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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Are YOU Investing?

Hello Everyone!

In any business, we have our "peaks and valleys," often referred to as our good and bad days.  Most people in the beauty industry do not understand their role.  In this industry, most are "service" people.  If you are a cosmetologist, barber, nail technician, and the like, you are a service person.  This means, in most households, the services you offer are not a part of their "core" responsibilities.

These services are NOT in most household budgets.  Therefore, when the economy shifts in a negative direction, it is felt in the industry.  Consumers start to reduce spending on anything that is NOT a necessity.  Most people wear their hairstyles longer and attempt to make their manicure or acrylic nails last, and some simply start doing their hair and nails in the home, instead of visiting a salon.  In turn, the "service person" (YOU) feel the impact of this decrease in business.

Now, the "domino effect" starts in your life.  Business is slow, you have business bills, household bills, and perhaps, children who are depending on you. And, you do not have a SOLUTION.  You must identify the problem before you can fix it!

When the economy is good, most people do not prepare for a slow period, instead, they get discouraged about it.  To prepare for the slow times, you have to INVEST.  Yes, spend time and money.  You have to invest in a plan, a strategy, and put the time into making it work.  (especially, business owners)

Remember, when you are trying to build something, it takes time.  The more you achieve in life, the LESS personal freedom.  Most people are not willing to give up personal freedom, so, they suffer and criticize others.  I heard a speaker say, "INVESTING is borrowing from your present to enhance your future."
This simply means, do the work now and reap the rewards later.

If you are reading this and you are feeling discouraged about your current situation, I say to you, "problems can be solved!"  Most times, necessity can be the "mother of invention."  When your back is against the wall, you can think of solutions and are desperate enough to try something new.  Usually, DISCOMFORT is needed to make us change!  When we are comfortable, it feels like there is no need for change.

Always remember, everyone has to finance GROWTH.  In order to grow, you have to INVEST time and money into a project, or better yet, into YOURSELF!  For example, enroll in a cosmetology related continuing education class or even a business class at the local college.  Start with one class!

No more excuses, GET UP, DRESS UP, LOOK UP, and get started today!!!!!

Lastly, the AVERAGE person has a goal; the EXCEPTIONAL person has a strategy!

Create a Better Day!!

Toni Love
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere!)
Twitter: @tonilove205 (NOT @cosmogirl205 anymore)
www.tonilove.com



Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The "BLACK" Business

Hello everyone!!!

People who know me well understand, I'm not a racist.  But, there is a GIANT elephant in the room and it needs to be discussed openly.  I have friends of various nationalities in and out of the beauty industry.  My parents and grandparents were entrepreneurs, and I have relatives who have their own businesses.  Therefore, I have been around business all of my life.

I tend to be a very observant person and I have noticed the different business patterns of various nationalities.  Being a black business owner, I face some of the same challenges as others when it comes to  black consumers.  I have to strive to ensure, first, I am legitimate.  My products and services have to be credible and I have to provide proof.  I have to reduce prices and/or run specials to accommodate the consumers, if not, they will ask for it.  The bottom line, the black consumer does NOT trust the black business owner. (Yes, I said it!)

The difference between me and others I know, I don't mind because I am credible, I provide proof (see www.tonilove.com), and I run specials to show my appreciation.  Also, I give back to those who patronize my business.  I have chosen not to have "customers."  I have clients, as I am building relationships.  Many black business owners don't understand their consumers.  Often times, the black consumer is misunderstood, and have been characterized as "cheap."  I beg to differ.....black consumers, especially women, are more savvy today than ever, in their purchasing of goods and services.

But, the black consumers can be challenging to obtain and everyone think they have the formula to over-ride the obstacles.  Once, obtained, the money flows, especially in the hair industry.  According to statistics, last year, black people alone have spent over $500 billion dollars in hair care.  And, black consumers make up the "smallest" piece of the overall economic pie.  Yet, everyone is trying to figure out how to get a slice.

As a black business owner, especially in the hair industry, education is not valued and there lies the difference.  Most salon owners have obtained a tenth grade education, a GED, and/or a high school diploma and received a cosmetology license.  Many have gone on to become salon owners.  Yet, they have not had business classes nor college courses.  But, they are creative, talented, and are making a lot of money.

Although they are making a lot of money, many are frustrated, because they don't understand how to run a successful business. Or, they don't understand how take the successful business to the next level.  Other nationalities tend to make continuing education a requirement to obtain employment in their salons.

These other nationalities have the same educational background as the black hairstylists, but, their perception of how a successful salon is run is very different.  Most of their salons have staff meetings, employee handbooks, in-salon education, and they require their staff to attend a certain number of classes during the year.  Basically, they have a system.

Lastly, one of the saddest things I've noticed, other nationalities don't feel black educators/hairstylists can teach them nor do their hair.  And, this is not true.  Therefore, many black hairstylists who want a diverse clientele, face another challenge.  I have been fortunate enough to have diversity in my business, but, I hear the frustration of others who want to cross over.  And, believe me, other nationalities are just as frustrated because they want a piece of the $500 billion dollar pie.

I say to the black business owners; continue to learn, ask questions, share information, and get enrolled in a class today!  Technical skills alone is not the answer.  To others reading this, don't sleep on the black consumers, they are very selective about who gets their dollars and believe me, they will be earned!:)

Create a Better Day!

Toni Love
www.tonilove.com
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (Amazon.com, Walmart.com, everywhere!)
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @cosmogirl205



Friday, March 15, 2013

Learn the Business!!!

Hello Everyone!!!

I am so excited about the Toni Love Group!!!  This group was formed because I receive a lot of e-mails from students and stylists asking advice and requesting me as a mentor.  I am honestly flattered and honored as this industry consist of many great professionals.

Therefore, I want to provide a global platform for like-minded people to receive the CORRECT information.  Many people in this industry are driven by the money and don't possess the passion.  Of all the successful people in this industry and others, most are driven by the love of the work.

I recently interviewed Mr. Lafayette Jones of Urban Call Magazine/SMSI-Marketing for the Toni Love Show.  He started in corporate and was recruited into the beauty industry and has made a career of marketing to it.  His story is very interesting and educational.  In the interview, he pointed out how the older company owners made sure employees understood the business.

While I was employed with Dudley Products, Mr. Dudley would stress "to be successful, you have to understand the business."  This is a segment of what is lacking because all the information is NOT provided by one source.  Not only in the beauty industry, in most professions.

Beauty school alone is not enough.  Once you finish school and receive your license, there is still a lot more work to do and in most cases, this is where people get STUCK.  Many people don't want to do the work.

One other thing I notice, many people feel they need a large business, nice car, the biggest house, the most expensive brands of clothes and shoes to be deemed successful.  It's called DEBT!!!  Also, in understanding the business, you must understand your role.

You are a "service person" providing the same styles, cuts, colors, relaxers, perms, etc. as millions of others and attempting to make a living at it.  What makes you different?  Why should people patronize you?  How do you get to the next level?  Why isn't your income increasing?  Should you own or lease?

These are questions many people in business can't answer.  I have been fortunate enough to surround myself with people to assist me in answering these questions and showing me HOW to create strategies to fit MY situation.  My plans are to share these strategies with you.  And, through our classes and the Toni Love Group, we will help create strategies to fit YOUR situation.

If you have taken the first step, you are successful!!!  Take a few more steps to become more successful!!!  And, once you learn, TELL OTHERS.....Just as I'm sharing with you....share with someone else and let's do better together!!!!

Create a Better Day!!!!

Toni Love
www.tonilove.com
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere: Amazon/Walmart.com)
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @cosmogirl205

Saturday, February 16, 2013

It's Time to Move!

Hello Everyone!!!

The new year is here and it's time to move!  Many refer to February as the month of LOVE and others think of Black History Month.  Therefore, I will address both topics.  LOVE, for starters, is my last name!:-)  It's a very unique last name and I try to exemplify it with my actions.  I love my God, family, friends, and career.  When you have LOVE in your life, it promotes better attitudes and health.  Being I'm a Christian, when you have the love of God (and/or any other higher being in which YOU believe in), even stressful situations feel easy.

LOVE makes you want to move and make things happen!  It makes you feel as if all things are possible.   The LOVE of your clients and the look on their faces when they appreciate your services, should make you feel great!  When my students and former students tell me they LOVE me, it makes me want to work harder.  When you LOVE your business, it makes you want to keep it clean, upbeat, and positive.

The LOVE of a companion, spouse and family enables you to have a safe haven in which to return.  To be encouraged and supported by the person you love is priceless!  If you haven't told anyone you LOVE them, try it TODAY!

The LOVE of our history is equally important. We have to know where we came from in order to know where we're going in life.  Black History Month to me, is EVERY month.  And, it should be for ALL ethnic groups.  We have a lot of black people who have contributed to our country on many levels.  We have to recognize and be truthful about our past and move in a positive direction.

A few months back, I watched "ROOTS" for the first time, since I was a child.  As we know, the great Alex Haley wrote the book about his research of his ancestors.  I learned so much this time, because I wasn't mature enough to understand it when I was a child.  Also, the "times" were different and most people focused only on the "RACIAL" aspect of it.

One of the interesting things I learned, there were Scottish slaves here before African slaves, according to the story.  But, because they were white, when they escaped and dressed up, slave owners couldn't identify them as slaves.  Being most slave owners were business people, these escapees were affecting production of crops and other manual labor. Since some of them were already trading in Africa, purchasing alcohol, tobacco, and other things, someone had the idea of attempting to bring Africans to this country to do manual labor.

And, if they tried to escape, they could be identified, unlike the Scottish slaves. I learned so much and I realized, initially, it was more of a business decision, than a hatred of a ethnic group.  Because in actuality, many slave owners had no experience with Africans. Was it right?  Of course, NOT!!!

As mentioned, this is one thing I learned and wanted to share.  And, there is so much more.  Today, we have to move forward.  We're living in ever-changing times and in order to keep up, you have to receive the proper information.  Hence, leads me to tell you about two (2) new avenues I have provided to keep you informed with updated information.

1.  The Toni Love Show on Atlanta's Jazz Station (91.9 FM)  Listen ANYTIME from ANYWHERE by logging on to WCLK.com.

2.  The Toni Love Group:  An exclusive "private" membership site for professionals. The mission is to keep you educated, informed, and enlighten.  The group is for ANYONE, not only beauty professionals.  Visit www.tonilovegroup.com to join today!

Get moving in your personal AND professional lives!!!

Create a Better Day!
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @cosmogirl205





Saturday, January 19, 2013

It's 2013!!!!

Hello Everyone!!!

It's time to implement the plans you made last year.  Many of us took a deeper look into our lives and are trying to decide what needs to change and who needs to go.  Yes, you have to be clear.  As we embark into a new year, we have to do the same with business.  If methods and people were not working last year, there is no need to keep them around.

Now, don't give up on methods and people so easily.  Be sure you have tried everything in your power to work through it.  And, if to no avail, it's time to make a change or move in a different direction.  In life, people get comfortable and the thought of change is scary.

Sometimes, we don't know our own strength, until we are put into an uncomfortable position.  When everything is comfortable and you are not being challenged, you will not reach your best.  You become better when you have to think, using your brain to sort things out, making plans for the next phase of your life or business, and contemplating on how to become a better person.

Many times, people want to blame others for what has gone wrong in their lives or businesses.  You have to look at yourself first.  It's easy to say, "I'm not happy on my job, because of another person.  Or, I'm not happy in my life because of another person."  If you're an adult, you have choices.

You decide to stay on that job or in that stage of your life, mostly because you have gotten comfortable, things are easy, and you don't have to put forth much effort into keeping things moving along.  In business, many people will not attend Continuing Education classes to keep up with the latest trends and technology.  Therefore, they feel their business is slow, but, without years of Continuing Education, they may not offer what the consumer is requesting and have no knowledge of it.

In life, some people exist and not live. I challenge each of you reading, live life to the fullest!  Enroll in a class, (start with one) join a new organization, visit a city or country for the first time, or just do something fun!  I will start a new venture this year.

The Toni Love Show is coming to WCLK.com or 91.9 Jazz in Atlanta starting February 2013!!!  Be sure to tune in and if you want to become a sponsor, or a patron and have your business mentioned on the show,  e-mail me at tonilovetc205@gmail.com.  Or, if you have a topic you would like me to discuss, send me a message!!!:-)  Be sure to tune in anytime during the month online and become educated and enlighten........

Create a Better Day!!!

Toni Love
Published Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere)
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter:  @cosmogirl205

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Planning for the New Year!!!!

Hello Everyone!!!!

As we celebrate the holiday season, as a business owner, we have to plan for the year ahead.  Planning consists of reflecting over the year, observing the profits and losses, eliminating the practices and people who are no longer working for the good of the business.  Our annual conference is an event we will focus on earlier in the coming year to ensure it's a greater success in 2013!!!!

The 2nd Annual Hair Loss and Business Conference was held at the Atlanta Airport Westin Hotel on October 7th-8th. The event was attended by cosmetologists throughout the United States. I  taught the first session on Interlocking (no-braid/no glue hair extension technique) and Non-Surgical Hair Replacement. Carmilla Terrell of GA, taught a session on Make-Up Application Techniques including: Air Brushing, Lash Application, and Make-Up for Television. Yolanda Nevett-Broome of GA presented a power-point session on “Forming a Legal Business Entity.” Mrs. Eunice Dudley of NC and owner of Dudley Beauty School Systems gave a very inspirational and motivation presentation on “Surviving Breast Cancer and Running a Business.”


On Sunday night, the attendees were treated to a red carpet “Step and Repeat” celebrity style photo shoot before being served a dinner which consisted of: salad, fresh salmon, chicken breast, seasoned potatoes, and vegetables; followed with cheesecake and strawberry toppings. During the dinner, there was an Awards Ceremony and celebration of my 10th year anniversary in business. On Monday, Mrs. Peggy Thornhill of MS, President of the National Hair Loss Council spoke on “Opening and Running a Hair Loss Center.” Lastly, Mr. Charles Fields of AL conducted a session on “Understanding Non-Profit Organizations and Federal Grants.”

Sponsors of the conference included: Barry Fletcher Products, Dr. Daniels, D. Gallagher, FHI Products, Norelco (razor company), and Keurig Coffee. On Sunday, January 13th, 2013 I am hosting a Hair Loss Solutions Seminar in Atlanta and it’s open to the public. For more information and to view pictures from the conference, visit www.tonilove.com or Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology.

Although you're planning, take time to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!

Create a Better Day!!!
Toni Love
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere:  Amazon.com, Walmart.com)
Twitter: @cosmogirl205
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology





Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Preparation Time!!!!

Hello Everyone!!!!

In September, I wrote about October, being we were preparing for our annual Hair Loss and Business Conference.  The conference was very successful and the attendees are still talking about it.  Although, the 2013 conference is eleven (11) months away, I'm already preparing for it.  I want to make it Bigger and Better than the last.

As we enter November, it's time to prepare for the new year.  The end of this year is less than two (2) months away.  This is the time to prepare a budget for next year. (Personal & Professional)  This is the time to make a list of new services to offer, get input from your staff about upcoming promotions, make the list of needed household items/projects, and set achievement goals.

The holidays are fast approaching and most people are preparing menus for their holiday dinners and some are even preparing Christmas lists, to get an early start.  Holiday parties are being planned for the offices, as well as the salons and barbershops.  Invitations are being sent out, well in advance. 

This is a great time of year.  A time to be happy and festive and be with loved ones.  The holidays are not always pleasant for some people.  Some people are alone and sad.  I say to you, get out, volunteer and make friends.  When you're feeling alone and sad, go visit the nursing homes and make a new friend.  Visit a homeless shelter and volunteer your time and service.

Prepare to do something good and worthwhile this holiday season!!!

Create a Better Day!!!
Toni Love
www.tonilove.com
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" sold everywhere!! Walmart.com/Amazon.com
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter:  @cosmogirl205