What I’ve accomplished this year…

Okay this year has been hard and challenging in places and I’m not just talking about academically im talking about my personal life to; but I  won’t bore you with those details (Plus there personal).

One of my favourite quotes is the one stated above from The Incredibles and in some situations its true like for personal things that can’t be changed but for academia it doesn’t apply. Reflection and development are the core to succeeding. By using an action plan for the year I have been able to focus on what my weaknesses are from the past and turn them into strengths.

 

Kolb’s Reflective Cycle (1984) has been of great help to me over the course of the year. I have been able to use it to determine what went wrong or well, what I learnt from the experience and then developing those skills further and reusing them more effectively.

Step 1 – Concrete Experience

This year has been tough definitely, but I have had many experiences that I have been able to develop my skills over. Take for example my blog post on the Indian Head Massage tutorial.

Step 2 – Reflective Observation

Once having an experience I wrote down what I think I did well and what I didn’t do so well. I then asked the people that were there if they had any other ideas for how I could improve.

Step 3 – Abstract Conceptualisation

Then I concluded what I learnt from the experience or what I hadn’t and this lead me to step four…

Step 4 – Active Experimentation

I then tried out what I had learnt again and practiced different things that the other people had mentioned (Indian Head Massage… Again) After I had practiced the whole process started again to see what I could strengthen next time

I’ve accomplished so much this year through my action plan and my personal life, I think I’m finally learning that I must develop to be able to progress.

This year has been full of reflection and development for me and I can only hope that I can continue to learn, reflect and develop over time.

 

J

 

 

I’m almost there !!!

OMG !! Where did this (academic) year go ? This is crazy but it’s nearly well and truly over!

I’ve got my research project all printed and bound ! #soproud This took me hours and I’m so happy it’s done but a little sad to.

I’ve got four units left to do and two are to be handed in next Monday! So then il have two left ! This is madness it’s literally going so quick.

I’m now having to make a BIG decision! Do I do the level 6 in BusinessManagement or do I do my assessors training and then see if I want to do teaching???

Anyway better get some more work done, I’ve got to get everything ticked off this list !

J

Employability Week

For employability week I was asked by my university supervisor if I would come and talk to the Level Three hair groups about progression onto Levels Four and Five. I said that I would enjoy doing that and asked what kind of things they would want to know.

When I arrived at the session the students were rowdy and noisy but soon calmed down once their tutor had explained what we would be discussing. V the study skills coach also attended the session and gave a short presentation of the sorts of things to expect once studying the level 4.

I then asked if any of the students were thinking about going on to the program; none of them were particularly interested as they all had jobs currently is salons and would be working full time once they finished their level 3.

I explained to them if they did change their minds they can still apply and I would answer any questions they had then by email.

I then attended a session with the older group of hair students who were studying the level 3; one of these students was really interested in the course and asked lots of questions. I explained about the level of work and commitment you have to give to the course just in order to finish one unit; and she was still very enthusiastic. I explained to her if she needed any advice about the course she could contact V or myself and I would help them the best I could.

I then went to see the current Level Four’s and spoke with them about the change onto Level Five; they all seemed enthusiastic and also had some questions about Unit 6 Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation. I explained to them about my project but told them there were not set topics to choose from so they could take the unit wherever they wanted. This seemed to really boost morale of the group to finish the Level Four and continue onto Level Five.

The group also had some questions about their current units so I spoke with them on what I had done to reach each assessment criteria. I then wished them good luck with the rest of their course and said if they wanted to contact me on anything else they could do.

I wished all the groups with the best in their studies and their careers. I would say that although some of the students were not necessarily interested in the courses that they did gain something from myself coming to speak to them. It may not be something that they consider straight away but maybe in a couple of years they would consider studying.

In terms of my own employability I have continued to network on LinkedIn and all other social media platforms and on Twitter I even had a conversations on one of my Tweets with Models Own !!!

  

J

 

Keeping up with the Karda… Beauty and Spa Industry !

You didn’t really think I’d do a post on the Kardashian’s did you? Well I suppose in some ways they do have an influence on the industry. I mean they have makeup, nail care, hair care, eyelashes ! You name it they’ve probably done it! (And probably will do everything else beauty related in the future).

They’ve definitely left a large stamp on the beauty industry and with shows such as theirs; TOWIE, Geordie Shore and various others it’s no wonder these ‘celebrities’ make such an impact on our industry.

Just the other day I had a lady for an eyebrow wax and she wanted them like ‘Kim K’ and yes I knew instantly what that meant; I had to explain to the client that eyebrows are defined by your face shape and will not look the same on everyone! I explained and she asked tonnes of questions and seemed really pleased that I spent the time to explain this to her (She left really happy I might add – without Kim K eyebrows).

So as part of my action plan I decided that being in the hair,beauty and spa industry is very quick paced with new products coming out every week or so. I needed to brush up on my knowledge and keep ‘on trend’ and up to date.

I started by looking at companies on Facebook and these linked to different pages that advertised new products and up and coming trends. Facebook was easily accessible as I already have an account and know how to use it. Facebook was ideal also as it linked me to local and international companies that had great products; I was notified immediately when these companies posted new trends or products so it was easy to keep up.

    

Next I looked to Instagram which I also use on a daily basis to keep up to date with friends and celebrities day to day lives. Again the format was easy to follow as I already have an understanding of the site and use it regularly. I could easily look through ‘tags’ on different subject areas such as ‘spa’ or ‘facial’ to bring up products, reviews and new treatment ideas. I have found that both Instagram and Facebook are really current and up to date as they can post anything with a few clicks. Twitter offered a similar platform to Instagram and often posted links to websites, training courses and companies with new products or treatments. Just by searching terms such as ‘beauty’, ‘spa’, ‘facials’, ‘waxing’ etc.

   

 I’ve found that for myself as a Beauty Therapist Dermalogica’s Instagram accounts are really up to date and show new products and trends. There is at least one new post each day; whether it be a new product launch, inspirational quote or competition.

 

   Another really good find was my subscriptions to Cosmopolitan and Glamour Magazine; the monthly magazines have regular beauty coloumns, articles and pages on hair and beauty products, trends and spas.
  

LinkedIn has also been a great influence in keeping up with the trends; being able to connect with people in my industry and following companies, and people who I can learn from or have an invested interest in. It has allowed me to contact people in the industry that have different skills and training to me and has also opened up an opportunity to attend the Beauty UK Show in May this year.

    

I’ve also made use of the thousands of videos on Youtube; I have watched different videos from how to carry out Dermalogica Skin Mapping, The Spa Find Youthful You Anti-Ageing Facial and more…. The opportunities were endless, I watched product reviews, product and treatment reviews and ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos which has opened up a new variety of explanations as to why people experience goosebumps or tingles on their body when listening to a person carrying out their treatment.

 

 

Although these websites, apps and accounts have been helpful and influential I still think that training is essential in terms of continually keeping on trend and up to date. It has helped me to be able to converse with clients about new products on the market and to be able to sell Dermalogica products but I feel that if I attended some training I would have seen more benefit from this development activity.

These social media platforms however are a really easy and cost effective method of ‘keeping up with the beauty and spa industry!’

J

Reception At Revive Hair, Beauty and Spa

  

At Revive Hair, Beauty and Spa clients are welcomed to the reception area which  hosts comfy chairs and magazines to relax with before appointments and a retail area that stocks both Crystal Clear, Dermalogica, Spa Find and Wella products. 

As part of my action plan I wanted to work on my reception skills; in order for this to happen whenever I didn’t have any treatments I would spend this time on reception helping out the other reception staff. 

We use Shortcuts at Revive and I have had some experience with this when I had to complete my reception duties modules on Level Two. Over the course of the year I have used Shortcuts more often and am finding it really easy to book clients, cancel clients, rebook clients, and take payments. 

  

I am quite happy to attend reception and arrive clients on the system but I feel that I still need practice when it comes to cash handling and the cashing up system at the end of the working day. This is another task that I want to continue to progress with after the action plan is finished. 

  

Due to a member of staff having to leave for medical reasons the reception was put under more stress until a new replacement could be found. I applied for the job but turned it down as it would have meant I’d have to give up my beauty therapy job; which I enjoy immensely. 

In order to help out my team at Revive and to also show my willingness to learn and provide assistance; I offered to come in on Fridays and help with reception and curriculum support. 

Some tasks that I had to complete whilst I was helping out included; 

• Attending reception 
• Taking phone calls
• Meeting and greeting clients
• Taking payments and rebooking appointments

 

• Offering clients drinks
• Offering clients advice on treatments, services and retail products
• Attending dispensary
• Attending the students when they needed products, equipment or help within the spa
• Attending the spa, cleaning, pool testing and spa client journey’s 
• Preparing classrooms with equipment, products and materials 
• Ordering stock room and taking stock checks 

 The days that I did these tasks really helped with my action plan and my progression with working on reception and also selling products as many clients asked for advice and help.

  
I want to continue to progress with my reception skills as I believe that reception is the first point of call with clients; where five star customer service sets the scene to clients. 

Critically I think that I should have been allowed to spend more time shadowing other members of staff as I was often left along on reception and then had to find the staff member to help me. However in the fast paced environment this wasn’t achievable as the staff members needed to be everywhere at any given point in time. I think for me it showed that Revive need more membes of reception staff to deal with the fast paced environment that the job demands. 

J 

Selling Oppurtunities!

Okay so as a beauty therapist being able to sell products to your customers will boost profits for the business and depending on your contract will even bump up your wages if you work on commission.

 

Many businesses especially small salons don’t particularly focus on sales they focus more on getting customers through the door and in for treatments and services that make up their main income. 

As part of my action plan i wanted to focus on improving my sales skills; I’ve worked at Revive for just over two years and have a regular client base who I do struggle to sell to. Having built close relationships with these clients it was hard to sell regularly to them to earn commission and boost my income every month.  

 
At Revive we stock a variety of brands from Dermalogica, Spa Find and Crystal Clear products; all products which I am familiar with and have used throughout my training, but still I found it hard to sell these to clients. 

  
Over the course of the year I have practised my sales skills from actually talking about the products, showing clients how they would work for them and finally closing a sale. I can now steadily sell effectively whether it be a whole skin care routine or just exfoliating salts.

To be able to start a sales transaction I follow these steps: 

Facial Treatment Sales Techniques:

1. Consultation – Determine what clients already use, find out what they would benefit from

2. Skin Analysis – What does their skin need? Can you recommend exfoliating or using a targeted treatment? Make notes and refer to these in step 3+4

3. Aftercare advice – explain the products that I’ve used and how they benefit the client. Explain things to avoid and to do after their treatment.

4. Offer clients an opportunity to ask I questions- End step 3 with asking “Now did you want to ask any questions or look at any of the products I have used today?” 

5. Advise – If a client asks questions or want to look at products this is a perfect opportunity to repeat the product benefits and explain the price of each product

6. Sell- Clients will often ask if they can take a product home at this stage but you can always start this stage with asking if they would like to take your recommendations/ prescriptions home 

7. Happy Client / Happy Therapist – If they decide they do want a product the client feels a sense of trust within the therapist; after all the therapist has improved their routine and therefore their skin will benefit too. 

  

I mean fair enough some weeks are slower than others and don’t see as many sales but overall my confidence with selling has improved. And my clients also thank me for it; their skin for one thing is improving more so than just having regular facials or exfoliating treatments. Overall however I would say that the process above works about 95% of the time especially when clients are interested to begin with. 

Making a sale for many people is just that; they are making money and some people are just selling for the sake of it. My aim however is to sell products that will truly benefit my clients and not just earn me more commission each week, but will gain them more benefits in the long term.   

Just this last Friday I sold over £115 worth of products.

It became apparent however that at certain times of the year such as January sales dipped due to people saving money after Christmas and new year; in order to improve sales next year I would put offers on that are ‘to good to miss’ they wouldn’t dent the businesses profits and they would still earn me commission.

J 

Proofreading!!!

I decided that proofreading was something that I definitely needed to add to my action plan and develop over the year. I decided that using a proofreader to check over my reports and presentations was the next best step to take in order to achieve higher marks for my work.

  
The aim was that once I had finished a report or presentation I would email the study skills coach; and organise a meeting so that she could go through them with me and change any errors  or spellings. 

It became apparent that with the amount of assignments due in around the same time being able to meet the study skills coach wasn’t viable. I decided that asking my parents and sister (who is also doing a university course) would be the next best option. 

  
Everytime an assignment was ready I would get them to read through it. It actually did bring out certain areas that did need changing; whether it be the punctuation or the actual wording of a sentence in order for it to make sense. 

Proofreading has definitely helped and may have gotten me higher marks for some assignments but only time will tell. It’s so important to proofread an assignment when you are writing a report; you assume that what you are writing makes sense. However for someone else it may just be complete gibberish ! 

The critical side of me however wishes that I’d made time for the study coach to proofread my work also as she is used to the methods of assessment and how to hit criteria. For future courses I will definitely use her as an asset 

Get someone to proofread for you even if they do it section by section. Because trust me reading a 50 page report on something that your not interested in can be labourious ! 

J 

P.S – I made my sister proofread this very blog post ! 

Mentoring !

As part of my action plan I wanted to take it upon myself to mentor and coach younger and less experienced learners in different aspects of Beauty and Spa Therapy.

I decided to start this process when a level 2 student started volunteering on a Saturday where I work; it became apparent that she was very enthusiastic but did lack some confidence and understanding in some areas such as waxing and the spa journey that clients take.

I chose this student mainly because she showed a real passion for the role. I started the mentoring by introducing myself and explaining what I wanted to do within the process and if there was anything that she wanted to focus on.

She immediately said that she would like help with her waxing technique and would like an introduction to the spa as she was considering whether to do the beauty or spa level 3 route.

When I had time I mentored her and let her ask questions; I also allowed her to shadow me whilst I was doing spa journeys. She said that that had really helped as she was always thinking of what to talk to clients about. I spoke through the consultation process of the spa and allowed her to practice on me also. I did this a number of times throughout her time at Revive.

I also showed her how to answer the phone whilst on reception and take payments; for me this was a great experience as it allowed me to pass on this knowledge once I had learnt it recently.

I helped her with her waxing skills when she was struggling with a client; I went through the techniques and approaches as well as the actual application of the treatment.

I shadowed her aftercare advice on as many treatments as possible and she asked questions on alternative products to offer. She quickly picked up on the products and how to communicate with the client.

She asked me plently of questions throughout the time she spent with me and said that she has really enjoyed and learnt a lot whilst volunteering.

Critically I want to continue to improve her skills if she continues into the level 3 as she shows real promise to progress as a beauty therapist if she chooses. I will do this by meeting with her on more regular occasions and once something has been learnt I will ask her if she wants to look into any other aspects of beauty therapy. For example I have friends who work on cruise ships, salons and spas so I could utilise them and encourage her in other avenues of beauty therapy.

J

Positivity !

Unit 25 – Working with and Leading People

Last week we had a session on positivity and attitude with the challenge that for the next week at work we would stay positive even when things might be harder or more challenging than we hoped for.

Saturday 13th February

A typical day for me; crystal clear facial, full body massage , crystal clear facial, lunch, lunch cover for reception, back massage, pool test, back massage, clear up. Nothing out of the ordinary apart, from a client that is known for being a bit of a handful sometimes.

So I stayed positive and prepared myself for little comments and suggestions on how to carry out the treatment the way she/he would do it (Even though she/ he has had no training within the beauty industry).

I welcome the client to the salon and take her/ him through to the treatment room, I ask how she/ he is, chat about the weather the usual things. She/ he seems happy, chatty and ready for a “well deserved treat” she/he states.

I leave the room for her/him to get changed and then the treatment begins. She/he talks a little and then becomes quiet, unusual for her/him. She/ he has fallen asleep. I carry on with the treatment cleanse, tone, massage, scalp massage and pressure points, mask, arm massage, and moisturiser. And then wash my hands I place my hand on her/ his shoulder and say that I will get her/him a glass of water if they would like to take their time and get changed.

Once back with water in hand she/he compliments and thanks me on a wonderful treatment and gives me a small tip. We make our way back to reception and he/she raves to the receptionist how relaxed she/he is and asks for me to do her treatment again next time. I say goodbye to the client and continue with my day feeling more positive and energised knowing that I have made the client’s day by relaxing her/him and giving them a well-deserved treat.

The next day however doesn’t go quite according to plan;

Sunday 14th February 

Valentine’s Day is packed; facials and massages are in my column completely back-to-back and neither me nor Carly have got a lunch. I will be completely shattered after this shift. And then I start to feel the negativity coming in, but I stop myself I think “No I’m not going to let this get to me. Think positive at least the day will go quick”.

I have a galvanic facial booked in first thing followed by a Dermalogica facial straight afterwards. Then a full body massage and a back massage then my dinner. Then two full body massages back to back and then two back massages at the end of the day. I know that with all this massage my hands will definitely ache tonight but I stay positive. It’s Valentine’s Day after all and people have booked in to see me and want a relaxing spa treat.

I go to the treatment room and set up my day, I gather all the products that I need and then fetch my first client who is waiting patiently in reception. She is a regular who I haven’t seen for a while so we chat and catch up on what we both been up to. When we sit down in the treatment room to go to the consultation she tells me that she’s meant to be booked in for a crystal clear facial. I say that this is not a problem and whilst she gets changed, I gather the products I need for a crystal clear facial. The treatment goes wonderfully and we end up chatting about what she’s doing this evening with her husband. I take her to reception she pays and books in for a further three treatments with me.

My next clients are booked in for a Dermalogica facial and a full body massage back to back. I go back to the treatment room, tidy my trolley and reset the couch. I make my way back to reception to find that they have has cancelled these treatments and have now replaced it with two back massages. I hurry back to the treatment room and change the bed around ready for the back massages. I now have a 15 minute wait until the back massage is in as they are both in the spa beforehand.

I do both massages and because it’s Valentine’s Day I also use a body brush and conditioning body wash on the back before the massage begins using warms mitts to remove any excess product. Both clients are very pleased with the massage and then go back into the spa for another half an hour.

The third back massage of the day cancels, so I now have a full body massage and a back massage until the end of my shift, I enjoy a full half an hour for my lunch; and then come back ready to cover reception whilst Carly gets hers. Whilst I am sat on reception a client comes out of the spa and asks for some lavender as he has burnt his foot within the Rasul, I have done first aid training in the past but my certificate is out of date and I call down to the office so that Carly can apply first aid. However it becomes apparent that she isn’t there, so I ask the client to sit and I go in search of her. She has left a note and gone to Tesco to get something for dinner and a phone number to call if I need her. I ring her and say that I need her quickly but she doesn’t answer so I leave a message.

I go back to the client with a glass of water and say that Carly will be back shortly as she is not on site. I then get him the Dermalogica Ultracalming toner but advise him that I cannot administer it and he can do but at his own risk. I then sit on reception and wait for Carly to come back in the meantime my next client has arrived but I cannot leave reception until Carly is back and she has dealt with the first aid.

I advise my client of this and get her a coffee so she doesn’t have to just sit and wait. Once I bring her the coffee Carly is back and is attending to the first aid. I let her know that I will take my client through once she has finished the first aid and in the meantime I will clean the locker rooms and Rasul ready for the next clients.

Once I have replaced the lockers with new robes and cleaned down the Rasul, Carly is finished with the first aid so I bring my next client through for her massage; I explain what has happened and apologise for being ten minutes late, she is understanding and says that she quite enjoyed sitting with a coffee and magazine before her massage. I do the massage and she thanks me, offering me a small tip at the end and going on her way.

Lastly the back massage arrives which is a new client so I go through all the forms and consultation questions that I need which he questions and I explain that they must be carried out due to health and safety and he agrees. He enjoys the treatment and falls asleep half way through. I take him to reception and he pays and books another treatment with me after following my aftercare advice.

Overall a really busy day and quite stressful at times but as I stayed positive and calm the day went smoothly and I also got £3.00 in my pocket in tips 🙂 plus comments from happy and relaxed clients.

J

 

 

 

Progress…

I’m making progress !!!

Yesterday at University, I researched a Continual Professional Development plan (CPD) and then used some template ideas to start me off on creating a CPD for a level 2 beauty therapy student that I have permission to mentor and coach. I chose the student because she exhibits a real passion for beauty and is always asking questions on how I do treatments or how I work my day to day bookings. She’s very enthusiastic and she’s stated before that she wishes to progress onto level 3 and above 🙂

The CPD plan I’ve created will be used within the salon and the student will be monitored on all of the aims that I feel she needs to concentrate and improve on more. The tasks that I want the student to practice are; eyebrow waxing, receptionists skills and duties, spa hosting and aftercare advice. These will then be monitored throughout the year and hopefully progression will be made. I hope that with my input that the student will gain more confidence, skills and techniques to achieve her level 2 qualification and go onto complete level 3 and beyond.

I’ve also took the time to update my action plan for PPD with reference to the mentoring and of my own professional development through the CPD and with keeping up to date on social media with all the new trends within the industry. It was an easy step to make as I already have accounts on the biggest social media sites so its just a case of ‘following’ or ‘liking’ the right people and companies.

J