Christmas time seems to grab us by surprise. It doesn’t have to! After all, we know it arrives at the same time each year. This year, let’s avoid feeling overwhelmed with the pre-Christmas rush of lash bookings. Let’s prep you for slaying the silly season with ease and grace!
1. Don’t overbook yourself or your team
Nothing feels worse than feeling like you’re drowning in lash bookings. That’s when mistakes happen, and minor issues snowball into bigger ones (help!). If you’re like me, you want to accommodate all of your clients — especially the regulars. That’s great. You’re thinking like a real lash boss. Part two of that is not setting stupid work hours to make it happen.
To achieve this successfully, set non-negotiable start and finish times for all your appointments. I know time is money, but try to schedule some small, 10-15 minute break times in when you can… and don’t forget a 30 minute (at least!) lunch break! Use your breaks to get outside, steal some sunshine and fresh air. B-R-E-A-T-H-E. Lashing is demanding; you must replenish your energy before you greet your next client. Drink plenty of water and nourish yourself with nutrient-dense foods. It’s essential to bring vibrancy to each appointment. Everyone deserves to feel good — you and your clients!
2. Start locking in client appointments now
Get your clients to book their desired appointments from the beginning of November right through till January. Considering these months are some of the busiest in the beauty industry, you can avoid burnout by planning schedules ahead.
Make it a priority to talk to your clients as they come through your salon (home or commercial) and get their appointments locked in now. For clients you see less frequently, call them or send a text saying you’re currently taking all appointments leading up to Chrissy, and to get in quick, so they don’t miss out! No client wants bushy brows or gaps in their lash line for Christmas Day!
3. End of year staff Christmas party
If you’re having one, great. It’s a chance for you and the team to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in during the year. Organise your Christmas party now. Decide if it’s low key or a big celebration. Will you hit the local restaurant or schedule a few activities out and about? If this year you’re not throwing a shindig, that’s also okay. Think of some unique ways that you can thank your staff (if you have them) for their efforts this year. A handwritten card and a gift are always a nice touch. Find something that suits your budget and remember, it’s the gesture that speaks volumes over the spend amount.
4. Closing the salon during the Christmas / New Year period
Consider closing your salon after Christmas. A lot of businesses do this, and it’s a fantastic way to recharge after the craziness of lashing through November and December. It’s also good for your team. They unwind and recharge, so in the New Year, they return to work revitalised. If this idea freaks you out (a bit), don’t worry. You’ll find that with a few public holidays in between Christmas and New Year, it tends only to be 2-3 working days you’ll be closed. However, it often works out that you end up with anywhere from a week to ten days off! More often than not, your clients are also taking this time of year to be with family and friends, so they are likely to not even want to think about coming in for an appointment during this time. If you do decide to close, it’s a nice little holiday that won’t affect your business.
