Lifestyle

Remember the old saying “eyes are the window to your soul”, well they were right and with the latest eye enhancements options out there, you have no excuse for not showing off your beautiful orbs!

Be a bit dramatic – Really how show off your eyes with lash extensions.  Available in many lengths. The first appointment will take about 1 hour.  Your lash technician will walk you through the lash options specifically length and style (curly, slightly curled).  You may be tempted to go for the longest lashes available but beware if you wear sunglasses you will experience a bit of rubbing as your lashes will hit the front of lens making blinking a bit challenging.  If in doubt regarding the length and style then follow the advice of your lash technician as they will know what is best to support both your eye shape, face size and lifestyle.

A full set of lashes can cost between $100 – $250.  You may think it is a bit pricey but trust me it is so worth it!  Be ready to be amazed as you can now walk out the door with just a dusting of blush and a bit of gloss.  Get ready to look fabulous with little to no prep time!  To maintain your gorgeous lashes you will need to come back in for refills.  Like anything else hair related your eyelashes go through a growing phase which can last roughly 8 to 10 weeks, then they fall out and regenerate.  For the new lashes growing in you will need to apply a new lash extension so plan to revisit your lash tech every two to three weeks.  A “fill-in”
 as they are called can cost $45 – 75 per visit. 

One bit of advice, if you want your fabulous lashes to stay amazing then follow the care instructions given to you by your lash tech .  For example, stay away from facial Oils that are all the rage . They are not your friends and can negatively impact the adhesive used to apply your lashes.  And for those eye rubbers out there STOP.  Be gentle to your eyes, aggressive rubbing or washing in that area can dislodge your lashes forcing you to look a bit lopsided giving you a few long lashes followed by little mini-lashes.    You made the investment so try to take care!

Our favorite superstar of the lash world is Sheby McKiney from the famed Lashing Out located in Dallas. Check her out at lashingout.com

It is time to be bold – It is time to embrace a more natural, fluffy brow look and microblading techs have created new techniques that deliver on this new trend.  Working outside the lines Micro-blading techs can mimic a more natural brow look using a hand-held tool that houses up to 14 blades.  Multiple pigments are then implanted using small slices into the top skin layer.  These super fine slices mimic the look of your natural hair and will maintain their overall look for upwards of 6 months. 

I know you must be thinking “slices, OMG….slices”.  The treatment is next to painless and at its worst mimics the feeling of a papercut.  The most important bit of advice I have for you is be sure to visit with an experienced technician.  Research their credentials, look through their before and after pictures  and review the techs testimonials.  Expect to pay  $500- $800 for an experienced micro-blade technician.  

Want to enhance your eyes. Then check out these Gina’s Platform technicians near you.

These suite renter’s top tips help you translate the trends for real-life clients.

Buzz cuts and hoards of hair extensions look cool on the runways but how can you interpret the best spring trends for the clients in your suite? Choose the ones that play to your expertise and apply them for individuality.

Customized Dimension

Marco Pelusi takes the “defined pieces” trend and uses it blend gray.

Celebrity colorist and rental studio owner Marco Pelusi, Marco Pelusi Hair Studio, West Hollywood, CA, says that for spring, highlights and lowlights are becoming more defined and ombré is evolving. However, this doesn’t mean “chunky” color because most clients like it natural, he cautions.

“Using defined dimension is a great way to blend gray,” says Pelusi. “Ombré is not good for clients who have a relatively strong percentage of gray; they need highlights at the scalp area to blend the gray. There is also way to water down the trend by combining it with ombré or balayage. Soon, there will be a middle ground between an ombré and a defined highlight.”

At Salons by JC in Columbia, MD, Lindsay Bodner and Lauren Logan, who share the Elle Beauty Hair Studio suite, say that ombré and balayage are just the dimensional trends their clients want. For spring 2017, says Logan, brighter and warmer balayage is kicking cool tones to the curb.

“Caramel tones and balayage highlights that add movement are perfect for clients who you know will go darker with their color in winter,” notes Logan, who is an American Board Certified Haircolorist. “There are no real trends in cuts right now—it’s all about brighter color and styling techniques that show off movement and texture.”

Adds Bodner, “Trend interpretations are always based on hair texture, eye color and accenting the cheekbones.”

It’s easy to “up-trend” any client’s look with face-framing balayage highlights, say the duo. Don’t add too many if the client wants lower maintenance; add more for clients with curl.

Bread-and-butter clients need color that works with their skin tones, says Jen Thomas.

Track Global, Act Local

Jen Thomas, whose Sola Salon Suite, Jen Thomas Hairfiber Artist, is in Overland Park, KS, says that taking part in local fashion shows keeps her abreast of trends, and that it’s her “beauty duty” to interpret them to suit her clients’ lifestyles, frequency of visits and willingness to adhere to home care.

“While Blorange is a hit on the fashion pages, I consider skin tones and how clients can wear a version of the color,” explains Thomas. “For brunettes, my inspiration comes from a toffee bar. Chocolate toffee is a rich brown but hidden within it are rich, tempered golds, which will catch the light and peek through without upsetting the balance of pink undertones in the skin.”

So, high-fashion trends may be exciting but translating them for real clients who pay the bills involves skin tone and hair type, lifestyle and commitment to upkeep. What are the best places to discover trends in the first place?

Soft balayage should enhance movement, says Lindsay Bodner.

Pelusi is right in the mix at every trade show, checking out the latest work and promoting his own hair care line. He also hosts education right in his rental studio—most recently for Aloxxi’s Andiamo Express Permanent Colour.

Bodner and Logan say they rely on websites like behindthechair and fashion-trend sites, as well as social media posts by celebrity stylists. While the traditional magazines like Vogue and Elle tell Thomas what’s happening with fashions, she looks for clues as to what’s upstream for hair.

“This year I am seeing details in clothing, meaning that hair will be simpler so as not to compete,” says Thomas. “The more bohemian fashions call for a looser yet controlled look.”

Thanks to Facebook, Thomas also networks with stylists worldwide, watching Australian and Turkish stylists for trends in dressing hair.

“I keep a mannequin in my room for practicing the looks,” she adds. “I also watch European stylists, so I can see what colors are coming next season. Paying close attention to the release of the new Pantone trends helps me see where home decorating and clothing accessory trends are going—hair will be a reflection of these.” (Think bright, vivid or earthy for 2017.)

Be in Touch with the Final Touch

Whether you “do it all” or not, knowing makeup trends can help you suggest lipstick shades that work with a new hair color and more. Accomplished freelance makeup artist Shannon Nemec, who is currently considering a suite rental around her Kansas City, KS, area says that she follows professional makeup Facebook groups and attends The Makeup Show, which includes education on trends and how to incorporate them.

Shannon Nemec takes the makeup trend in metallics and makes it wearable. (Photo: Rachel Rigler Photography)

“This spring and summer, look to metallics for eye shadows, eyeliner, lip color and gloss; a neutral eye with a bold red lip or natural makeup—all with good skin,” says Nemec. “For younger clients, a wash of neutral metallic eye shadow keeps them on-trend in a wearable way. If they want something bolder, go with a graphic metallic eyeliner or lip color.”

Because metallics tend to accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, she shifts tactics for more mature clients.

“Older clients can still be trendy with a soft neutral eye shadow, a touch of eyeliner and mascara, and a bold red lip,” notes Nemec. “Regardless of age or the look you are going for, the basis for any good makeup application is a good skincare regime.”

Pair up and trend-trade with estheticians and makeup artists, and you’ll be able to talk about it all, like the savvy personal beauty advisor that today’s clients want.

Today, Suite Renters Have More Choices Than Ever in Free or Affordable Training.

Suite renters want educational opportunities that are convenient, affordable and fun, and suite owners are obliging. Naturally, manufacturers want to connect with suite renters directly, so they were the first to send educators marching in. But now, private educators, renters who are also trainers and even educational reimbursements are coming into play. What’s notable here: Employee-stylists often complain about mandatory training sessions they aren’t paid to attend, but suite renters, who opt-in, are demanding and getting the quality education they need.

Stage Shows and Beyond

Thanks to economies of scale, Sola Salon Studios offers the Holy Grail: The Sola Sessions, which feature several educators and are held in hotel ballrooms across the country. Vendors often have an area for their own “Side Sessions” supplemental education, and nearly 200 salon professionals gathered at the most recent one in Dallas. Phenix Salon Suites held its first “Education Experience” in late 2015, featuring workshops from its own Phenix International Artistic Team. But even smaller operations can help renters stay up to date. For instance, Style Suites notes at its website that it reimburses renters for attendance at a hair show or workshop of their choice and offers the opportunity to have all of Ohio’s CE hours paid for by the company.

Jon Haigwood, president of the new Salon Independence in Columbus, IN, is a licensed cosmetologist and former salon owner who remains part owner of Salon Concepts. In his own operation, he applies everything he has learned in his extensive beauty-industry career. He says that education hasn’t changed much; perhaps, it’s just more in-demand in suites. To that end, he offers renters various options. The most common education classes are coordinated through himself and local distributors.

Jon Haigwood says renters at Salon Independence can request classes. They currently favor ones in high-ticket hair extensions and smoothing services.

“First we find a venue, then, working with distributors and manufacturers, we secure top-quality educators and sell discounted tickets to our renters,” says Haigwood. “We usually invite stylists from outside our operation to create awareness of our educational agenda. We also hold several smaller, hands-on classes within our building that are typically free to our stylists. Additionally, local accountants will conduct free educational seminars for our stylists.”

Technical Versus Business Training

At iStudio Salons, the marketing department once taught many of the official classes that were tailored to help renters succeed. According to Brittani Johnson, iStudio Salons’ Marketing Manager, these included Intro to Studio Ownership, Tips and Tricks to Generate New Clients, Beginner Social Media, Intermediate Social Media, Advanced Social Media, Website Design & Development and iStudio Salons Website, which taught renters how complete a successful profile on the corporate site. While these were held at the corporate-office conference room, Pivot Point haircutting classes were held in a hotel.

Pivot Point’s cutting classes got a big turnout at iStudio Salons.

“The cutting classes were $75 each and the others were free,” says Johnson. “In the end, the Pivot Point classes were the most popular. Now we’re revamping our educational offerings. We want to bring in experts who relate to salon professionals, who also provide content that will be of value to them.

“We’re arranging speakers for a business-management component that’s geared toward small business owners and will include social-media marketing. We are attempting to have the educators within our community teach others, as well. Additionally, we’re looking into a social-media training portal geared towards hairstylists, which we can provide to our renters. In the interim, we’re scheduling one-on-one sessions with our salon professionals to provide marketing guidance.”

The Future of Education

While many manufacturers are investing heavily in on-line education and videos, hairdressers who check them out and share them still crave local hands-on learning classes. When they pay to travel to the big shows, they want to see friends and industry social media stars. And while most say they want education to be “pure business” what they really mean is that they don’t want technical classes to be all about product sales. When it comes to learning about accounting and running a business, creative beauty pros want education to be visual, not boring.

“Stylists are ‘hands-on’ individuals who learn more effectively at a hands-on event,” notes Haigwood. “I believe videos are an effective way to gain stylists’ interest, as well as to educate them in areas of product knowledge. But when it comes to creativity, hands-on education will always prevail.”

Adds Johnson, “In the future, I see our education being easy and accessible for our salon professionals. We genuinely care about them and their success, and want to provide valuable education that re-energizes them and helps them build their craft.”

It’s easy to form an LLC but what it can and can’t do might surprise you.

Susan Karow says you can even file an LLC to “hold” a name if you plan on renting in the future.

Susan Karow formed an LLC to protect her suite’s business name, Simply Gorgeous. Located inside Salon de Luxe in Sun Prairie, WI, Simply Gorgeous is branded as the place where everyone feels gorgeous.

Says Karow, “I did it right after I opened my own suite in 2011. My accountant recommended it but not for financial reasons. I had mistakenly named my salon the same as another, and becoming an LLC protects the name of my business. I had to go through rebranding once and didn’t want to do it again!”

How easy was it? Karow says it took her half an hour to fill out an online form. “You do have to file an annual report, but that’s really easy,” she adds.

The DYI Conundrum

Lots of websites let you create an LLC online. Just Google LLC and your state, and you’ll find plenty of options. Fees can be as low as $25 on state sites; national Legal Zoom charges $149 plus fees. But, is really that simple? Naturally, the answer is yes and no.

Some states require a professional license for a professional LLC, others have just one type. Many states have LLC renewal fees. At IncFile.com, an interactive map lets you see the basics in your state—for instance, the state fee in IL is $500 and you must have an in-state agent. But, there’s no indication how current some online information is, and some sites contradict one another.

Says John Blake, CPA, who is a partner with the NJ-based accounting firm of Klatzkin & Company LLP, where he specializes in taxation of small businesses, closely held companies and high-net-worth individuals, “ It is easy to miss something that is state specific if you use a legal website. We always tell our clients to make sure that they have consulted with a business attorney to make sure that they have set up their business the way that is best for them. Usually, state websites are helpful but you have to dig around to find what you are looking for.”

Accountant or CPA to start? CPA John Blake notes that he has a license on the line, just like a licensed stylist, plus his offices aren’t “seasonal” like many come-and-go accountants.

When it comes to state-to-state differences, he says, just a few factors to be aware of include: “Whether or not they are subject to sales tax. Whether or not the state has a franchise tax which is different than income tax. Whether or not there is an annual report that needs to be filed.

And, is there an added tax for a professional license?”

The upshot: Nearly all suite renters who replied to a Facbook post about forming an LLC said they did it online, but most professionals recommend using a business attorney—and not because they just want your money. In fact, many renters may be forming LLCs for all the wrong reasons.

Myths and Reality

According to Blake, from a tax perspective, there is no difference between a single-member LLC and a self-employed individual. “One of the biggest adjustments that has to be made is the fact that the owner now has to make estimated tax payments quarterly,” he notes.

However, there are some major myths. For instance, the idea that an LLC protects your personal assets if you are ever sued. Not so, says Blake, “Generally speaking, if the owner of a single-member LLC does something that is negligent, then he or she can be sued personally.”

An LLC stands for Limited Liability Corporation and it’s the limited part renters need to understand. An LLC acts as a “veil” of protection against business liabilities (loans, debts), not a “wall.” A legal tactic called “piercing the corporate veil” is often sought in court by those looking to hold an LLC owner personally responsible for things like debts. Usually, it comes down to creditors showing that the LLC and you are not really separate and distinct. If you paid business bills with a personal check, accepted business checks not made out to the LLC, did something illegal or mixed assets and finances (among other things), chances are good your “veil” will be pierced.

Additionally, in every state, those with an LLC are still personally liable for wrongdoing committed in the course of business, such as burning a client’s scalp due to negligence. If your LLC has more than one member, this gets even more complex.

Blake notes that renters who share a suite and an LLC should have a partnership agreement and understand that a partnership tax return must be filed. These are just a few of the reasons you should speak to a business attorney about forming the type of business that offers the protection you want.

Another myth is that you can deduct more business expenses if you form an LLC. (This idea actually appeared on a salon-industry focused website.) Says Blake, “It is not true that you can deduct more expenses as a LLC vs. a self-employed individual. You can deduct the same expenses on both, as long as you can justify them as legitimate business expenses.”

What’s In A Name

Lastly comes Karow’s name protection. She achieved her goal in that she’ll never have to rebrand again, because state agencies won’t allow two businesses to have the same name. However, her name claim only applies to her home state and formal business entities—not individuals.

No matter unless you have clients flying in from Paris. But if you think that one day, you’ll launch an international hair care brand, there are other ways to protect your business name. Start here for a few ideas, then talk to an attorney.

NOTE: This article is not intended as legal advice. It is always recommended that you work with a local business attorney when forming a legal entity.