May 22, 2007 (RALEIGH, NC) – FirstChair.com, a website devoted exclusively to new salon and spa professionals, has asked Joelle Ray of Samuel Cole Salon, in North Raleigh, to contribute to two expert-advice articles for the site’s readers.
According to Ray, who co-owns the salon with husband Jack Ray, one article addresses the interview process for a new stylist who is trying to find the best salon “fit” for his or her talents and interests. Among other “Interview Guidelines,” Ray offers: “The best interview should be a process. It is hard to sum up a salon from just one meeting. Ask to come in to observe the salon when clients and stylists are present so that you can evaluate the “feel” or culture of the salon. Remember: An interview isn’t just something you sit through. You need to participate. Prepare and ask good questions. “
The second article is a “Do’s & Don’ts” list for first-year stylists, offering such gems of wisdom and experience as “Do: Be a sponge. Observe then emulate successful stylists’ good habits. Pay particular attention to the “superstars” in the salon then do what they do,” and “Don’t: Get discouraged about re-dos. If clients call back to ask for modifications it means they feel comfortable enough to contact you for a ‘fix.’ It’s normal for this to happen early in your career. Thank them for giving you the opportunity to make them happy.”
FirstChair.com and its companion annual FirstChair Yearbook and Success Guide are produced by Modern Salon Media, a leading publisher of magazines and websites serving the professional salon and spa industry. Sister publications are Modern Salon, Salon Today, Process and Renew magazines.
