Do you get more business this time of year?

[Scissors]

Since there are so many special events during this Christmas/Year end holidays, do you get more business?

And do you get strange requests for hair styles or makeup?

 

[RosieR]

Hi Scissors ,

I used to get extra work these two weeks prior to Christmas such as party nails, make-up and tanning. Things are very different for my business these last few years.

I have quite a lot of mature clients that I have retained over the years. Older clients do less socialising and so there is no need for me to do anything. Sounds boring but " C'est la vie!"

 

[Scissors]

Did Covid cause the down turn of business this time of year?

 

[RosieR]

Yes the whole period from March 2020 has devastated my business. Lockdown 3 was the final nail in the coffin. I'm currently job hunting as I can see no bright future for old school beauty like I do.

My older clients love how I do their feet, so at least there is something. Plus I have retained some better off clients who are now spreading their appointments out much more than before, thus reducing income once again. I am offering beautiful Payot body treatments and have stunning products with very exclusive extra special moments, that I added to my treatment menu. Few takers but it is better than nothing.

Botox, fillers, and aesthetics seem to be what most want or maybe I am just so deflated and saddened it's time to pack it in.

My hairdresser meanwhile is rammed, so I maybe will think about washing hair and general assisting for her if it continues and I have continued downturn in business.

How about you Scissors? Or is everyone else wanting to add to your question? It was about extra events and special requests wasn't it! I'll be kicked off for wandering off topic by a mod won't I?

Take care everyone whilst we try and make a living

 

[Tracey xox]

As a mobile hairdresser I was booked up for the last few weeks before Christmas, but this week has been almost dead, soooo many clients have cancelled due to being ill, I do a lot of houses with kids so they all get colds and bugs this time of year, however next week is still really busy so there’s hope yet!
I did have a lot of clients spread out their appointments to maybe 8-12 weeks instead of 6-8, but I did get few new clients a couple of weeks ago so it’s all swings and roundabouts,
However this year I was very strict when booking clients in and didn’t go outside of my usual hours so no extras this year (I was so burnt out last year I won’t do that again)
I did try to get my clients to book their two appointments in advance for around Oct/Dec time, but this is my first in about 20 years where I’ve been quiet in December!

 

[Scissors]

A mobile business sounds like adapting with the times.

 

[RosieR]

A mobile business sounds like adapting with the times.

Hair I would imagine is easier to be mobile although I could be wrong. I am solely beauty much to my regret with the current situation.
A big moan is coming along so be prepared.......

I have a few mobile clients which are for me a complete nightmare. Packing before a visit, humping the items I need (Remembering every mortal thing I need is not easy at all!) They are mobile now because of their health preventing them from coming to my home salon which they did previously.

Even needing a small stool, extension cables, pedicure bowl and the mass of beauty paraphernalia is no easy task. Bags and bags of the stuff.
Their lighting is useless and I mean useless...but I can only do my best.

Tables and carpets have to be protected, and sitting on an angle to do gel nails or a manicure is so uncomfortable. Plus there have been quite a few tales of personal care issues that I never thought I would have to sort out for them. Otherwise my work would have been wrecked. Honestly it is really quite testing.
They only pay mileage not travel time as I am paid like a care worker when it comes to mileage. Charge more and they will say goodbye.

If I am taking a selection of nail colours and not all 200 bottles at every visit you can guarantee that there isn't just the right colour they had in mind!
Ask for pink? well which tone? light? dark? fuchsia? baby pink? I take all my pinks plus a risky extra 1 just incase they are tempted. I aren't traipsing back for any more.

Once I return home the unpacking and sanitising takes such a long time, I really can't be bothered to book anyone in after their calls so it limits my other clients on that day.

Any suggestions for me would be most welcome. It's just not my preferred way of working at all.
Moan over
For those of you beauty geeks permanently mobile you deserve a medal. Sorry to have drifted off topic again !!!

 

[Trinity]

Hair I would imagine is easier to be mobile although I could be wrong. I am solely beauty much to my regret with the current situation.
A big moan is coming along so be prepared.......

I have a few mobile clients which are for me a complete nightmare. Packing before a visit, humping the items I need (Remembering every mortal thing I need is not easy at all!) They are mobile now because of their health preventing them from coming to my home salon which they did previously.

Even needing a small stool, extension cables, pedicure bowl and the mass of beauty paraphernalia is no easy task. Bags and bags of the stuff.
Their lighting is useless and I mean useless...but I can only do my best.

Tables and carpets have to be protected, and sitting on an angle to do gel nails or a manicure is so uncomfortable. Plus there have been quite a few tales of personal care issues that I never thought I would have to sort out for them. Otherwise my work would have been wrecked. Honestly it is really quite testing.
They only pay mileage not travel time as I am paid like a care worker when it comes to mileage. Charge more and they will say goodbye.

If I am taking a selection of nail colours and not all 200 bottles at every visit you can guarantee that there isn't just the right colour they had in mind!
Ask for pink? well which tone? light? dark? fuchsia? baby pink? I take all my pinks plus a risky extra 1 just incase they are tempted. I aren't traipsing back for any more.

Once I return home the unpacking and sanitising takes such a long time, I really can't be bothered to book anyone in after their calls so it limits my other clients on that day.

Any suggestions for me would be most welcome. It's just not my preferred way of working at all.
Moan over
For those of you beauty geeks permanently mobile you deserve a medal. Sorry to have drifted off topic again !!!

And that my friends is why I gave up mobile about 2 months in. I live in a city on the South Coast our parking charges, if you can find a spot, are virtually the same as London, factor that in and you're working for pennies

 

[JaneF]

Hair I would imagine is easier to be mobile although I could be wrong. I am solely beauty much to my regret with the current situation.
A big moan is coming along so be prepared.......

I have a few mobile clients which are for me a complete nightmare. Packing before a visit, humping the items I need (Remembering every mortal thing I need is not easy at all!) They are mobile now because of their health preventing them from coming to my home salon which they did previously.

Even needing a small stool, extension cables, pedicure bowl and the mass of beauty paraphernalia is no easy task. Bags and bags of the stuff.
Their lighting is useless and I mean useless...but I can only do my best.

Tables and carpets have to be protected, and sitting on an angle to do gel nails or a manicure is so uncomfortable. Plus there have been quite a few tales of personal care issues that I never thought I would have to sort out for them. Otherwise my work would have been wrecked. Honestly it is really quite testing.
They only pay mileage not travel time as I am paid like a care worker when it comes to mileage. Charge more and they will say goodbye.

If I am taking a selection of nail colours and not all 200 bottles at every visit you can guarantee that there isn't just the right colour they had in mind!
Ask for pink? well which tone? light? dark? fuchsia? baby pink? I take all my pinks plus a risky extra 1 just incase they are tempted. I aren't traipsing back for any more.

Once I return home the unpacking and sanitising takes such a long time, I really can't be bothered to book anyone in after their calls so it limits my other clients on that day.

Any suggestions for me would be most welcome. It's just not my preferred way of working at all.
Moan over
For those of you beauty geeks permanently mobile you deserve a medal. Sorry to have drifted off topic again !!!

One suggestion could be to streamline your equipment and product selection to minimize the amount you need to carry while still catering to client preferences. Communication with clients about color choices ahead of time may also help ensure you have the desired options available.

 

[dianaadr]

Oh yes! Of course, there is much more to do before Christmas! First of all, you need to take care of personal things, and there are still a lot of clients. Also, my dog was diagnosed with dermatitis and needs to use apoquel for dogs canada. I hope it will pass quickly and be easier because I am very worried about him