Hello Everyone!!!
The Hair Loss and Business Conference was a blast! If you missed it, mark your calendars for next year! All of the speakers were great and the feedback from the attendees was AWESOME! They were so excited to learn new and helpful information.
The Hair Loss Certification class on the Tuesday after the conference was also great. It was unfortunate that some people missed the conference because they failed to register BEFORE the early bird special ended. Many of them contacted me after the special was over and almost insisted on receiving the discounted price with the "threat" of NOT attending. And, unfortunately for them, they missed valuable information.
I was told by one of my mentors, Mr. Frank Caciatto, earlier in my career, "Toni, pay your way and earn respect in this industry." When participating in hair shows and other events, there are major costs involved in some cases. I learned early on, pay the fees, whether it's docking fees for merchandise to be moved into the building, electrical fees for the booth, travel fees, etc. Also, when offered FREE things, sometimes, it's good to say, "No, Thank You."
If you want someone to take you serious and respect your business, you have to PAY YOUR WAY! Stop looking for a handout and a hook-up! I would never allow $50 or $100 stop me from receiving information that could assist me in earning thousands of dollars and even more. Especially, when I knew about the costs 5-6 months ahead of time.
If needed, I would have saved $20 a week until I accumulated enough to pay the discounted fee. What I have learned is, everyone is NOT serious about their business. Some people like to hear themselves talk, but, have no plan of action. This is the time to make plans for the upcoming year.
Start now and set aside funds for education for the upcoming year!
Create a Better Day!!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere!!)
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205
Friday, October 25, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Hair Loss and Business Conference 2013!!!!
Hello Everyone!!!
We are preparing for the upcoming Hair Loss and Business Conference on October 6th-7th and we are super excited! We have great speakers aligned for this event. Trey Turner of Trans America Financial will be bringing a wealth of information pertaining to money management to assist attendees with savings and retirement. Dr. Gloria D'Hue, an Atlanta-based dermatologist, will tell the attendees about hair loss and some of the common causes and how she is writing prescriptions to certified hair loss specialists.
Greg Lyles of a major pharmaceutical company will teach the attendees how to build relationships with medical professionals to assist hair loss clients. And, if you want a celebrity as a client, photographer, Allen Cooley will share his experiences as he has worked with the cast of The Game, Lisa Raye, Future and many more. All of this information will be delivered on Sunday, October 6th, 2013.
On Monday, October 7th, Shannon Dixon, a certified Hair Loss Specialist who has a thriving business will inform the attendees on how to open and run a successful hair loss center. And, she will conduct a live demonstration. Following her, Attorney Charles Fields, who is returning by popular demand, will educate and enlighten the attendees on federal grants. Many of the attendees from last year applied his information and have seen great results.
If you have not registered for this event, be sure to go online to www.tonilove.com today! All the registration and direct contact information is on the site. Let this event be the beginning of your commitment to take yourself and your business to a new level.
As I heard a speaker say: "Stay Home and Stay Dumb!" And, as gospel singers Mary Mary entitled their song: "Go Get Your Blessings!" We'll be here, won't you join us?
Create a Better Day!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" sold everywhere! Walmart.com, Amazon.com
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205
We are preparing for the upcoming Hair Loss and Business Conference on October 6th-7th and we are super excited! We have great speakers aligned for this event. Trey Turner of Trans America Financial will be bringing a wealth of information pertaining to money management to assist attendees with savings and retirement. Dr. Gloria D'Hue, an Atlanta-based dermatologist, will tell the attendees about hair loss and some of the common causes and how she is writing prescriptions to certified hair loss specialists.
Greg Lyles of a major pharmaceutical company will teach the attendees how to build relationships with medical professionals to assist hair loss clients. And, if you want a celebrity as a client, photographer, Allen Cooley will share his experiences as he has worked with the cast of The Game, Lisa Raye, Future and many more. All of this information will be delivered on Sunday, October 6th, 2013.
On Monday, October 7th, Shannon Dixon, a certified Hair Loss Specialist who has a thriving business will inform the attendees on how to open and run a successful hair loss center. And, she will conduct a live demonstration. Following her, Attorney Charles Fields, who is returning by popular demand, will educate and enlighten the attendees on federal grants. Many of the attendees from last year applied his information and have seen great results.
If you have not registered for this event, be sure to go online to www.tonilove.com today! All the registration and direct contact information is on the site. Let this event be the beginning of your commitment to take yourself and your business to a new level.
As I heard a speaker say: "Stay Home and Stay Dumb!" And, as gospel singers Mary Mary entitled their song: "Go Get Your Blessings!" We'll be here, won't you join us?
Create a Better Day!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" sold everywhere! Walmart.com, Amazon.com
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205
Sunday, August 25, 2013
FAME or GREATNESS????
Hello Everyone!!!
The end of summer is almost near and most business people are preparing for the holidays. If you are a business owner, you should be thinking about the holiday specials you will offer. In business and in your personal life, you have to align yourself properly.
Many people don't do this and therefore, the scales of life are not balanced. Either you are working too much and not spending enough time with love ones. Or, spending too much time with love ones and not attending to business. You have to create balance in order to achieve your goals.
This is also the time to align your business with upcoming local events such as, football games. You can incorporate something in your business with the local team showing support. This includes high school and college teams. A lot of hairstylists forget about the local people in the community, because they are so focused on achieving fame.
You have to start where you are at this time in your life. Become famous in your local community through your work as a stylist and your community service as a person and through your business. There are people in your local community who know others in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and other major cities throughout the United States, who can probably help you achieve your goals.
Also, when you start working in the community, people will volunteer to assist you. Most people want to be a part of something positive and will donate money and time to a worthy cause. October represents breast cancer month, this is a great time to host an event at your business for survivors. If nothing major, during the month of October, offer cookies with the breast cancer logo on them with punch and pass out informational handouts. The event doesn't have to be anything major. The point is, your business is doing something positive in the community and projecting a professional image.
If you are reading this and you are not in business and you want to make a difference, these same things mentioned can be done through a social club, a church congregation, a sorority or fraternity, etc. Stop searching other places and start where you are today!!!
Lastly, do things because you care, not because you want to be famous. Most people who achieve fame quickly can't handle it. And, usually become famous for other things such as: going broke, doing drugs, etc. Always remember, FAME can come over night, but, GREATNESS takes time.
Make a decision today and get to work!!!!!
Create a better day!!!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere) Walmart.com, Amazon.com
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove
The end of summer is almost near and most business people are preparing for the holidays. If you are a business owner, you should be thinking about the holiday specials you will offer. In business and in your personal life, you have to align yourself properly.
Many people don't do this and therefore, the scales of life are not balanced. Either you are working too much and not spending enough time with love ones. Or, spending too much time with love ones and not attending to business. You have to create balance in order to achieve your goals.
This is also the time to align your business with upcoming local events such as, football games. You can incorporate something in your business with the local team showing support. This includes high school and college teams. A lot of hairstylists forget about the local people in the community, because they are so focused on achieving fame.
You have to start where you are at this time in your life. Become famous in your local community through your work as a stylist and your community service as a person and through your business. There are people in your local community who know others in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and other major cities throughout the United States, who can probably help you achieve your goals.
Also, when you start working in the community, people will volunteer to assist you. Most people want to be a part of something positive and will donate money and time to a worthy cause. October represents breast cancer month, this is a great time to host an event at your business for survivors. If nothing major, during the month of October, offer cookies with the breast cancer logo on them with punch and pass out informational handouts. The event doesn't have to be anything major. The point is, your business is doing something positive in the community and projecting a professional image.
If you are reading this and you are not in business and you want to make a difference, these same things mentioned can be done through a social club, a church congregation, a sorority or fraternity, etc. Stop searching other places and start where you are today!!!
Lastly, do things because you care, not because you want to be famous. Most people who achieve fame quickly can't handle it. And, usually become famous for other things such as: going broke, doing drugs, etc. Always remember, FAME can come over night, but, GREATNESS takes time.
Make a decision today and get to work!!!!!
Create a better day!!!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere) Walmart.com, Amazon.com
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove
Monday, July 22, 2013
No More Shortcuts!!!!
Hello Everyone!!!
As we go through life, we are faced with obstacles and challenges. As we mature, we tend to be better equipped to handle things as they arise. We will experience challenges in our personal life, in our business, on the job, etc. But, usually, we learn a lesson. Most times, we work through the issues and reach a solution.
Sometimes, we want a "shortcut," therefore, we don't have to deal with the real issues. We look for a way out, over, or around the obstacles and challenges. Many people go through life taking shortcuts and this trait has become a part of their persona. When it comes to their personal lives, some people shut down, won't talk, walk away, deny and lie. They will do anything aside from accepting responsibility for their actions. These people usually live an unfulfilled life. They are unhappy, their souls are unsettled, and they feel incomplete.
But, yet, they are not brave enough to deal with reality and embrace the challenges and obstacles. In business, I see it and hear it on a regular basis. Many hair stylists are frustrated because they are not busy enough to pay their bills. They feel like their back is against the wall and there is no way out. They are angry and questioning their decision to enter the beauty industry. They are blaming the economy, the "boot-leg" hairstylists, the cosmetology schools, and the beauty supply store for taking their clients.
Yet, they have NOT taken ANY continuing education classes or it's been years since they were enrolled in a class. Or, the one class they took, they had a bad experience, therefore, they feel all continuing education classes are going to yield the same results. These hair stylists won't equip themselves to embrace change or anything new. They will wait until someone else learn something and share it with them at no cost!
Many will complain about the expenses involved with enrolling in a class. But, yet, they will spend money on buying expensive furniture for the "empty" salon that is not generating business, to impress others. They will purchase expensive, name-brand clothing, shoes, and accessories, to impress others. They will even borrow money from financial institutions to go on exotic trips, purchase expensive cars, and jewelry to impress others.
To become successful and have healthy relationships, we have to work through our challenges and obstacles, deal with the problems and address them accordingly. We have to invest in ourselves and NOT depend on other people to feed us information for FREE. As professional hair stylists, attempting to go to the next level, what good is it going to do to get there and NOT know what to do when you arrive?
Shortcuts may get you there......But, knowledge will KEEP you there!
Create a Better Day!
Toni Love: Author of "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere)
www.tonilove.com
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205
As we go through life, we are faced with obstacles and challenges. As we mature, we tend to be better equipped to handle things as they arise. We will experience challenges in our personal life, in our business, on the job, etc. But, usually, we learn a lesson. Most times, we work through the issues and reach a solution.
Sometimes, we want a "shortcut," therefore, we don't have to deal with the real issues. We look for a way out, over, or around the obstacles and challenges. Many people go through life taking shortcuts and this trait has become a part of their persona. When it comes to their personal lives, some people shut down, won't talk, walk away, deny and lie. They will do anything aside from accepting responsibility for their actions. These people usually live an unfulfilled life. They are unhappy, their souls are unsettled, and they feel incomplete.
But, yet, they are not brave enough to deal with reality and embrace the challenges and obstacles. In business, I see it and hear it on a regular basis. Many hair stylists are frustrated because they are not busy enough to pay their bills. They feel like their back is against the wall and there is no way out. They are angry and questioning their decision to enter the beauty industry. They are blaming the economy, the "boot-leg" hairstylists, the cosmetology schools, and the beauty supply store for taking their clients.
Yet, they have NOT taken ANY continuing education classes or it's been years since they were enrolled in a class. Or, the one class they took, they had a bad experience, therefore, they feel all continuing education classes are going to yield the same results. These hair stylists won't equip themselves to embrace change or anything new. They will wait until someone else learn something and share it with them at no cost!
Many will complain about the expenses involved with enrolling in a class. But, yet, they will spend money on buying expensive furniture for the "empty" salon that is not generating business, to impress others. They will purchase expensive, name-brand clothing, shoes, and accessories, to impress others. They will even borrow money from financial institutions to go on exotic trips, purchase expensive cars, and jewelry to impress others.
To become successful and have healthy relationships, we have to work through our challenges and obstacles, deal with the problems and address them accordingly. We have to invest in ourselves and NOT depend on other people to feed us information for FREE. As professional hair stylists, attempting to go to the next level, what good is it going to do to get there and NOT know what to do when you arrive?
Shortcuts may get you there......But, knowledge will KEEP you there!
Create a Better Day!
Toni Love: Author of "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere)
www.tonilove.com
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
DIVORCE!!!
Hello Everyone!!!
As we enter the summer months, take advantage of this season and make some changes. The changes can occur in business, lifestyle, on the job, etc. Over the last few months, I've noticed salon closings, people in the cosmetology industry are accepting jobs in other professions, and in some instances, salons are doing better than ever. People tell me things are slow and they are losing clients and they don't know what to do.
My answer is to DIVORCE the way you are thinking. And, DIVORCE the old way you are doing business. Fear and ignorance allows people to stay in situations that are not working on their behalf. Many cosmetologists were doing great at some point in their careers and they got comfortable. When there was a "shift" in the economy, they were NOT prepared, because they did not take continuing education classes to learn something new.
Most are searching for the "GET RICH QUICK" scheme, that does not exist. Nothing happens overnight. Most people who have achieved greatness in their professions have paid their dues. They have worked long hours, accepted work shifts they didn't want, they have taken classes, recruited clients in the heat, rain, and cold climates, attempting to build a business. They have accepted work for FREE or at a reduce rate in exchange for experience. They missed a lot of "family time" due to work. Yet, after all those "seeds" were planted over the years, along came the harvest.
After a period of time, sometimes years, at some point, everything starts to get better and income begin to increase. The increase comes when you DIVORCE bad habits, negative thinking, laziness, lack of motivation, hustle mentality, lack of professionalism, jealousy, bad management, criticism that is not constructive, uncleanliness, lying, making excuses, not being a team player, lack of leadership, "I know everything" mentality, a bad attitude, and a lack of FAITH.
Once you have DIVORCED the traits that have you burdened down like a heavy weight is on your back, you will see changes in your life and in your business. It's hard to work on yourself and accept the negative traits. We all have work to do. Accept the reality and make the changes. Life will get easier and you will be happier!
Create a Better Day!!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" Walmart.com, Amazon.com, etc.
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205
www.tonilove.com
As we enter the summer months, take advantage of this season and make some changes. The changes can occur in business, lifestyle, on the job, etc. Over the last few months, I've noticed salon closings, people in the cosmetology industry are accepting jobs in other professions, and in some instances, salons are doing better than ever. People tell me things are slow and they are losing clients and they don't know what to do.
My answer is to DIVORCE the way you are thinking. And, DIVORCE the old way you are doing business. Fear and ignorance allows people to stay in situations that are not working on their behalf. Many cosmetologists were doing great at some point in their careers and they got comfortable. When there was a "shift" in the economy, they were NOT prepared, because they did not take continuing education classes to learn something new.
Most are searching for the "GET RICH QUICK" scheme, that does not exist. Nothing happens overnight. Most people who have achieved greatness in their professions have paid their dues. They have worked long hours, accepted work shifts they didn't want, they have taken classes, recruited clients in the heat, rain, and cold climates, attempting to build a business. They have accepted work for FREE or at a reduce rate in exchange for experience. They missed a lot of "family time" due to work. Yet, after all those "seeds" were planted over the years, along came the harvest.
After a period of time, sometimes years, at some point, everything starts to get better and income begin to increase. The increase comes when you DIVORCE bad habits, negative thinking, laziness, lack of motivation, hustle mentality, lack of professionalism, jealousy, bad management, criticism that is not constructive, uncleanliness, lying, making excuses, not being a team player, lack of leadership, "I know everything" mentality, a bad attitude, and a lack of FAITH.
Once you have DIVORCED the traits that have you burdened down like a heavy weight is on your back, you will see changes in your life and in your business. It's hard to work on yourself and accept the negative traits. We all have work to do. Accept the reality and make the changes. Life will get easier and you will be happier!
Create a Better Day!!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" Walmart.com, Amazon.com, etc.
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205
www.tonilove.com
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
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
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
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