Business

Looking for a way to streamline your payment collection process? Look no further, we’ve got you covered.

As experienced lifestyle professionals, I know that some of the best parts of the job is practicing our craft, working with clients, and the thrill of seeing them transformed. But even if you love your work so much you’d do it for free, most of us, well, don’t.

That’s what makes an effortless payment collection system, like the one offered on Gina’s Platform, so essential to your business. Simplify your payment process, and you’re instantly freed from unnecessary bookkeeping headaches. When you use the Payment Center in the Gina’s Platform app, you can focus on doing what you love – not troubleshooting your payment process. I wanted to make sure this process was easy and painless for you. I remember the days when I was struggling dealing with the various payment collection systems out there. I knew I had to find a way to make this process BETTER.

What makes it so easy?

Gina’s Platform takes what worked, and leaves out the rest. The result is a single page of payment options that makes once difficult tasks like splitting and merging tickets a breeze. It’s everything you need to invoice, track, collect, and report customer payments in one spot – instantly organized.

As a merchant service Gina’s Platform makes everything from credit cards from payment processing simplified and placed in one place with easy access. It is everything a small business like a hair salon needs keep the books in the books and your time with your cliental.

How much does it cost? 

Nothing. You can use Gina’s Platform and the Payment Center features at no cost to you: no monthly fees, no transaction fees, and no contracts.  

It’s no secret that accepting cards legitimizes your biz. Customers love it too! It’s a convenient exchange all around. That is, if your payment collection system is up to par.  If your clients prefer to pay by credit card instead of cash, you’ll have access to the absolute lowest processing rate available anywhere–just 2.5%.* If you choose, you can wrap that processing fee into your rates and offer a cash discount to clients who forego paying with plastic.  

What will I get? 

Salon and other lifestyle professionals looking for the best credit card processing deal in the industry can skip the fine print.  With Gina’s Platform there is none. What you’ll get: 

• Industry low 2.5% credit card rates*
• Amex processing abilities 
• no transaction fees
• no monthly fees
• no minimum volume
• no contracts

The integrated Payment Center in Gina’s Platform offers you and your clients ultimate flexibility. You can take payments in person or send invoices for services or product through the app.  Your clients can pay through the app or on your free, personalized web page. Your ability to accept credit and act as a merchant service for your customers are all at your fingertips.

Are there other benefits? 

Some other benefits of using Gina’s Platform include: 

• Recording cash, credit or check payments with an option to link to appointment information and instantly confirm entries.
• Quickly and easily process complex functions like merging or splitting tickets, accepting partial credit and cash payments, and processing coupons or discounts. 
• Automatically apply, track, and report quarterly sales tax for products. 
• Send email or text requests to clients for advanced online payments of services or product purchases. 
• Zero-fee credit card processing at 2.5%* (chip or swiped) – the industry’s absolute lowest.
• Cash discount option.
• Inventory made easy. Product sales are automatically recorded and depleted from your stock list. 
• Printable, at-a-glance profit reports available.

Gina’s Platform will revolutionize how you manage your cash flow with a streamlined payment collection system that is simple and easy to use.  Join us on Gina’s platform and see how easy it is to do what you love and get paid quickly and efficiently!

xoxo,

Gina

*credit card processing rate is a dynamic percentage that will fluctuate with market rates. But you can be sure we’ll stay true to having the industry’s lowest fees.

This whole shelter-in-place business has been a real game changer. Still, these must-try beard styles can help you make the best of a hairy situation. Regardless of chin and head size there is a cut and style that works for you and your face.

With most salons and barbershops closed on account of the coronavirus, beards and buzzcuts have never been more popular. Celebs are leading the charge, buzzing themselves bald and letting their facial hair flow while quarantined. 

Here’s a few men’s beard styles to try that will enhance your grow out season.

The Classic Beard

The original beard style for men. Borderline lumberjack or day trader on Wall Street, your pick.

You can’t beat a classic. This is the goldilocks of facial hair: not too long, not too short, not too full, but just right. The more coiffed you are up top, the better this one-size-fits-all beard will be.  Be sure to keep it clean and trim off the stragglers and the inevitable hairs that grow higher on the cheek or lower on the neck.

The Circle Beard 

If you love your length but are starting to feel a bit too Merlin-y, try adding some shape to your beard. A rounded bottom beard is easy to sculpt yourself with the right scissors. Simply start at the corners and gradually work your sheers in an arch, leaving the longest part just below your chin. This instant refinement is perfect for a virtual meeting with the boss or an at home date. This facial hair style is also perfect for the man who wants to redefine his face shape. With a customizable cut you can trim your square jaw to have a more rounded feel to it.

The Three-Day Stubble 

This au naturel style beard is a low maintenance look almost anyone can pull off. Perfect for those who struggle to grow copious amounts of facial hair or simply don’t want to make the time to trim every day.

If this is your normal style due to low facial hair growth and want a change, try rubbing beard oils on the thinner and patchy areas to stimulate growth and activate dormant follicles. Some men report that collagen vitamins also have helped to thicken their beard and give them a more full look

The COVID 

Bald head. Big beard. You can bet this COVID fashion statement will be inextricably linked with these turbulent times. But hey, it works!

Connivence is key with this beard style. Keep it easy and breezy with a shaved head and a full beard underneath for the best of both worlds.

The Lined Up Beard 

You a clean-lines kind of guy? This is your beard style. It’s a geometry-lovers dream with clean cheeks, etched lines, and a well-groomed overall feel. This look is higher maintenance and we recommend getting a pair of micro trimmers with a fine edge capability as you will need to trim often to keep the clean look.

The Box Beard

‘Tis the season for short beards, too. With its boxy bottom and narrow expanse, this shorter beard is a refined way to shape your face fur without overheating. Throw in a soul patch every now an then to change it up.

The Villain

A signature ‘stache is always in style. Pair it with a full beard and you have a statement look that’s as memorable as your mustache. (To create this look, don’t forget the mustache wax.) When it gets too cumbersome, shave your beard down to stubble and enjoy a trendy beardstache! 

Before you go, don’t forget to take care of your beard…

6 Step Beard Care 

Remember that just like the hair on your head (if you haven’t buzzed it already) your beard needs a little routine TLC to keep it healthy. 

Follow these six steps at minimum: 

1. Disinfect. It’s probably the most used word of 2020, and it applies to your beard too. Between food and cough particles, a dab of antibacterial balm is a good idea to keep your face ‘fro sanitized. It is also nice to get rid of the mask sweat and stink that comes from wearing a face covering.
2. Wash. Make sure you lather up 2-3 times a week with a beard-specific shampoo. Normal shampoos can remove beneficial oils that are used to keep your beard healthy so a shampoo that is made for your beard is the best option.
3. Condition. After you wash it, condition it. Use beard conditioners sparingly if you have extra oily skin. These conditioners are made to untangle and smooth out your beard. Trust us, your significant other will appreciate it.
4. Oil. A daily dose of beard oil will keep your locks manageable and smelling great. Choose one with natural oils like argan, grape seed, jojoba, or hemp as the first ingredient. These natural oils promote a healthy beard and keep your facial hair full and lush.
5. Brush. Be sure to run a brush through your beard at least once a day. If needed, you can use a beard comb more frequently to maintain a stylized cut. 
6. Trim. You can keep your beard style looking fresh with a quick trim every 3 or so weeks. If you’re intentionally trying to grow it out, extend trims to every 6-8 weeks.  

We can’t wait to see what beards and broomstaches emerge once we don’t have to social distance ourselves. For now, tell us – which styles are starting to grow on you?

xoxo,

Gina

Social distancing is the new black. But whether scheduling conference calls with the office or FaceTiming with family, clients still want to look presentable. And let’s be real, doing so might also help us all stay buoyant and feel better in these uncertain times.

Some may be asking, “Is it safe to go to my hair stylist?”

For now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention haven’t issued specific guidance on whether it’s safe to get your haircut or nails done. However, everyone should be taking social distancing seriously, avoiding crowds of 10 or more and keeping a 6-foot distance from anyone you don’t live with. 

Looking to reassure your clients? Let them know their health and safety is the most important thing to you right now: 

• Share any enhanced cleaning measures you’re using to keep your salon safe 
• Distance your work stations at least 6 feet apart if you’re not in a standalone suite 
• Discuss the possibility of making house calls 
• Take the temperature of anyone entering the salon, including your own 
• Wear any protective clothing or masks you have and offer them the same

If you live in a state that is recommending everyone shelter-in-place, here are some ways clients can still help their hairdresser or favorite salon:  

• Don’t simply cancel, postpone appointments for a future date 
• Prepay for any services you usually get, like regular root touchups 
• Tip in advance
• Buy salon gift cards 
• Set up appointments for online consultations
• Leave positive social media reviews and tag selfies accordingly 
• Stock up on any salon products (it may be a while so buy in bulk!)

Are salons a non-essential business? That’s up for some serious debate! Currently, in the United States there are OVER 1,000,000 Independent Lifestyle Professionals that represent an estimated $50 Billion in revenue A YEAR!

To us, this community of professionals called “The Business of One” is a deeply essential part of our lives. And we’ll do everything we can to make sure they stay safe, well, and able to make money doing what they love.

CLICK HERE AND TELL US YOUR STORY OF HOW COVID-19 HAS AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS SO GINA RIVERA CAN FIGHT FOR YOU, SHORT TERM LOANS, AND RELIEF PROGRAMS FOR YOUR BUSINESSES IN DC!

Make sure to hashtag – #BusinessOfOne

xoxo,

Gina