Some people have their hands full with just one job. Our next guest shows that when you love what you do, you can find a way to build on that and bring it into multiple successful companies. Find out how!
Please introduce yourself to our readers…
I am a hairdresser at heart and have evolved over time into a Cosmetology Career Strategist. The love of the beauty industry has brought forth the opportunities of becoming a Redken educator, multi-salon owner and now a future cosmetology school owner. I couldn’t imagine being part of any other industry!
Can you tell us what company you work for?
I am an entrepreneur and I work for the different companies I have built. Hybrid Salon in Madison, WI is my baby, and I still do hair there on Saturdays. It gives me a chance to do the creative part of what I love and spend time with my team. At Tanglz salon in Appleton, WI, I support my front desk team with training and maintain the retail area in the front. At the Salon Professional Academy I get to help mentor new students at the beginning of a fabulous career path!
What is your title there?
I have multiple roles and the titles to match.
At Hybrid Salon, I am a stylist. I have passed on the managerial role so I can have a full day of making people beautiful. Tanglz Salon brings me the title of Owner/Manager and it allows me to master the art of delegating. At the Salon Professional Academy, I am Owner/Admissions Director where I help potential students create a career path before and during their education.
What are the exact responsibilities of your job?
As a hairdresser, I am fully responsible in giving the best service possible. From the consultation to the service itself and the recommendation of the proper at-home products.
As a manager, I am a lot like tech support. I work remotely with my team and I often answer questions about maintenance, retail ordering and transactions at the front. I am also responsible for keeping the salon chairs and rooms rented. I use Google Adwords and word of mouth referrals from the current renters.
As an Admissions Director, I am responsible for the big sale! Actually, it is more informal and rewarding than that. I have the chance to share the love of a career in cosmetology with prospective students and help them on their journey. I will also be building relationships with other salons in my community so I am able to help place students after graduation.
What is it about your job that makes you love it?
It’s about the people. I love my clients, I love my stylists, I love my front desk team and the student mentorship is amazing. The great thing about this position is I am able to build teams of people who I enjoy being around and that work well together. It’s one of the most rewarding things to see someone I have mentored grow to be successful. This includes the clients I have taught to style their hair successfully!
What particular skills or talents are most essential to completing your tasks?
It’s imperative to be well-organized and systemized. I would never be able to be involved in these wonderful things stated above if they weren’t set up to run on their own. Of course, having awesome hairdressing skills helps!
What level of education would you say is required to perform your role?
I don’t know that we can put a single level of education on what I do. I am actually a high school drop out.
I got my GED right away and started cosmetology school a few years later. Everything I do now I have learned along the way. Instead of a level of education I would say you need a Master’s Degree in determination.
Do you find that you bring your work home with you? (And is that a good or bad thing?)
Oh absolutely! I love working on all of this stuff.
I will say the great thing about working for myself is that I can arrange to be gone and set everyone up to keep working without me. It wouldn’t be possible to keep theses businesses going on a traditional 9-5 schedule.
How does this job compare to other jobs you’ve held in the past?
I may be rare in saying this, but my career in the beauty industry is the only one I have ever known. I really enjoy having these outlets in the same industry.
I did have a job as a waiter before becoming a hairdresser; that gave me some great experience to work in the service industry.
What is your favorite food?
Even with all the nontraditional aspects of my life I can’t deny a totally traditional pizza. Love it!
Thank you for sharing Tony! You can reach him at on Twitter @liveupnet!