MEET AMANDA
So Chic Salons CEO, Amanda Hair (yes- that’s actually her last name!) has brought luxury to a new standard during her career as CEO and Owner of Bob Steele Salon. For nearly 20 years, she has led the salon in opening a 5-location award winning luxury brand across metro-Atlanta that strives for excellence and continuous growth. She also has acquired two W. Daly Salon Spa locations in Newnan and Peachtree City. Amanda believes that a positive, caring approach bounded by core values is what sets this beauty leader apart from others
5 Things to Consider When You’re Ready to Expand
WITH AMANDA HAIR
If you’re looking for a new way to take your salon brand to the next level, it might be time to consider expanding to multiple locations. Amanda Hair, the Owner and CEO of So Chic Salon Brand, Inc. (Bob Steele Salon, W Daly Salon Spa), leads 7 Atlanta locations and has some solid advice for anyone considering expansion.
Be Bold: Develop a strong brand identity
The first step with any business is to develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Whatever your taste, your brand should be unique, memorable, and easily recognizable. Most of all, it should reflect your salon’s values, services, and overall vibe. A strong brand identity will help you stand out in a crowded market and build a loyal customer base that will follow you to your new locations.
Teamwork: Build a strong team
The team is the backbone of any salon, so before you expand, make sure you have a strong team in place that can manage your existing location while you focus on the new ones. Hire experienced managers and stylists who share your vision and values. Invest in training programs to ensure consistency in service quality across all your locations. Building a strong team who all share a vision – will help maintain a uniformly high-quality experience at all of your locations.
Location, location, location! Choose the right locations
Choosing the right locations is critical. Chances are you know your area and the surrounding areas like the back of your hand (and maybe you’ve even been eyeing that “Available” sign at that ‘perfect location’). Don’t let your emotions step in – research the market thoroughly and identify areas with the highest foot traffic, demographics that match your target audience, and ideally, low competition. And don’t forget to consider rent, accessibility and parking. Lastly, try to choose locations that are easily accessible to your existing customers but have the potential to attract new ones.
Systemize: Implement efficient systems and processes
As you scale your business, you need to implement efficient systems and processes to manage your operations smoothly. Invest in software that can help you manage appointments, inventory, and finances across all your locations. Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all your services to ensure consistency in quality and experience. Efficient systems and processes will help you save time, reduce errors, and streamline your operations.
Spread the Word! Market your new locations
Once you have opened your new locations, you need to market them effectively to attract new customers. Use a mix of traditional and digital marketing channels to promote your new locations. Offer discounts and promotions to encourage customers to try out your new services. Leverage social media to showcase your new locations and engage with your customers. Marketing your new locations effectively will help you build a strong customer base and establish a profitable business.
In short, scaling your salon to a multi location business requires planning, leadership, and operations. Remember to stay focused on your goals, listen to your customers and adapt to changing market trends to stay ahead of the competition.
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