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In this episode, Van Council discusses building his successful salon chain, emphasizing employee development, customer service, and expansion strategies. He highlights continuous learning, specialization, and maintaining high standards. Van shares insights on creating a family-like culture that retains staff for decades and adapting to industry changes.
In this episode, Rachel Liverman details creating Glowbar, focusing on 30-minute facials. She discusses her family's aesthetics legacy, marketing strategies, and expansion plans. Rachel emphasizes quality service, employee training, and adapting to consumer needs. She highlights the company's membership model and leveraging technology to enhance customer experience.
In this episode, Alisa Bayer shares her journey founding Milk + Honey, a spa chain and clean beauty line. She emphasizes employee wellbeing, customer satisfaction, and community impact. Alisa discusses innovative benefits, clean ingredients, and MedSpa expansion. She highlights balancing passion with data-driven decisions and using business for positive change.
Meet our speakers
Van Council’s story began more than fifty years ago, inspired by a moment in 1975 when the movie Shampoo, starring Warren Beatty as a hairdresser, took the world by storm. A young man in Atlanta, captivated by the beauty and style trends of the film, decided to follow his passion. This led Van to enroll in cosmetology school, where his talent quickly became evident. Over time, he earned accolades such as North America’s Hairdresser of the Year and Aveda Global Hair Master.
In 1984, Van and his brother founded the Van Michael Salon. What began as a single salon has since grown into a beauty empire with over nine locations in Atlanta and a thriving partnership in Japan, with more than 40 licensed outlets. The salon’s success is not only marked by its growth but also by the loyalty of its team. Over 100 employees have been with the company for more than ten years, and some have dedicated more than 30 years to the Van Michael family.
Van Council’s journey is a testament to his dedication to the craft and his ability to inspire those around him. His legacy continues to shape the beauty industry both in North America and globally.
Rachel Liverman's journey in the beauty industry is one built on generations of expertise. As a third-generation aesthetician, Rachel's passion for skincare runs deep. Her grandmother, a true pioneer, founded the Katherine Heinz Institute of Aesthetics, shaping professional skincare as we know it today.
Before launching her own business, Rachel spent over a decade growing in the beauty industry. But just nine months into her entrepreneurial journey, the COVID pandemic forced her to shut down operations. Despite this challenge, Rachel adapted, transforming her business into a trendsetting success.
Her business model centers on providing customized 30-minute facials, delivered by expert aestheticians. It’s a story of resilience, innovation, and crafting a service that fits the fast-paced lives of modern clients.
When Alissa Bayer launched milk + honey as a spa in 2006, she had clear founding principles: to create an exceptional spa experience, commit to hyperclean ingredients, enrich the lives of employees, and give back to the community. The brand has since expanded to seven locations, as well as a line of bath, body, home, and skincare products.
Alissa leads a team of talented milk + honey estheticians, massage therapists, and stylists who help to shape and create the products, providing crucial feedback and real-world experience throughout the development of the product line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Growth Diaries?
Growth Diaries is an inspiring initiative that showcases the journeys, experiences, and strategies of successful entrepreneurs and professionals in the Beauty and Wellness industry. It's a platform where industry leaders share their personal stories of growth, challenges they've overcome, and innovative approaches that have propelled their businesses forward.
By featuring diverse voices from various facets of the beauty and wellness world, Growth Diaries aims to inspire, educate, and empower both established business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. It's a treasure trove of wisdom that encourages industry professionals to learn from each other, fostering a community of growth and innovation.
Whether you're looking for motivation, seeking practical advice, or simply curious about the paths others have taken to success, Growth Diaries offers a window into the vibrant and ever-evolving beauty and wellness landscape. It's more than just a collection of stories – it's a catalyst for your own professional growth and business prosperity.
Why does this podcast exist?
This podcast exists to:
1. Inspire: Share real success stories from beauty and wellness industry professionals.
2. Educate: Provide practical strategies and insights for business growth.
3. Connect: Foster a community of learning among industry professionals.
4. Innovate: Showcase creative solutions to common challenges in the field.
5. Empower: Give both new and established entrepreneurs tools to thrive in a competitive market.
By offering authentic experiences and actionable advice, this podcast aims to drive growth and innovation in the beauty and wellness sector.
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