it up a bit. Product knowledge will always be available, but we plan to present more specialized topics.
Trade shows. We will be present at the shows we have always done, but we plan to attend more shows to bring our brands closer to you.
Brand Champions. Centre for Beauty is actively looking for Champions of our brands. Brand Champions who will specialize in one specific brand in an effort to bring you the best information and the best education to help you build your Foot Care Business.
Free Freight Friday highlights. We will continue our Free Freight Friday offer, the 1st Friday of every month. Beginning January, we will highlight one product each month offering detailed information with amazing savings.
Podiatry. Centre for Beauty is breaking into the Podiatry market. Our plan is to learn new and exciting processes, learn and share what Podiatrists expect from our Technicians and to solidify a concrete referral process to help our Salons build a referral alliance.

These are just a few of the “changes” Centre for Beauty is planning to offer our clients in an effort to offer the best in Education needed by you (our Salons) to grow your Foot Care Business.

CHANGE IS GOOD

What changes can you make in your Salon?

Change your menu. Revise the wording, the descriptions.
Change your processes. Love the products you use? Look for different ways to present them.
Highlight your strengths. Do you go over and above in your cleaning and disinfection procedures? Make a big deal over it.
Offer a new service. Get away from the same ole thing. Dare to be different.
Monthly offers. Nail color of the month. Highlight a retail product.

The ideas are endless. Clear your head of the old ways, the old days and get your mojo going. Be more creative then your competition and keep your clients excited about what might come next.

We look forward to closing a very successful year and even more so, we look forward to helping you with and through your changes in the coming year.

Change is constant. Embrace it.

Make it happen and watch your bottom line grow.

CJ Murray, President

YOU make the Trade Shows possible!

As you read this, my team and I are just beginning to work the Premiere Birmingham trade show. It’s two(2) full days of demo’s, teaching, talking. Non-stop from 9am till 6pm.

As I’m doing my last minute errands before I leave, i’m thinking about all the things that make a trade show work. I’m thinking about all the opportunities we have, as Beauty Professionals and why, we as Distributors or Mfg’s., do what we do.

It’s a pretty amazing cycle to be honest with you. And, I would venture to say…..most of you have no idea. So, let me share!

BTW….read this till the end, i’m sharing a couple of our

best Trade show specials with you.

Up to a year in advance, we are already being approached by the Trade Show organizers to register. If you want the same location as prior years…you best sign on the dotted line immediately.

And oh…..this also includes putting down your 50% deposit to reserve.

Think about this. The Trade show organizers are sitting on 100’s and 1000’s of dollars for up to 1 year.

In addition, we are also approached by the accommodations organizers. If you have any chance at all in staying in a location near the venue….yup, you need to reserve a reservation.

It’s a reservation being held by credit card. No monies is involved at this time. However, you do have to speculate how many rooms you might need because you have to make sure you can accommodate your entire team.

There is usually a couple months of quiet time (if that even exists), until you have to start thinking;

What is my budget

Who is my team going to be

How much product am I going to bring to the show

Will I introduce anything new

Can I get any of my Mfg’s to assist

Do I need to order any marketing materials

Am I going to do anything different in my booth

Do I have to order any more banners/signage

What specials am I going to offer

How am I going to get product to the show

Do I have to book any flights?

The list can go on forever

Right around the 3 months mark (before the show), all the thinking you have been doing has to come into fruition.

We anticipate, based on past history what we will need for products. Personally, I like to give my Mfg’s an idea of what I will need from them at a particular time. this allows enough time for them to be prepared, so i’m not shorted something on my order.

I also solidify who my team will be and what I am choosing to offer at the show. This process happens over about a 2 month period.

I also begin talk with my graphics coordinator about new signage, new promotional materials and materials for new items. This also takes place over a period of time, typically towards the end of the 2nd month into the 3rd.

I am not a last minute person. Managing these projects over 3 months is just about around the right time to meet deadlines in a comfortable manner.

We can’t forget managing of the Education. I always feel it’s a good time to offer Education since there’s a bunch of Beauty professionals in one place at one time.

Centre for Beauty typical offers a free class at the show. We highlight Urea Foot Care in a classroom setting with a bonus segment of offering a private demo.

The work involved in hosting one of these classes isn’t difficult, just time consuming. We have to;

Reserve the classroom with the Show coordinators
Reserve the equipment if necessary
Right up a Bio for the booklet
Write a class description
Prepare a powerpoint presentation
Prepare a product list

Many times also, we offer an addendum to the show classes by staying an extra day or coming in a day early for a paid Professional class.

In this case, Centre for Beauty is offering a toenail restoration class the day after the show.

Toenail Restoration class $189.00

Hilton Garden Inn – Lakeshore @ Wildwood Cr. N

The class preparation is different as it includes payment. It also includes class materials, a whole different type of powerpoint presentation, a paid classroom location and more importantly, a process in an effort to get the class filled.

As the last couple of weeks approach us. It really get’s intense. We are thinking of all the last minute items we need to address. We are following up with shippers, vendors, printers….you name it, to make sure everything prepared is done in a timely fashion…..meaning ON TIME.

Flights have been booked, hotels are reserved, products are being received, packing is in process, trucking is reserved and we are beginning to get our show game on.

The stress is building, the anxiety is high and before we even leave the building, we can’t wait for it to be over. LOL

Now the time has come. We manage to make it through all the prep and it’s time for the grueling, physically exhausting, hot (they don’t turn the AC on), mentally exhausting set up time.

If it weren’t for YOU though, none of this would exists. YOU give us the opportunity to share our goods, share our education, our experience. YOU give us the motivation to plunge ahead so we can help YOU build your Business. We continue with our education, so we can continue to educate YOU.

Through all of it, we are excited. We see people we haven’t seen in a year. We meet new clients, put faces to names and form relationships which makes this Beauty Industry the wonderful community it is.

As a Thank You for your support, your encouragement, your continued need for new products, new ideas and new ways to grow your Business, i would like to extend the following special to you.

We have expanded our Trade Show space to bring you something which has never been done before (that I know of). A Spa Luxury experience.

We offer Demo’s but we have never offered a true Spa Luxury experience. At Premiere Birmingham attendees will witness a complete Anti Age treatment. They will experience the luxury of our Spa Bali product while sitting in a Contego Spa Design chair, finished with our Anti Age treatment under our Golden Girl mask.

The ultimate in a Spa Experience

Designed to show you how to more $$$$ in your Foot Care room

Since this is our last show of the year 2018, we want to offer you the show deals on the following items.

Don’t wait though……Show deals only last through Friday October 26th, 2018.

Spa Bali Relax Mask w/Spa Bali Massage Cream
- DEAL $30.00 Savings $5.90
Golden Girl mask w/2 AA ampoules plus Wrinkle remove expert
- DEAL $185.00 Savings $21.00
Golden Girl mask w/2 AA ampoules plus Studio skin expert
- DEAL $295.00 Savings $36.00
Anti Age treatment kit w/Wrinkle remove expert
- DEAL $175.00 Savings $20.00
Anti Age treatment kit w/Studio skin expert
- DEAL $290.00 Savings $30.00

All deals are available on our website

www.cjscentreforbeauty.com

Pro code CFB2015

CJ Murray, President

Holiday Gift Time!

Don’t hate me…you do realize it’s that time of year to order your Holiday Gifts for your clients and for what your clients can buy from you?

Gifts, what is it and who thought of it anyway?

By definition- A gift given willingly to someone without payment.

When it comes to this time of year, I think we all feel a little obligated to give gifts. Personally, I never really liked the gift idea because it does become an obligation. We gift on Birthday’s, Christmas, Showers and more because in Society we have been taught and/or brainwashed that Gifts on any occasion should be given. I feel a Gift is more of a Gift when it’s unexpected.

In looking at the definition of Gift, “willingly and without payment” sticks out at me. If you are thinking about giving client gifts, it has to be because you want to, not because you feel you have to. And, you must realize, there is a cost involved for these gifts with no monetary return. However, the ROI received, cannot be calculated. Especially when the gift is thought provoking, usable and memorable.

Heart

One of the best gifts I gave to my clients when I owned my Salon, is something totally unrelated to our Industry. An ornament!

I ordered my ornaments from “Oriental Trading”. They had some really great selections and when bought in bulk, were fairly inexpensive.

You can’t just get any ornament. Again, it has to be thought provoking.

One year I gave crystal hearts. A great way to tell my clients I love them…..which, I did.

What you have to be careful about, are the other Holidays of clients who don’t celebrate Christmas. That’s why the hearts were such a great theme. It was pretty neutral.

This gift was a little more costly, but the retail sales which followed afterwards, more than made up for it.

I gave a travel size hand cream and foot cream combo. I tried to get flavors conducive to the Holiday and the clients loved it.

For those clients who received them earlier in the season, they wanted to buy them as gifts for friends, their own clients and/or stocking stuffers. It was a win win situation.

Centre for Beauty has the LCN creams available again this year. Baked Apple Cinnamon, Pinewood, Prestige and Butter Cookie Vanilla, are all available for purchase.

The 50ml size is perfect for travel. Buy them at an amazing price, and package a single cream in a little gift bag, placed under your tree with your clients name on them.

Put your Santa hat on, when you gift it to your client.

Christmas cream duo

Before my Salon days, the Salon I frequented to get my nails done offered a Gift Certificate book for 12 months worth of savings.

This is a great way to get your clients to try new services, and to cross promote within your own Salon.

Some ideas are;

January – 10$ off Massage
February – 10% off all Gift Certificates
March – Buy 1 retail item receive 2nd item at 1/2 off
April – 10% off a Foot Care service
May – 10% off a Nail Care service
June – 10% off a Hair Care service
July – Bring in a friend – receive 10% off your service (and they do to)
August – Nail art design – receive 1 Free
September – Anti Age series – 1 FREE with purchase of 4
October – 10% off a Facial service
November – 10% of a retail item
December – MERRY CHRISTMAS

These are just some recommendations and/or thoughts, you really have to tailor it to your services, your Salon.

You also have to state the stipulations

Only 1 coupon per month designated
Not combined with any other special
Expires month end of month indicated
Non-transferrable
No cash value – can not be traded in
Can not be applied to non-designated service

You have to make sure you cover all your bases. The great thing about this idea, is no cash outlay on the onset, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving. In addition, as I said earlier, it will stimulate clients to try other services.

It’s a win win!

Cuticle oil

Another idea that always went over well was a cuticle oil and/or conditioner. There are so many available from simple 8ml sizes, to cuticle pens which, are all easy to carry in a purse.

Centre for Beauty has three(3) different options. For the month of October, we are offering 10% OFF

Nail oil 8ml
3Phase nail oil
Tea Tree cuticle pen (includes 3 replacement heads)
Bamboo cuticle pen

Nail Polish is always a great gift as well. A small 8ml size doesn’t set you back a whole lot and if you are thinking about adding nail polish for sale, it’s great way to introduce the brand to your clients.

Centre for Beauty offers the 8ml LCN brand of polish. It’s free of everything you can think of, Soy-Gluten-Formadahyde-Paraben free and Cruelty free and it’s a Vegan polish.

You can buy the new Holiday sets which gives you 6 polishes (only give your clients one(1)), or you can purchase them separately and choose whatever color you want.

Take a look at the color chart and preorder yours today. You want to make sure you begin passing gifts out to your clients by November.

Order 6 of any color 8ml and receive 10% off

Nail Polish

Gift giving is personal, and should be rewarding.

One year I took clippings of my “Christmas Cactus” and made 35 starter plants. I wrapped them in red foil with a red bow and that was my gift for my clients.

They loved them, and many are still thriving and have grown quite big and healthy.

Another year, I spent a whole day making chocolate covered pretzel sticks.

I wrapped red saran wrap around the ends with a bow, and viola…….thoughtful, personal AND edible.

It was so well received, it has become a tradition of which I make extra and bring to my neighbors on Christmas Eve. Wearing my Santa hat of course.

Soooooo…who’s idea was it anyway?

According to Curious History

Origins of Gift Giving

The giving of gifts may be one of the oldest of human activities that pre-dates civilization and may go back to the origin of our species. Even in primitive cavemen culture, the giving of gifts was fairly common as it was used to show love and affection towards one another. The bestowing of gifts was also inferred as a status symbol when leaders of tribes or clans would show their appreciation for the contributions of those who were part of an important achievement. At Gifts Ready To Go, you will find many gifts ideas to help you find the perfect gift for any occasion and connect with people around you.

Whether it was an unusually shaped rock, a tooth from an animal, the bark from a tree or some other item that was natural in origin, the giving of gifts was certainly common behavior long before we became an advanced civilization. As tools were developed, the gifts started to become more elaborate, for example holes were drilled into animal teeth and stones so they could be displayed on necklaces and many other objects were fashioned as well.

Later during the Egyptian era, gifts were most notably given to their pharaohs who built massive pyramids to store their wealth for afterlife and produced idols to support their beliefs of idol worship. In Roman times people would present each other with good luck tokens, which lasted for centuries and later influenced all of Western civilization onwards. Such tokens of good luck were used as presents to carry favors and show allegiance, which is still the case today.

By the Medieval age, gifts were used to secure the personal favor of the king or show allegiance in times of war. Also, personal gifts of betrothals were given as dowries which ranged from coins to precious metals to a herd of cattle, goats or sheep. In many cultures, dowries and other similar expressions still exist today.

Today gift giving is still part of our everyday culture and defines who we are and the message we want to send with our gift. Gifts are given for all occasions and celebrations and are a means of us communicating with each other and expressing ourselves.

The Psychology Behind Gift Giving

Today, gift giving is spread across all cultures around the world, from celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, offering good luck, best wishes for getting well, showing love and affection, or just saying thanks. Gifts are given to family members, friends, those we work with and even neighbors who receive gifts of all different types. There are large industries dedicated to creating and selling gifts that allow people even in the busiest of times to find the right type of present to give someone for many different reasons and occasions.

The psychology of why gift giving is so rewarding is simple it allows people to connect. The giver of a gift expresses their feelings and emotions by sending a gift with the hope of being able to share these with the receiver of the gift. The receiver of the gift in turn receives the feelings and emotions and with this a connection is made. Making connections with people around us gives us a sense of purpose and feeling of satisfaction. This feeling is one that enlightens the soul and brings out the best in us. There is an old saying “it is better to give than receive” and it has a special meaning especially when the realization of the benefits that it provides to those who give.

Why is it Important To Give Gifts?

There has been a considerable amount of research over the years into the feelings of wellbeing that occurs when we give gifts to those we care about. From as early as cavemen days gift giving has been rewarding which may be the reason it has stood the test of time. Here are some reasons as to why:

We Feel Happy: Simply put, the giving of gifts can make a person feel happier about themselves as well as to the person that has received their gift. In studies were people were asked to give gifts as a part of an experiment, the result was that people actually felt better and happier about their own lives.

Improve State of Mind: Research suggests that giving gifts may improve a person’s state of mind. If giving a gift makes you feel happier with a sense of purpose then this may inevitably improve your state of mind.

Greater Social Connection: By giving a gift, you not only expressing your feelings but building a stronger connection to that person as well. Not only does the person receiving the gift feel closer to the giver, but vice versa as well. This greater social connection also means an improvement in the state of being as well as overall happiness.

It’s Contagious: When a person starts giving gifts, not only will the recipient become more likely to give, those around them who see this act will start giving as well. This is in part due to the release of the endorphins, which not only benefits the giver, but is also felt by those who receive and see the act of giving as well.

Visit giftsreadytogoblog.com for more interesting articles on the history of aromatherapy, cast iron teapots, silk flower arrangements and more.

CJ Murray, President

CJ Murray, President

Centre for Beauty Salon Supply

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