Episode #16: Salon Leadership with Leanna Villanueva

Ready to take the plunge? In this episode, join us as we follow Leanna on her daring move from one bustling salon to an even bigger one in another city. With her wealth of experience as a leader and a team that’s already achieved great success, find out how she keeps everyone motivated and drives them to even greater heights!

Transcript

Cameron [00:00:14] Welcome back to another episode of The Chair Episode. This is the New Year, and you were actually my first interview for the New Year, Leanna!

Leanna [00:00:23] I'm so excited. Thank you. 

Cameron [00:00:25] And yeah, happy to have you on. So Leanna was the owner of a salon, a very successful salon in our area called Catwalk Salon. And now she is the owner of Halo Salon. And remind me where you're located. Are you in Longview? 

Leanna [00:00:40] Yes. So it's in the middle of Washington. I call it the hidden gem. 

Cameron [00:00:44] It is the hidden gem. 

Leanna [00:00:46]  It's a really cute little town with a river running through it.

Cameron [00:00:50] It is very cute. And when I went and taught your class there, it was over the river and through the woods to get to you. Yeah, it was awesome. I loved it. And it's a super cute town. But what we're on here to talk about today is, you know, making a transition into a new journey or making that leap. And I have an episode, an early episode about going from a big salon to a suite salon. But in your case, you went from a big salon to a big salon, so you just sold your salon and started fresh. 

Leanna [00:01:21] Yeah. So that was a journey. Actually. Catwalk started very small and it was just me when I opened. Then, you know, you put your ads out and you slowly start getting leasers, and then all of a sudden we start winning all these awards like number one in Kent Reporter. Top 200 salons with L'Oreal in the United States, I was like, shocked. Like, is this real? Yes, it was real because they came out with this amazing product called Pro Fiber. And so we were like selling a lot of that, although it is discontinued in the US now and just in Europe. But that was really cool and we grew so fast. So from there, we knocked down a wall and we expanded. So that's within a year. And then after that we literally my best advice from somebody up there in Seattle, said Lianne. Remember in the city, less is more. And so we were to that point where we were taking out a chair to put down the lash table, microblading table, we literally used every inch cranny. Now at this time, it's COVID. So you guys all now you reevaluate your life. I love my salon, but I did not want to live in the city anymore. I just wanted some more like peace in my life. I don't want to be in that traffic. So I moved to Longview and everybody kind of freaked out. But now Catwalk was going for six years at this time. And when you have a successful company and it's built you always need to be there. Now, that was a really good test for me because when I first moved to Longview and I would drive back up to Catwalk, I would freak out in my head. It's going to be so messy. It's going to be this and that. And I would walk in and I'm like, Wow, okay, it looks beautiful. So I'm actually grateful that God had me move away because now I know with Halo, like I can go on vacation, I can have some freedom. I'm not hostage to my own salon. So that was a great test. So from there I know Catwalk to another location, 1700 square feet. And at this time I knew I wasn't going to have Catwalk, but I was setting it up to sell. And I also care about my staff and I knew we were outgrown and I wanted them to be set when I leave, so I moved Catwalk for them. That was actually my last meeting with them. 

Cameron [00:03:53] So you moved Catwalk to a larger space for them? 

Leanna [00:03:55] Yeah. Yeah. And at this time I started working at Halo. I didn't own Halo yet. And then eight months into it, the owner of Halo decided she's going to move to Arizona and asked if I ever wanted another salon. So, I prayed really hard. And I think it's from God because it literally fell into my hands. And then one of my stylists bought Catwalk and it moved fast. This is two months and I wasn't the owner April 1st and I'm the owner April 1st. Halo Now Halo is almost 5000 square feet. 

Cameron [00:04:27] It's a beautiful place. 

Leanna [00:04:29] Yeah. So I say, you know, if that's your journey and where God wants to take you, do it because we get so attached to our name. But if you have the opportunity to grow and grow bigger, then and you have to move and you have all that knowledge and I say, do it. We can't just live, you know, you got to live outside of your comfort zone. 

Cameron [00:04:55] Yes. And honestly, if you're not uncomfortable, then you're not growing, right? 

Leanna [00:05:00] Exactly. 

Cameron [00:05:01] We talked about that. 

Leanna [00:05:02] Just not be fearful. A lot of salon owners, I think, are self-fearful. And you. But I just I mean, it's a gamble. It's a risk. And that's what I love about business. It's so fun playing the game. 

Cameron [00:05:15] It is. And your team is awesome because, you know, you're doing a hybrid situation. So you have commission and you have renters. 

Leanna [00:05:25] Yes. 

Cameron [00:05:26] So how does that work for you? Do you move some of your commission people into renters? Eventually? 

Leanna [00:05:32] I do, because for me, I've been in all positions. I've been an employee, I've been a leaser, I've been a salon owner, so I know the feeling of every single situation. So for me, I want to see this women grow within the company and also outside as woman. 

Cameron [00:05:50] Mm hmm. 

Leanna [00:05:51] And so if they're ready for that, then I want them. And they're good leasors, or employees in your company. Why would you lose them to go somewhere else when you have a good person that's team-oriented? I'm not going to not let them grow in the way they want to grow. 

Cameron [00:06:09] Absolutely. And you guys seem like such a great team. You know, everybody's happy. You have your social media people. You have the people that help you with your front desk, your retail, your you have a little boutique in there, too, like some items that you can purchase when you walk in; cute clothes and stuff. 

Leanna [00:06:27] Yeah it's so fun. So the boutique was a new journey for me, but it's really fun. So, you know, I love everything in beauty, fashion, and clothes, not just me. Actually, I remember my dad telling me around seventh grade that I had too many clothes and too many products. So when he came here, I was like, See, Dad, does it all makes sense? 

Cameron [00:06:50] You're like, I'm doing what I've always loved to do. 

Leanna [00:06:53] Exactly. Which I felt worthy. I knew I wanted to do hair since seventh grade and my parents tried to fight it, But now they see, you know, if you follow your passion and dreams, you're going to be successful. So that's all I want for my staff and even my own children. I want to pursue their passion because where we live, our work. 

Cameron [00:07:14] For sure. And how do you feel about retail with your stylist team? Do you feel that they have a good grasp on it? Do you feel like everybody's pretty consistent with retail? Do you feel like that's something you need to work on? Because I know a lot of people are like, How do you get your stylists to retail for for you? 

Leanna [00:07:33] So we always have goals like we just did a competition. We got invited to be part of the Kevin Murphy tournament, so we did that and they have like little gifts if you get there. And then Salon Services has little gifts. But as an owner, I also said whoever sells the most gets a facial with their esthetician in Halo. And so, you know, playing those little games and getting them excited helps. But we also do a ton of education in here. And I think education is so important. 

Cameron [00:08:05] It is key. 

Leanna [00:08:07] And so I sent one of, I hired a stylist that was a lead stylist, actually, she was up north as well. She was my rival, but we didn't know until she was here. So we're bringing the city, hair, skin esthetics to this small town oasis. But I sent her with Kevin Murphy to be the brand ambassadors, so I'd have her come back and teach what she's learning. That's just one avenue. But we have other educators like yourself come in all the time. I mean, there's so much education. I promise them that they're almost like, Whoa, whoa, whoa. 

Cameron [00:08:43] Yeah. 

Leanna [00:08:44] They weren't used to it, but it's very important. And we don't let them on the floor until they're knowledgeable about retail and slowly let them on the floor when their skills get where they need to be with hair as well. 

Cameron [00:08:58] So do you have assistants or apprentices that come through and work with you and your other stylists? 

Leanna [00:09:04] We do. 

Cameron [00:09:06] And how do you like that system of working people through as an apprentice so they really know your system? 

Leanna [00:09:13] I do, yeah. I think it's a good start, because you can feel out this stylist, see where they exceed, see where they need help, and then you can sit down with them because these kids coming out are actually really good at hair. I learned a lot from them, but then you could see where they need help. And it's not just skills. It's like, how do we do consultations? How do we sell the retail, what's the verbiage? What's the boundaries with your clients? Stuff like that, I don't think is getting quite taught in school. And of course, you know, you learn so much more in the salon than school. So I think it's a good way and it makes them feel comfortable too it and know how your company runs and your values and your culture. 

Cameron [00:09:57] Well, you know, it's interesting that you say that, because obviously we're still learning boundaries. You know, I have a few podcasts about it, in fact. And, you know, teaching your stylists boundaries and yeah, all of those little things that we don't learn in beauty school, but they learn so much from us and we learn so much from them. 

Cameron [00:10:18] Style Sharp Shears is the best shears sharpening service. I love it because Trey comes in here and he sharpens my shears here. He doesn't take them with them. He will do mobile orders as well so you can ship out to him. But for those of you who are local or ones he can travel to, he is great because he comes in and he does your shears in salon, totally blends in with your environment, makes you super happy. And then he's off and he makes your next appointment. For those who need to ship in, he is super fast and efficient and soon he will have his own shears. That is Trey with Style Sharp Shear Sharpening Services. 

Cameron [00:10:55] What I love about you is that you're super organized and I noticed this from the moment I met you. You have a process for everything. You know, you check in with your stylists. You have them with goals. And I think explain that because I think a lot of people want to implement those kinds of systems into their salon, but they don't know how to. 

Leanna [00:11:16] So first off, you just have to sit down with yourself and be true with yourself. And you have to get very organized with yourself. Like how? Like from your mission statement to your culture, your handbook, and roles like front desk roles, stylist roles, cosmetology roles, nail tech roles, massage roles, you know, So every little detail is so important how you want to run your salon. And then I sat down and for like the employees did, like a commission based. So they have goals to reach. And it's not necessarily just money. It's like how many pre-books, how much retail are you selling, how many new people are you getting versus the salon? And then from there they can jump their level. Well, that's going to help them, even if they lease like how we want them to be as a stylist at Halo. But I also think it's good for them to look at those numbers. You know, like we're in winter, like why aren't you up? New deep condition. Everybody needs one right now. But if they're not taught that, then they don't know it. So you just have to sit down and be real with yourself and get organized and create these papers. If you don't, you're going to feel messy and you don't. You know, you lost it with your salon and this came with like a lot of you know, I started just me. So it comes like in time. But if you can sit down and just mark out a month even, it's going to be worth it in the end to get your salon organized in the back end. That's what I see where a lot of salons fail, because when people open up salons, they're like, Yeah, I'm going to be a salon owner. They're thinking it's going to be so pretty. I'm going to decorate and this and that. Yes, you are. But if you don't have that back in order, you're going to fail. 

Cameron [00:13:16] Mm hmm. You have to have that good foundation. And you definitely have that with. You can tell right away. You just have it together, your website, your stylists. You know, everybody is really on the same page. And I think that's really important, that consistency and having everybody on the same page is important, especially if you are going to be a salon owner. 

Leanna [00:13:36] Yeah. And I also sit down, even with my leasers, if they want to have coaching. So I do work behind their chair, but I do give other roles because I realized with Catwalk, I can not wear all the hats and I'm not going to do it. So letting go of that control and letting your team help you is going to help you so much. And so now I have the time where I can actually sit down with all the staff. And we have 17 people now. And if they want that, of course, then employees it's part of it and coach them because I want to give them all the knowledge and stuff that I've been through to help them and help them reach their goals, whether it's in salon or personal. I do both they want personal as a woman. So, I think that's important to take the time instead of just taking all the clients and being behind the chair. If you truly want a successful team, you need to sit down and coach them, mentor them. And then in the salon, we have monthly meetings to know like, what's our next marketing plan and whatever is going to be going on that month or even like way in the future. Like they get calendars for education at least three months out. 

Cameron [00:14:51] Awesome. Well, you sound obviously more organized than I even thought you were, so that's impressive. I always ask people at the end of the show, what's the craziest thing that's ever happened to them? And a little-known fact. It can be behind the chair because obviously that's really funny. 

Leanna [00:15:12] But you know, honestly, the craziest thing that ever happened was COVID, because when I opened Catwalk Salon, I thought, okay, if we ever went into a recession, what's always open? Like back in the day when we played Organ trail, what was open? A bar. A store and a salon, and I'm like, I will be that salon. Worst case scenario, we can trade food, this and that. But COVID, it was really hard. That's probably the hardest thing because when you're so busy as the salon owner, your brain's already on that busy wiring, right? And then I have four kids, right? So I would drop them off at their practices, go back to the salon, pick them up like always, just busy. So when that's all taken away from you, that was the hardest thing to get your brain to calm down. 

Cameron [00:16:02] Hmm. 

Leanna [00:16:03] But once it did. 

Cameron [00:16:05] Take a breath. 

Leanna [00:16:06] Like me and the kids go on bike rides or walks, and I was always there, but I wouldn't say was always present. And so I'm like, wow, the flowers are beautiful, this and that like you actually see. And that's when I reevaluated my life that I can not wear all these hats and everything, but it was a really hard time. But in the end I'm thankful for it because it made me set that boundaries and balance my family life and salon life and employee life and all of it. 

Cameron [00:16:35] But I really like that story because it's true. We probably all can very much relate to that. And then a little-known fact about you. 

Leanna [00:16:45] Um,  I was born in Texas, so here I am, like in Washington in the rain. I do love sun. So now I got to fly to get it nice. 

Cameron [00:16:53] And where are you going for your little vacay away. 

Leanna [00:16:57] Palm Springs, girl. And that to you guys, you got to mark out. You have to mark out because there's always something to do in the salon. And if you don't, it's just not healthy. And that's setting a boundary for yourself and just rejuvenating and kind of getting out of reality, even if it's for a long weekend, I highly suggest that. So going to Palm Springs at the end of January. 

Cameron [00:17:20] Congratulations. I'm glad you got that on the calendar. 

Leanna [00:17:24] Yes. Thank you, Cameron

Cameron [00:17:26] Yeah. Thank you so much for coming on the show. And I know that everybody that listens to this is going to get a lot out of it, even if it's just one thing. I feel like there was a lot of information in there. So thank you so much. 

Leanna [00:17:37] And if you have any questions, you can Instagram me, Ieanna_hairvillain on Instagram. I do mentor not just the salon, but I do coach people outside of the salon, too. So if you guys just need a quick question or anything, feel free to DM me. 

Cameron [00:17:56] Oh, you're so sweet. And we're trying to collaborate for maybe some educational events coming up, so... 

Leanna [00:18:03] I'm so excited you have so much knowledge and skills. I feel like if we go into this together, we can help so many salon owners and stylists, whether they're OGs or new. 

Cameron [00:18:18] I would love that. So look out 2023, right? 

Leanna [00:18:21] Yeah, I'm so excited.