5 mistakes I made in my business so you don’t have to

I have a question for you.. Can growth happen without challenges?

Our business is ever changing and evolving and if we want significant growth within our business, challenges are inevitable – However, the more we can learn from others along the way the more we can avoid some roadblocks, and speed up the path to the success we are working towards.

Here are 5 of the mistakes I made in the beginning of my business, that by overcoming has propelled me forward to more hairstyling business success than I’d ever dreamt of!

1.       Not creating a clear brand

In the beginning I thought branding was an exciting mix of colours, a logo and a business name.. There’s no doubting these are fun to create and a necessary part of branding, but there is certainly more to be done to get enquiries overflowing from ideal clients who know our worth and are prepared to pay for it.

We need to know our reason why we do what we do, our brand values, brand message, who our ideal client is and how we offer a solution to their problem before we can begin attracting them. The more we can niche down with our brand message, the more we will attract the right clients.

2.       Not communicating my services effectively

As a natural creative I’m not a natural sales person. I found it more than difficult to talk my services up and really sell myself for a while there. I didn’t want it to feel sleazy, slimy or inauthentic. I realised that the alternative to not communicating my services was to not have my business for much longer this meaning I wouldn’t be able to do what I love every day. I made the decision to work out the truth of what it is that I absolutely love to create, who I can help by creating this for, and the points of difference that are unique to me and my business whilst doing it. Confidence comes more and more as we begin and see the progress we make along the way.

3.       Not having processes for my styling and biz

Process equals confidence. Anywhere we can create a process inn our business and hairstyling, we should in my opinion. Processes take the guesswork out and make areas of our business run like clockwork.

4.       Letting client opinions run my business

Avoiding being influenced by opinions around us can be difficult at the best of times and breaking our own rules to keep a client happy seems to be more common than not. Business is business and if a client has a question, there is absolutely nothing wrong with giving a direct ad honest answer that is aligned with your values and terms and conditions with kindness of course. Remember – you are the boss of your business ad have the freedom and flexibility to protect your peace.

5.       Not focused on what I’m great at and outsourcing the rest

In the beginning of putting our new business out there we are usually in the learning phase. We usually have more time than we do money during this stage of business so learning how to do tasks ourselves makes more sense than investing in someone else to do it for us. As our business grows and develops, it no longer makes sense for us to be wearing all of the hats, and employing others to take the areas of business that take us too long or we don’t enjoy implementing off our plate makes much more sense. I suggest working in your one of genius as much as you can, and outsourcing as much of the other tasks as possible.

There we are 5 mistakes for you to avoid in order moving your business closer to your goals. If you would like to be walked through these points in more detail and supported through making these changes in your business, my online program Polished Skills is for you! You can check it out here and as always, feel free to jump into my DM’s over on Instagram with any questions.

5 Steps to textured upstyling

Textured styling doesn’t have to be difficult. Proven systems with textured styling will save you time and stress.

The reason it is important to learn and master the art of this type of styling is because when you have the right products, tools and technique framework, you will save so much time creating seamless solid balanced styles without the worry of how they will turn out.

When I started out it was overwhelming trying to really nail down the art of textured styling.

There’s so much to learn and it’s all stuff you don’t learn at hair school.

I know this because, funnily enough, the academy where I originally did my hair training 22 years ago is still offering pretty much the same hair-up training they were back then. Imagine my shock when I got a job there a few years back and was expected to teach these lessons that had barely evolved.

But.. The hairstyling world has changed SO much.

 With so much dated information and so many different ways of styling out there it can be difficult to know what the best way to create textured styles is.

This is why I have created my simplified textured styling process.

1.       The 3 elements I use in this process are:

-          Firstly, PRODUCT AND TOOL SELECTION Selecting the right products and tools for the style is imperative in ensuring a style that holds. Using enough product is another important factor of achieving a lasting style. Some of my favourite products to use are.. and since you are here with me today, you will be receiving my product and tool cheat sheet as a thank you!

-          PRIMING THE STYLE Starting with clean, dry hair will save time, but this hair tends to be soft. Using a priming product in dry hair before beginning will add grip to get the style to last.

-          From here we follow the 5 STEP TEXTURED STYLING FRAMEWORK which includes:

1.       HAIR PREPARATION direction in which to section and create movement on for the desired style

2.       BACKCOMBING for a solid and even base to anchor pins into and give a secure, lasting style

3.       POSITIONING the hair to build the flow of the style by smoothing the top layer of teasing into shape

4.       SECURING with pins and elastics, add padding if necessary, using secure pinning techniques.

5.       FINALISING face framing tendtrils, spray evenly.

I also have a short 3 step video available here for those of you who’d like to see more of this in action.

These are the steps I follow for each style I create. This is not about me though, it’s about you. Where would you sit on a scale of 1-10 with your styling process, do you have foolproof steps to follow every time?

Are you ready to step up and make a decision to focus on improving this area of your business?

If you’re needing more support, you can check out my online learning options. I would love to walk you through this process and trouble shoot any questions you may have.

Get off the content creation merry go round

Have you ever felt that you, and your business growth are at the mercy of social media?

Are you always thinking of your next piece of content to create only for it to get consumed in seconds, or worse even.. completely scrolled past and not enjoyed at all.

We all know that creating content for our social media is an amazing strategy for growing and developing our business, and hitting our individual biz goals – I don’t know about you, but I have certainly had my moments in the past of content creation literally feeling like less of an amazing strategy and more like some crazy roller coaster I can’t get off…

After much trial and error, I have come to realise that when we have a plan in place to underwhelm us from what could easily do the opposite, content creation is actually a beast that can be tamed, and part of our business - that we can actually even have fun with.an integral

It’s all so much more fun when you know how, let me share my learnings with you real quick!

Here are my best 10 tips on how to simplify this huge task of creating engaging yet simple content:

1.         Batch content creation, editing, caption writing

Batching is key to our content sanity and makes that much more sense than playing the short game. By batching I mean organising sessions where we focus on one job of the content creation at a time. It may be preparing our model or mannequin once, then filming 5 or so styles on them to create reels out of. It may be editing all of these reels or writing all of the captions for them in one sitting. Once you get on a roll with each task type, you will be much more productive than if you were to chop and change tasks as you go.

2.         Make many pieces out of one piece of content

If you have a piece of content go well – you know it’s a topic your audience loves insight on. Expand that content – make it into a reel, blog post, story, pictorial, infographic slide, podcast.. however you can use it, go for it!

3.         Reuse Content

Build a library of content that you can reuse in your busy periods.. You could change up the caption, add a different cover image, or just post it in exactly the same way – not everyone is going to see every single post you put out.

4.         Create buckets of content to pull from – Some of the different content types you may

Like to choose from could be tutorial reels, quotes, testimonials, tips and hints, hair inspo, product features, offers you have available and blog posts.

5.         Use a content calendar

A content calendar is a great way to organise your posts over a period of time to set and forget.. Meaning that you could organise your posts once a month, schedule them to be posted and not worry again until the following month.

6.         Create the content you enjoy creating

Create more of the stuff you love to put together. When you do this, it doesn’t even feel like work – and as a bonus you will attract the clients you will connect with on a deep level, who want what you love to create.

7. Make sure you inspire, educate or entertain in each post

Here’s a crash course on how not to get scrolled past so fast – add some value to your followers life.. You can do this by concentrating on inspiring – posting photos of what your clients could have if they book with you, educating – how to’s on different topics, or entertain – let them know more about you and your personality..

8. Keep a consistent aesthetic

Find what works for you and stick with it.. Colours, fonts and a backdrop that you love and is achievable.

9. Ask your audience

Not sure what content to create next? You could always put it out there to your audience. Asking them what they would like to see more of through a question sticker on your stories, or asking them through a poll with some content options could help you to prioritise what content you could create next.

10. Book the time to create your content in like any other meeting, booking or task in your business. It might not feel like you get paid for creating content for yourself.. but you actually do. Imagine this as your marketing budget.. Instagram is free.. and given you have an insta page, you no longer have to advertise in the local paper, on tv etc.

There you have it.. my best content creation tips. The consensus is that it’s certainly possible for you to flourish with your content creation and in turn online growth in this environment..

If you need more help with this, hmu with your questions, or check out Polished Skills - your one stop shop to creating a streamlined profitable business and effortless textured styles with confidence and ease.

Pricing 101 - How to price your hairstyling service

Here’s a question that is often a tough one for us creative business owners to answer..

What is my service worth?

 Have you ever struggled with answering this for yourself? I know I most certainly have in the past.

 Over time, I have managed to become confident creating service pricing and talking about what I charge to clients. 

 Keep reading for my favourite actionable tips!

Do your research

Try Googling every local stylist near you, and see what they charge. Collate as much information as you can about this. Take a look at what the breakdown is like of prices for different services, what is included in this price - what are the travel costs, do they charge more for adding extensions or padding, are trials compulsory, are there a minimum number of styles created per booking?

Make it fair

Think about what is good and fair for you when pricing your service, as well as what is good and fair for your client. Offering a service for less than feels right for you is a breeding ground for resentment and less enjoyment of your job. We want to love what we do and create the opportunity for a fair exchange that feels good to both of us.

Factor in all costs, not just the service on the day

There are many elements that cost us money to service our clients needs. From website maintenance & costs, time that goes into creating and editing content used to inspire and educate prospective clients, the apps and data we use, time doing admin with emails and phone calls back and forth, cleaning equipment and packing our case, time and money maintaining your kit and replacing professional products, and fueling and servicing our car just to name a few. These puzzle pieces will eat into our profit really quickly if not considered when developing our pricing structure.

Test your pricing

The only way to get to the sweet spot with what to charge is by testing your pricing. By sweet spot I mean a transaction that is equally beneficial to you, and your client. By testing your pricing, I mean putting it out there and seeing what response you get. If you are inundated with more enquiries and bookings than you can handle, why not put your prices up. There’s no rule – you can decide to do this at any time.

Have confidence in yourself

And confidence in the offers you have created. Clients want to buy a service from a stylist who offers a quality experience and is confident in charging their fee for it. Make it a worthy exchange for both of you with no fear attached.

I trust you have found these thoughts around pricing useful, and they will help you move forward with the confidence to establish your own pricing that feels good for you.

 You are here reading this and focusing on the growth of your business so believe me when I say you are worth every cent you charge and more.

TRUST YOUR GIFT OF HAIRSTYLING

For a step by step strategy for all things hairstyling business and styling hair - check out my online program Polished Skills!

Justine x

Short hair styling trends 2022

Gone are the days of brides, bridesmaids and event goers growing out their locks for an upcoming special occasion. With a modern array of effortless styling options for shorter hair up and down styling; and with a cohesive look for bridesmaids overriding the clone style this season, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate those in tune enough to embrace and rock their shorter lengths.

 

Here are some of my favourite ways to style shorter hair for an event:

Deep side part

One of my most popular requested looks, waves with a deep side part and completed with a statement accessory piece. I love this style because it is just as effective and stunning on any length, but really a show-stopper on a bob length style.

Twisted half up

The perfect mix of hair up and down with a boho edge. This style is a popular one for bridesmaids and beach weddings. I love the way it can be worn with a lot or little hair around the face depending on the desired result.

Low Bun

I love a low bun on bob length hair as it is often unexpected that it would be possible to create this, making it seem like the hair up is created with longer hair. As a bonus, we have the perfect face framing length to work with..

High bun

Much like the low bun with the perfect face framing pieces, the high bun also is one that can surprise people with getting those lengths up in this way. With a clever pinning technique, we can secure the style with it still looking super effortless. I also love leaving shorter pieces out around the nape for softness.

Modern french roll

Perfect for lovers of sleek and simple. I love the modern French roll as it suits everyone - from bride to bridesmaid and mother of the bride. This style is the perfect accompaniment to a high or statement gown neckline.

Wet Look

Chic and sexy, the wet look always looks super modern minimalist. This style works so beautifully on shorter lengths for our edgy bride.

Textured half knot

Keeping it relaxed, simple and modern with a textured half knot is a soft and sweet look for brides and bridesmaids. Finish with stacked slide pins for a super modern feel.

Volume swept back

Sweeping hair off the face can be so face flattering, and give a sexy, effortless feel to a brides look. Also, this style is the perfect choice in any weather.

Statement accessory

For my bling lovers - short hair teamed with a beautiful accessory is a vibe. My tip - make the accessory the focal point and create a soft and subtle style around it to still give an effortless feel.

sleek and smooth

Understated with simplicity, the humble smooth blow-wave is making a comeback in a big way. I just love the way it makes such a statement on this length hair.

There you have it my short haired friends, plenty of stunning options to get you embracing your length for your next special outing!

Modern midi

Such a popular look this season, mid height with chunky face framing. The key with this look? Leave your perfection at the door and allow pieces to spike out to add edginess to the style.

Mini pony

Ponytails aren’t just reserved for those with all the length. Mid length perky pony’s have proven to be just as fun this season, and have shown us that not every pony needs extensions to be beautiful.

There you have it.. numerous options of how to rock your short hair at any event this season!

If you’re a stylist wanting more confidence with styling these shorter hair lengths, you’ll love my upcoming online program Polished Skills - Short Hair Mini Series. Sign up to the waitlist here.

For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow me on Instagram!

How to prepare your hair for an event

You’ve been invited to an event - yay! or you’ve set the date for your wedding - yay yay! The excitement’s beginning to set in. Now is the time to put your mind to good use. This is where the fun begins - outfit selection, makeup and nail decisions, and of course.. What to do with your hair.

I am going to take you through all of my tips and hints for a successful event hair experience.

Trials

Hair trials are a fantastic idea to take the stress and guess work out of your special day. Whether you have a hairstyle in mind you’d like to go with or not, a hair trial will give you piece of mind.

Having a hair trial at Polished Style is a unique service, not just a practice hair-up or style.

I believe that in order you feel relaxed and certain about your style choice on your day, exploring options prior is key. That’s why my trials are structured as follows:

A 90 minute thorough consult together, we will talk through your vision for your ultimate wedding hair, and I will offer guidance for bringing your dream hair to life.

You will leave with your very own individual style creation, a solid plan for timings for your day, and a suite of photos for you to look back on.

Hair Extensions

If you already have a hairstyle in mind, there are a couple of very important things to contemplate before committing to it. Do you have the natural length, thickness, and amount of hair required to achieve the look, and is your hair capable of holding the particular chosen style on it’s own, ie. do curls usually just drop out? If the answer is no, clip in hair extensions are a great solution.

If unsure, a consultation is a great idea to gain clarity and tailor a plan on whether adding clip in extensions, or creating a different hairstyle to fulfill your brief would be the best option.

Our Polished Style team are available via email to answer these questions for you.

Hair Preparation

The best way to prepare your hair for your event is to:

• Wash your hair the day before for up-styling and normal hair types down-styling. Naturally oily or super fine hair types, and guests wanting a volume blow wave may need to shampoo hair the morning of the event.

• Let hair dry naturally or blow dry it. Refrain from using hair irons as they flatten the hair too much and it becomes difficult to add any volume back in. If possible, add a mousse to your hair when wet, this will give hair and extra layer of hold.

• Arrive with hair product free. Oil based products can make the hair too flat and limp, and could affect your style lasting.

Choosing a Hairstyle

Where to start? Maybe those amazing shoes that caught your eye last week would make the perfect start to your event style and you can begin to create a look from the feet up, perhaps you saw a celeb rocking a look you just have to draw inspo from and give it your own spin! Could it be that you borrowed a dress from your sister and want to style your hair, make up and accessories to make it your own. Or you might even be looking to revamp an outfit you have worn before, so it feels just as amazing as the first time you put it on.

Whatever the case, there is the perfect hairstyle to suit you, your outfit and your occasion and this is only measured by how fabulous you feel wearing it!

I find the best way to narrow options is a process of elimination. First, start with thinking about the best style to suit your outfit neckline. Then, ask yourself, will your hair be up or down? Soft, messy or structured? Accessorised heavily, a little, or not at all? Will it be simple to compliment your outfit or the stand out feature?

Your hair plan will no doubt become more detailed as the process moves along - So much fun to be had!

Accessories and Hair Bling

Depending on the look you’re going for, fresh flowers, flower crowns, fascinators, clips, head pieces, crowns, and veils can be the perfect detail to finish off your look. It’s the perfect opportunity to give your look the finishing touch to up-level your overall look.

Colouring Hair for your Event

If you usually colour your hair, it’s a great idea to time your hair colour appointment so it is scheduled to fall just before your event. I recommend 1 week prior so your hair colour will be settled beautifully for your special day.

If time is on your side with the lead up to your event, and you’re thinking of a colour change, let your colourist know as soon as possible so they can begin the process of working toward your dream colour.

Visit our bookings page for enquiries.

Justine x

Polished Style

Quick + simple styles to take you from 9-5

.Here’s a fun fact for some of you that are new to my world…

I’ve been in the hair industry for almost 20 years! Covering a diverse range of roles in the trade, it’s been a passion and a love that has served me well.

If I am true to myself, the one thing that stands out for me and I believe it has kept me passionate about it for so long is the ability to see a person’s self confidence change and grow in a mere hour or so in the chair.

As I style their tresses my clients have always felt comfortable letting me into their worlds and I’ve always felt very privileged to share in this. Over the couple of hours we spend together, a lot of time with champagne in hand, it warms me to watch a renewed goddess emerge. It’s addictive!

Mum life can hit you hard. Work life can be all consuming. This can result in a hair-do rut and sometimes we could do with a little reminder of some quick and simple styles that can take you from “mum to martinis’ or “corporate to cocktails””!

Revive your day to day look and give your confidence a kick start with simple fresh looks.

Justine x

Polished Style

Here’s my top 10 ideas for stylish yet fuss free hair…

1. Sleek Ponytail - So simple yet oozes style and class, especially when paired with a centre part. Throw on a statement earring and take the look from office to bar in no time.

2. Braided Crown - Super fun style. This always looks more complex than it is, easy yet giving a very effective result. Depending on your hair length, a part down the centre, two plaits secured with bobby pins and you’re there. I do this one on my daughter too. #twinningiswinning

3. Half up half down - I gotta say this is an absolute go to for me, cutesy yet stylish. I love this on days I want hair out but don’t want it on my face. You can also take this one up a notch with the addition of a hair scarf or scrunchie around the ponytail.. So chic!

4. High Pony - This has to be one of my faves, Kate Beckinsale eat your heart out! Wrapping a strand of hair from the ponytail around the hair tie really gives it a more polished and professional look. It’s always just the little tweaks that make the biggest difference!

5. Slick Back - So great when meeting the girls for cocktails, but no time for a good shampoo and blow dry! (Feeling me?!) A little hairspray and comb back, some rocking jewels and you’re set. Damn girl!

6. Side Braid - Every mid to long hair gal should be down with how to achieve a side fishtail braid. It’s a skill and hand me down trick that is actually easier than the humble plait, but not many people realise it.

7. Low Bun - I’ve been known to rock this on a lot then out to dinner or straight to the gym even. I love it with a strong side part and slicked with a little gel or hairspray. Perfect just before wash day style.

8. Top Knot - So popular because of it’s ease and how wonderful it feels to have hair off your face that I had to give it a mention. Messy or neat, It’s a style winner especially when coupled with a statement lip!

9. Half Top Knot with Bun - This on trend look has my heart at the minute. Totally adorable! I particularly dig it on the shorter to mid length blunt cut styles.

10. Inverted Pony - I am totally showing my age again! But come on guys, we all remember the topsytail tool that were all the rage in the ‘90’s? Well look out world that style is making a comeback, but this time you can achieve it with your hands. A little more detailed than the usual pony and a beautiful soft addition to a half up / half down look as well.

I’m off to kinder pick up then dinner with my husband, rocking the topsytail as I go!