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In this edition of “Ask the Board,” we feature Don Padilla and Eric Abbe, brothers and franchisees behind Blo Blow Dry Bar, the world's leading blow dry bar franchise. The duo explain how they turned their hair business into an inclusive environment for employees and customers alike.
Don Padilla and Eric Abbe are brothers and franchisees behind Blo Blow Dry Bar in Porter Ranch, California. Both have daughters in the entertainment industry and saw they struggled finding a salon that could successfully style their textured hair. This motivated the duo to open an accessible and inclusive blow dry bar in their community.
Too many businesses in the beauty industry overlook the specific needs of textured hair, leaving many individuals with limited options for quality styling. We wanted to create a space where everyone could receive expert care and feel confident in their appearance regardless of hair texture. These tips can help your venture leverage inclusivity and thrive:
Hire the right people
Your employees are truly your greatest assets. At the end of the day, they can make or break the success of your business. We require that every stylist we hire is skilled in all hair textures and fit the inclusive culture they’ve created. We also mandate practical assessments to demonstrate their abilities and cultural fit.
While going the extra mile does take more time and effort, it will pay off tenfold.
Don Padilla and Eric Abbe, franchisees of Blo Blow Dry Bar
Lead with empathy and understanding
As a business owner or manager, you need to be mindful about how you lead. We emphasize a leadership style that values empathy and understanding, ensuring that every team member and customer feels supported and empowered. We actively seek feedback and make adjustments to better the experience for staff and customers alike.
Promote continuous education
Knowledge is power and important if you’d like to reap the benefits of an inclusive business. We invest in ongoing training and development for our stylists, ensuring they stay updated on the latest techniques and trends in hair care for all textures. This commitment to education helps maintain high standards and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Focus on the ‘pink carpet’ treatment
While going the extra mile does take more time and effort, it will pay off tenfold. Figure out what you can do to stand out from your competition. This can motivate prospective and current customers to choose you instead of others with similar offerings. We make sure every guest receives exceptional service from the moment they walk in, including personalized conversations with stylists and a focus on delivering the WOW factor.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
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