A day in the life of a Blo/Out Blow Dry Bar Owner...

If you were to tell me a year ago that I would one day own a blow dry bar or a hair salon of any type I would laugh out loud and call you crazy. Forward to today; I wake up early in the morning excited about what today will bring at Blo/Out! 

I set out to build a business based on quality, customer service and a culture every customer and team member enjoys, so far so good! I usually wake up around 7a.m. and with one eye open I check emails, respond to important ones, proceed to Facebook, check the number of fans, fan page activity and finally play with Cash (my killer Pomeranian) for a bit.

I usually get to Blo/Out around 8ish, get all the client iPads setup on their docks, choose the music for the day, either pop/dance or Reggaeton, sometimes hip hop before anyone gets in. I make sure all stations are equipped with products, all the tools are working properly and that everything is in order. I'm kind of a neat freak so I line up all the chairs, take the trash out, make sure all towels are properly folded and in place and finally sit down at my desk.

After answering more emails and checking the schedule for the day I upload the previous nights pictures of Blo/Out clients to our Facebook page. Finally I begin the day's planning of guerilla marketing tactics, PR progress, and financial forecasts. 

By the time the Blo/Out team (Blolitas) get in, the place is lit up, music playing and customers begin walking in. Usually they get right to work, otherwise we chat about what they did the previous night or weekend, what's going on in their lives and I update them on Blo/Out progress, new developments and projects in progress. I created an open forum type of culture where transparency rules, politics do not exist and hierarchy is thrown out along with the typical drama. We openly discuss our personal lives, business, and client reactions. 

I have to say, I work with some of the coolest, talented, supportive, and friendly people! I chose stylists based on styling quality but more so based on personalities. I'm not a stylist, I am not familiar with technique, I'm not artistic whatsoever. I am however, a customer service freak! I looked for people's energy, their interaction ability, and how often they smile. Yes... it's not your typical interview. 

After playing "Hair Traffic Controller" all day, snapping pics of beautifully styled clientele, downing a few 5 hour energy shots and managing the business as a whole, we all finally sit down and discuss the day's events. What products we need more of, what tools would help, we add to the list of items to purchase and again just talk openly. 

I'm pretty sure the Blo/Out team is not lying when they say they have the coolest boss! Our stylists love the environment, the atmosphere, and definitely the culture we built. Oh yeah... the money is pretty good too! The biggest compliment I can get is to have a new customer book their following appointment after experiencing their first Blo/Out. 

Yes, I am not the typical salon owner. I am a typical guy, I'm pretty inappropriate, I rarely censor myself and the one time I helped a friend cut his hair, he didn't go to school for 2 weeks. The salon industry needs someone like me to turn it on its head and that's exactly what I'm planning on doing!

Avi.