Do you feel relevant?
Staying relevant in our industry—especially one as dynamic as beauty and wellness—requires ongoing effort, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve. It also requires competence and caring.
With trends, technologies, and consumer expectations constantly shifting, professionals who don’t keep up risk becoming obsolete. Whether you’re a nail technician, hair stylist, salon owner, or any other Profession within our Industry, read below to learn how you can ensure you remain valuable and in demand.
Stay Educated and keep learning!
One of the biggest mistakes professionals make is thinking they’ve learned enough. Education should never stop. Attend workshops, take online courses, and participate in industry events to stay ahead of trends. Certifications in specialized services, such as oncology care in the pedicure room, can set you apart from competitors.
I caution you though…be careful who and where you learn from and always, always…don’t hesitate to question anything.
Embrace Technology
Speaking from experience, Technology is not just for the younger generation—it’s a powerful tool to streamline your business and connect with clients. Update your booking system, leverage social media for marketing, and explore opportunities for retailing. Being tech-savvy makes you more efficient and accessible.
However, we can’t do it all. You must be able to delegate the jobs which someone else may benefit you more….if you hire to have it done. It is not good to be a Jack of all trades and master of none.
Build an online presence.
If you’re not visible online, you’re invisible to many potential clients. Regularly update your website, engage on social media, and other platforms to share your expertise. Blogging about your knowledge—like this one—positions you as an industry leader.
Be careful though. Many Technicians on social media are being social with their piers…not their potential clients. If you use social media as a marketing tool, be sure you are marketing to the right people.
Adapt to Market Demands
What worked five years ago might not work today. Pay attention to your clients’ needs. Are they asking for cleaner, safer beauty practices? Do they prefer certain brands or service enhancements? Being flexible and willing to shift gears keeps you ahead of the curve.
Yet, be careful with constantly jumping ship to the next best…greatest thing. If a product or service is working for you….don’t fix it. Too often our Technicians think they have to have the next greatest thing to be successful when, in fact they are making themselves less relevant because they never become a pro on what they use or offer. Adapting is very different than changing.
Network and Collaborate
Your network is your net worth. Connect with professionals out side your Industry, attend trade shows, and build relationships with brands and educators. Collaboration can open doors to opportunities you never imagined, from teaching classes to product partnerships.
By connecting with others outside your Industry, you are stepping out of the box which opens even more opportunities. Remember who your clients are. You can’t find them on social media groups relevant to nails or feet. Your client comes from your local community.
Offer Unique and Specialized Services
General services are great, but specializing in niche areas makes you invaluable. Whether it’s Oncology Care or diabetic foot care, wellness pedicures, or high-end spa treatments, finding your expertise will keep you in demand. Don’t be like someone else….be yourself.
Keep your passion alive
Burnout is a real thing and can lead to stagnation. Find ways to reignite your passion, whether through creative projects, mentorship, reading, classes or taking time to reflect on why you started in this industry in the first place. Passion drives success.
With out Competence and Caring though, passion can easily die.
Competence is the ability to perform a job effectively. It comes from education, training, and experience. Without competence, even the best intentions fall short. In industries like healthcare, beauty, and personal care, a lack of skill can lead to harm rather than help.
Caring goes beyond performing a task—it’s about truly understanding and prioritizing the needs of others. It’s the warmth in a conversation, the extra step taken to ensure comfort, and the genuine desire to make a difference. People don’t just remember what you do; they remember how you made them feel.
When competence and caring come together, the result is excellence and relevance. A professional who is both skilled and compassionate doesn’t just do their job; they enhance lives, they change lives. They build loyalty, inspire trust, and create positive experiences that keep clients coming back.
By striving for both, you not only succeed in your field but also make a lasting impact on the people you serve.
In closing, relevance isn’t just about luck…it’s about intention. It’s about strategically evolving to meet the needs of your clients and your Business. Those who continuously learn, adapt and innovate with Competence and Caring will always stay ahead.
CJ Murray, President
