Do you prefer renting booths or commission? Why?
I rent a space with two chairs but if I open my own salon it would be commission based. I would open a commission salon because I want a concept salon with my signature style. I want it to be an asset rather than a liability. I would also train each stylist in every area from the business side (taxes, insurance, and 401K) to the servicing of clients.
How important would you say retail is to a salon?
Retail is definitely important to a salon. It is important to supply the client with products you use on their hair so they can maintain their styles at home. Retail is a large market and it is better for you to sell to your clients than someone else.
What do you like most about being a salon owner/stylist?
Being able to interact with my clients allows me to create a unique style for them. Seeing my creativity come to life and still pleasing my client is the ultimate reward. The flexibility with my schedule is an added bonus.
What's your least favorite part?
My least favorite part is when clients think you should always be available.
What stylist has had the biggest influence on you as a professional?
Leonel Brown had a profound impact on my career on a local level and Barry Fletcher on a national level.
In your opinion does YouTube help or hurt the hair industry?
I think YOUTUBE has a positive and negative effect on the hair industry. It can propel a professional/licensed stylist’s profession by promoting their business and it can have the same effect for a nonprofessional/unlicensed individual. It can promote or sell anything whether tried/tested, researched/unresearched, or backed by licensed/unlicensed person.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Still innovative and creative in the hair industry. My goal is never to be stagnant in my career and always sharpening my skills in my specialty (haircutting). I want to continue to learn and share my knowledge with my peers in the hair care industry across the nation.
Tell us about your training classes.
I offer advanced training in my specialty of haircutting by offering 1x1 training and hands-on group classes such as POWERCUTTING 101/202. I offer styling classes on the New Age Wave. Also, I have a series of 13 educational DVDs that range from haircutting and styling that are available for sale where professionals can practice on their own time.
Photos and info courtesy of Freddie Jones
