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Inspiring Millennials in the Salon or Spa

Millennials in the salon or spa

I am not a researcher or demographics expert. I'm simply a life-long student of business, an observer and entrepreneur.

There is so much "labeling" of the thinking and behavior of a broad range of generations, that false assumptions are being made that directly conflict with the most basic rule of success.

Success is about working hard to achieve your goals and dreams. Achieving success has nothing to do with the year a person was born.

I respect and celebrate generational diversity. However, I really take issue with all this generation profiling of Baby Boomers, Gen X and now, Millennials. I don’t do it with people based on the color of their skin or ethnicity. I don’t do it with people seeking to start a career.

FACT: Every generation has its unique characteristics … but the factors that create success never change. Success is about hard work, showing up, being tenacious and having passion for the work you do.

Here are five No-Compromise Leadership perspectives to keep you from getting stuck in the assumptions that come from generational profiling:

  • Different times yield different versions: I remember when color television came out. I remember the Cuban Missile Crisis, when JFK was shot and watching Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon. Today, kids carry iPhones in their pockets and infants navigate and play on iPads. The internet gives instant access to damn near everything and everyone no matter where we are. As cultures, economies and technology evolve, so do the people living through it. FACT: When it comes to career and success, those willing to work their ass off will go the farthest and achieve the most. The path and direction may be different … but determination and hard work is the constant.

  • Lazy is multi-generational: I saw lazy kids when I was in high school. I saw lazy kids in college. I saw lazy kids in beauty school. Fast forward to Strategies … and we see owners that want success but don't want to do the work of business and leadership. We see salon/spa employees of all ages putting more effort into avoiding work than doing work. For me, it is just impossible to segment lazy into Gen [Anything]. FACT: If you keep signing paychecks for lazy people … you're buying and enabling lazy.

  • The right stuff stands out: Every year I go to the Norwich Vocational School and speak to the cosmetology students about the industry, success and hard work. Every year, I see some students disengaged and even a few with their heads resting in their arms nodding off. Likewise, I always see some students with bright inquisitive eyes, fully engaged and excited to learn about the non-technical aspects of the industry they are preparing to enter.

    • Last year, I wrapped up my talk with this statement, "If I was a salon owner looking to recruit some new talent … I would definitely hire those that came to learn and engage today. For those of you that chose to rest your heads in your arms and openly show your disrespect for your guest speaker … it's time to wake up or there will be no job waiting for you."

    • FACT: These were high school students. I guess they're young Millennials. I saw the right stuff. I saw the bad stuff. Could have been 30 years ago or 30 years from now. Hard work wins.



  • It’s what your culture allows: When owners say, "I can't get them to show up on time," or, "They just don't put the effort into their work like we did," it's more a symptom of the culture you created than a generational trait. FACT: It's easier to blame the "Millennial" thinking and behavior than it is the thinking and behavior of your business culture. We coach many salons/spas that employ Millennials that do not tolerate or deal with the labeled behaviors of Millennials. Just because they are Millennials doesn't mean they cannot be held accountable to standards, rules and behaviors that embody your salon/spa's brand. Just like personal success requires hard work … so does business success. If you allow it into your culture … you enable it.

  • Never lower your bar: Yes, it is said that Millennials cherish their personal time. That doesn't mean they don't, or won't, work hard at work. Yes, as a business owner and leader, you need to adjust and adapt to what's important to your employees. I don't know about you, but this is how I always approached business. Working mothers need flexibility. Family demands, their children's activity schedules … and the basic need for life balance … is shared by all generations. FACT: when it comes to work, and time at work, you should never lower your expectations bar to be anything less than the best. Just like any generation, some will not fit your culture or choose to play at the level of the game you play at. The moment you lower your expectations and standards bar … you compromise your vision and your brand.


Here's my challenge for you: Position the generational labels below your work and performance expectations. They are simply insights into behavior trends to help you lead and relate better to different generations. The moment you blame Gen [Anything] for the performance and/or behavior issues in your company, you're not looking at the real problem.

Want some help? If creating this type of culture for your team is a priority for you, we’d love to share some ideas with you. Please let us know if you’d like to set up a time to talk this week. You can sign up here for a free coaching call with a Certified Strategies Coach.

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