Brow salon owners: How to keep your team happy & motivated?

How to keep your team happy & motivated

We spoke to some incredible brow salon owners and team leaders like Chloe, Fatima, Anastasia, Barbie, and Lee Milani to find out what really works when it comes to keeping their teams engaged, motivated, and happy to show up to work. Spoiler alert: It’s all about leading with empathy, open communication, and making sure your team feels supported every step of the way.

Below, we’ve gathered their best advice, broken down into key areas to help you be the leader your team needs.

1. Open communication

When we chatted with brow salon owners about their best tips, one thing kept coming up—open communication. But what does that really mean? It’s more than just talking. It’s about truly listening, building trust, and making sure your team feels comfortable sharing their ideas, thoughts, and even concerns.

As Barbie from Browaholics shared with us, “Communication, transparency, and trust are the three pillars of any team! I hold 1-on-1 feedback sessions and always remain approachable so my team can ask any questions or bring up concerns or new ideas.”

When we asked Fatima, she added, “It’s all about listening, supporting, and encouraging open communication. Oh, and lots of empathy too!”

Tips for open communication:

If you want to build open communication in your salon, here are a few simple tips to help you out:

1. Take time to sit down with your team one-on-one. It doesn’t have to be formal—just a quick chat to hear how they’re doing, what’s on their mind, and offer a little guidance if they need it.
2. Let your team know their opinions matter, whether it’s praise or constructive criticism. When they feel heard, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
3. Instead of yes/no questions, try asking things like, "What can we do to make your day easier?" or "Any ideas on how we can improve things around here?" This opens the door for more thoughtful input.

2. Lead by example

When it comes to leadership, one thing’s clear—your team is looking to you for guidance. Setting the right example isn’t just about working hard, but it’s about showing up with the kind of energy and attitude you want your team to follow. Brow salon owners like Chloe and Lee Milani know all about this.

“I keep my team happy and motivated by setting an example!” Chloe shared with us. “I make sure they’re always busy, and I communicate with them about what they need. Plus, I take them out for steak dinners to keep our bond strong!” See, steak dinners! Who wouldn’t love working with Chloe?

Lee Milani agrees: “Showing up with a smile and making the extra effort to give constructive feedback really sets the tone. I also focus on creating a great client experience, which shows my team the level we should all be working towards.” It’s pretty simple. It’s simple: give a smile, and you’ll get one back!

Supercilium team at the Eyebrow Festival 2024

Tips for leading by example:

• Stay positive! Your team feeds off your energy. If you come in with a great attitude, they’re more likely to reflect that.
• Don’t just stand on the sidelines and get involved. Work alongside your team when you can, and show them you’re all in this together.
• Offering constructive feedback shows your team that you’re invested in their growth. Keep it positive and supportive!

A good leader needs energy. If you’re running on empty, it’ll be tough to motivate others. Make sure to recharge so you can give your best.

(Source: DreCosmetics)

3. Support and empathy

One thing we heard loud and clear from brow salon owners? Lead with empathy! It’s not just about assigning tasks and keeping things running—it’s about showing your team that you genuinely care about them as individuals.

Remember what Fatima said? She makes sure her team feels comfortable coming to her with both personal and work-related challenges, and she’s always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear when things get tough.

Want to create that kind of supportive environment in your salon? Here are some simple ways to lead with empathy and make your team feel truly valued:

Tips to show support and empathy:

• Take time to really listen to your team—whether it’s work-related or personal. Feeling heard builds trust and loyalty.
• Life happens, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Show compassion and flexibility when your team is dealing with challenges. They’ll appreciate the understanding!
• Mistakes are bound to happen. Use them as opportunities to guide your team instead of just pointing out what went wrong.
• A little fun goes a long way in keeping the team engaged. Throw in some humor, celebrate small wins, and create an enjoyable atmosphere.

Leading with empathy means your team knows you have their back. When they feel supported, they’ll be motivated to do their best every day.

4. Shared goals and vision

One of the best ways to keep your team motivated is by sharing the bigger picture. When your staff understands the long-term goals and how their work fits into that vision, they’ll feel more connected to the salon’s success. It’s not just about doing daily tasks—it’s about being part of something bigger!

Anastasia, who is known for her creativity and understanding of how important it is to stand out in the industry, leads her team with this in mind. “I always try to explain not only the current tasks but also my long-term mission and vision in the industry. When they understand that, they see how their work fits into something bigger. Plus, I try to make our routine fun and leave room for creativity.” By sharing her vision and encouraging creativity, Anastasia ensures her team is aligned and inspired to push boundaries.

Tips for creating shared goals:

• Let your team in on your big-picture goals. Help them understand where the salon is heading and how they play a key role in that journey.
• Break down your larger vision into smaller, more manageable goals. This gives your team something clear to aim for and keeps them motivated.
• When your team hits a goal, whether big or small, take a moment to celebrate. It’s a great way to show them their hard work is making a difference.
• Like Anastasia mentioned, leave room for creativity. Let your team take ownership of their work, bring their own ideas, and add their unique touch. They will immediately know they are part of the salon’s success!

Manouk de Vries and Anastasia Biskopchuk at a campaign shoot

On your way to salon success

At the heart of every successful brow salon is a happy, motivated team. Whether it’s through open communication, leading by example, supporting your staff, sharing your vision, or building strong bonds, the effort you put into your team will always pay off.

Remember, your journey to being a great leader doesn’t stop here. There are always new ways to grow and level up your salon. Want more tips? Check out some of our other blog posts like How to Create Loyal Customers in Your Salon or Marketing Tools You Need for Your Salon’s Success.

Ready to take your salon to the next level? Dive into these posts and keep building your path to success!