The Aspiring Stylist with Tracey Franklin

It's the first episode of the year and we're not wasting anytime! This week we're talking about the signs it might be time to look for a new salon home. As hairstylists it's important to grow and evolve in the industry and behind the chair. We'll talk about what a strong exit strategy looks like, how to know when it's time to move on, and the most important factors to consider before making a salo...

This week we're talking all things cancellation policies. Whether they're a no-show, last minute reschedule or cancellation I'll walk you through how to build and enforce your cancellation policy. Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaspiringstylist Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy: http://aspirebarberandbeauty.com/ Can I ask you a favor? If...

Am I the only one finding it hard to believe in 2 weeks we'll be in 2024?! That's insane, right? While I'm wrapping up my last weeks behind the chair and we're preparing for students to go home for Christmas break I wanted to take a moment to reflect on 5 of the biggest lessons I've learned from 2023. I hope this can shed some light for hairstylists, future hairstylists, salon owners, and beauty p...

How exactly do you get a raise as a hairstylist, or anyone in the beauty industry for that matter? This can be a scary topic, but I promise it's easier to figure out than you think. Like Jay-Z said, "Numbers don't lie, check the scoreboard."  But what is the scoreboard? I'm glad you asked. Here's the 4 topics we'll be covering to find out if it's time for your next raise: Percentage Booked Product...

It's hard to believe an entire year ago we launched the first episode of The Aspiring Stylist. I'm so grateful to every listener, our community and my incredible team for making this podcast possible. In celebration of our year anniversary this week I want to talk about something near and dear to my heart: growth. It's scary. It's messy. It's necessary. Read that again. Growth can feel uncomfortab...

We're making a list and checking it twice. This year, I want every hairstylist, barber and beauty professional on the Nice List and this episode is going to make sure we're all booked, busy and respecting our personal and professional boundaries this holiday season. The next few weeks are going to test you as a hairstylist and I want you to be ready. We're going to talk about holiday promotions, w...

Let's call it the small town advantage, because there are countless advantages to growing your clientele in a small town and I want to share with you how I've not only grown as a stylist, but more importantly as a creative in my small town. Opportunities are where you make them and this week we'll be talking about establishing your local reputation, marketing on and off social media and finding yo...

What does it actually mean to be a luxury hairstylist? It's a complicated answer to a complicated question. When most people hear the word luxury they think about the price, and while that's a small part of what makes a luxury beauty professional, I believe real luxury comes  from outstanding experiences, how we treat our guests and the expertise we bring to each service. In this episode we'll tal...

Being a hairstylist isn't just about cutting hair. It’s trying to live up to the expectations of every person sitting in your chair and that can be completely exhausting. Not to mention hundreds of hours every week standing on your feet, the beauty industry is physically and mentally exhausting. This week we're talking about why it's not optional to take time off. So, when should you take off? How...

I know as a hairstylist social media can feel like it's another part time job. Especially if you're posting on multiple platforms and trying to to grow your audience. I've had a business account on Instagram for about 10 years now and I've had so many ups, downs, burnouts and rebirths. The past year I've focused on a new strategy - sharing myself. I knew that sharing my work and occasionally a pho...

Goals will change your career. Not having goals will also change your career. 2024 is almost here. I know, I know, it's not even Halloween yet, but I promise January 2nd will be here before you know it and I want you to be ready! This week we're talking about the best way to set goals, hold yourself accountable and find meaningful ways to grow as a stylist and person. Join me at the Aspiring Styli...

This episode is for all my new hairstylists, barbers and current beauty school students. How should you price yourself right out of school? Believe it or not, how you price yourself in the beginning of your career can have a huge impact on how far you go in the industry, both in terms of how much you'll make but also what kind of clientele you'll be serving. We'll talk about everything from skill...

Did you know getting a new customer can cost five times more than retaining an existing customer? I don't know about you, but that's money I'd rather invest almost anywhere else. So how do you book and keep clients? This week we're talking about the importance of consistent customer experience, pre-booking, loyalty programs, incentives and so much more. If you're struggling with keeping a full boo...

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "With so many beauty professionals out there, how can I possibly stand out? Is my approach unique enough to make a mark in this saturated industry?" You might feel the pull to blend into the crowd, or maybe you’re worried you'd get lost in the sea of talented stylists. Trust me, I understand! You're not alone in this. In fact, "how to be unique in the beauty...

In the beauty industry being able to self-motivate will make or break your career. Whether you succeed or not is completely up to you and sometimes that's scary! This week we're going to talk about all the things that can build us up and tear us down as hairstylists, barbers and beauty professionals. Taking time to understand and learn how to combat the barriers of motivation has completely transf...

This week we're taking a deep dive into one of the most crucial decisions that will shape a hairstylist, hairdresser, or barber's career: choosing the right beauty school. Whether you're just starting out or considering a career switch, this episode is your ultimate guide. We'll talk about how I found my beauty school and cover the essential elements to look for in an institution, from quality ins...

Did you know only 7% of stylists will spend their entire career at the same salon? To me, it makes sense, this is a fast-paced industry and opportunities are everywhere. We're all looking for ways to transform ourselves as creatives, but there's one thing you can do that will change everything.  It’s free, you can do it anywhere and you can start anytime. Find your people. When you find the people...

This week we're going back to class and talking about all the ways you can be salon-ready at graduation from barber or cosmetology school. I think there's a huge misconception that when you graduate and pass the state boards you'll be magically ready to take on the beauty industry. I've had new stylists start working at my salon that literally have never used a pair of clippers. I’m not blaming st...

You can’t stay where you are and move on at the same time. I know as a stylist this can be scary, especially when you have money and the future of your career on the line. The average course or certification will cost anywhere from $1,600 to $2,000. That’s a lot of money to spend on something if you don’t know how it will impact your bookings. But I promise you, after 20 years in the beauty indust...

I think there are some really big misconceptions on what the front desk at a salon actually does and in the past couple of years, I’ve heard a lot of talk from stylists and salon owners that the front desk is dead. This isn’t about checking guests in and out and scheduling appointments, a proper salon coordinator is knowledgeable about products, services and is actively working to be the liaison b...

In the beauty industry, we love to throw around the term work-life balance without really giving any direction on how to achieve it. For me, one of the biggest ways to cope with burnout and stress as a stylist is to have a solid schedule and stick to it! When that client who always forgets to prebook calls and begs you to let her come in, stick to your schedule. When the client who just wants one...

I think raising your prices in the beauty industry can be one of the most intimidating things you will ever do as a stylist. It’s so unbelievably easy to live in our comfort zone - and the crazy part is - you probably don’t even realize you’re doing it! For most stylists, your comfort zone is having a full book with no availability for new clients and doing the same services day after day. Which o...

I’m going to say something that I need my beauty professionals to hear. You don’t need more clients to make more money, you need to properly serve the right clients to make more money. We can only do so much in a day’s work, so how can you make more money as a stylist? Serve your clients and find the best clients for your skill set. Ask questions - find your client’s pain points and problems - and...

🥳 Congratulations! You’ve completed your hours and passed the test. What can you expect in your first year as a hairstylist? My friend, you are about to embark on an incredible journey, in the most amazing industry there is. But the first year behind the chair is a tricky one, it will require a ton of patience. It will also require you to show up stronger and more determined than you’ve ever been...

Do you know the difference between a client and a guest? Most stylists use these words interchangeably and never really give it a second thought. But by definition, a client is someone that’s buying a good or service, while a guest is someone who has been invited or welcomed into a place of business or residence. Now, put yourself in the customer’s shoes, would you rather be a client that’s buying...