Creating an inclusive space with Chrystal L.
Chrystal L. and I go back a ways! It’s been about 4 years or so since Chrystal and I spoke for the first time on a FB call. It has truly been amazing to watch her grow over the past few years and create a platform and business where stylists can evolve and grow in ALL ways! Enjoy our interview my friends!
1. WHY DID YOU START THE BEAUTY COLLECTIVE? WHAT IS THE MISSION BEHIND IT?
I started The Beauty Collective to revolutionize the beauty industry by educating our present and future beauty leaders/professionals that DEIAB is not optional but necessary, particularly inside the space that they occupy. This is a movement of beauty professionals working together to discuss the topics that will revolutionize the beauty industry. Our mission is to cultivate more inclusive leaders, more diverse salon offerings, and a world of judgment-free spaces by providing free resources and tools, online educational programs, and support.
2. WHAT IS THE ONE THING A STYLIST OR OWNER CAN DO TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE SPACE TO SERVE ALL CLIENTS AND HAIR TEXTURES?
I believe the first step is to make sure that everyone working inside the salon space has been trained, understands the ins and outs of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB), and is committed to working together to create a salon space that is safe and inclusive for all clients and hair textures.
The next step is to create a welcoming environment where all clients with all hair textures can see themselves reflected in your salon space, and feel like they belong. This is achieved by being intentional about marketing materials and products, ensuring that people who are differently abled have access to your space, salon chairs, and furniture, and ensuring that all stylists are proficient in doing all hair textures and services. By focusing on these concepts, not only diverse clients will feel valued and cared for, but also salons will ultimately benefit in many ways as a result of having more knowledgeable staff who can offer a variety of services for all hair types, which increases clientele, which leads to an increase in revenue, and in turn creates a safe, welcoming environment for all.
3. WHAT IS THE ONE THING WE CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO CONTINUE TO SHIFT OUR INDUSTRY AND MAKE IT MORE INCLUSIVE?
I believe that promoting, elevating the voices of, and creating spaces for stylists of color is one way we can change our industry and make it more inclusive. There are numerous stylists of color who are experts in different hair textures and services, and yet, as a community, the beauty industry continues to promote and market the same individuals. The beauty industry is composed of many different people of different colors, sizes, shapes, abilities, and backgrounds and is obliged to include those same people who also bring diverse voices, perspectives, and services to the industry. The efforts in seeking out stylists of color who are equally qualified and experienced to be the faces of beauty brands and professional development should be intensified.
4. I HEAR YOU SAY “SLAY YOUR BUSINESS” ALL THE TIME, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
The SLAY method is a trademarked process to help you scale your business no matter where you currently are. It stands for
Self-reflect and confront
Listen and learn
Acknowledge where you are and how you got here
You are now ready to diversify and multiply!
Self-Reflect & Confront - Building a business that SLAYS requires self-accountability, ownership, and reflection.
Listen & Learn - Failing is a part of the process. Your open-mindedness & how you LEARN from your mistakes is where you will see transformation.
Acknowledge Where You Are - It’s easy to compare yourself to others. Remember all of the hard work it has taken to get to where you are!
You Are Ready - You are now ready to diversify & multiply! Now that you know what it takes to SLAY, you can start building your inclusive beauty business!
5. WHAT DOES DEI REALLY MEAN?
I like to break things down in the simplest terms and how it applies to everyday life and in our business.
Diversity-The presence of difference ..it asks “ Who is here”
Equity-Is it fair and just treatment for all …it asks “Whose needs are being met”
Inclusivity-Encouraging and embracing the differences.. it asks “Who is heard”
Access-Is an openness to all.. it asks “Who can participate”
Belonging-Is identification with a community it asks…“who feels welcomed”
5. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED AS A SALON OWNER?
The biggest lesson I have learned as a salon owner is that life is a process, and where I am today is not where I will be tomorrow. That nothing beats a failure except not trying. Also, the value of seeking professional advice is the number one thing you can do to invest in growing because building a salon business can be a complex and challenging process, and it's important to have a strong support system in place. I wish I knew the value of seeking professional advice, whether it be from an accountant, financial advisor, or business coach. These experts can provide valuable insights and guidance to help navigate the financial aspects of building a salon business.
Psst! Free resources are a click away!
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In this interactive E-Book for commission owners, you will find step by step tips on how to create a strong culture stylists want to be a part of. Why policies are important and how to use a digital intake form to increase sales.
How to increase profit with key benchmarks and understanding product costs. How to understand your break even number so you know how much it takes to JUST to cover expenses.
And how to be a strong leader that has clear vision and a path for growth and support for your growing team.
***There is also a quiz on the new school and old school mindset. Where do you fall?
***Be sure to Download your Ebook within 24 hours of purchase!