Nicki and Jennifer are the dynamic leadership duo taking salon culture in one Great Clips® franchise organization to a whole new level. As co-general managers for a franchisee who owns and operates 34 Great Clips® salons in the Northeast, the two have developed a system that empowers stylists to learn, grow, and enjoy working—together. Here are their secrets to creating irresistible salon environments.  

 

We invest in onboarding 

“The training we offer is above and beyond,” Jennifer said. “The online and live, virtual classes are fun, engaging, and interactive. The technical skill building opportunities are exciting. New salon team members can be reassured, we don’t leave you to your own devices.”   

“Our focus is not just on providing valuable training, but also listening,” Nicki added. “We find out how each stylist likes to be coached, and how they like to give and receive feedback. Right out of the gates, we let them experience our collaborative environment.” 

 

We give stylists a voice 

“We do weekly one-on-ones with each stylist, even if it’s just five minutes,” Nicki said. “We make it a time to connect, and to show we care. We set personal and team goals. It’s a great way to give feedback, and to receive it, too. We invite our stylists’ opinions,” she continued. “Some stylists are timid to give their managers feedback. But we coach our managers on listening and creating an environment that welcomes feedback. It makes everyone better.”  

“Part of that feedback loop involves our stylist certification process,” Jennifer said. “We certify all stylists on a strong technical foundation. It gives them the skills to execute virtually any haircut a customer requests. It promotes consistency and is a great reminder that we’re all in this together.” 

 

We champion the buddy system 

“Salon team members help to onboard new employees and stylists, and new hires feel more relaxed and comfortable working with a peer than a manager,” Nicki said.  

“We believe in role modeling and leading with kindness. When you create an environment that focuses on those principles, it will trickle down to everyone, including our customers,” Jennifer said. 

“We try to bring the best out of everyone,” Nicki added. “If we notice staff who show leadership skills, we put them through the Great Clips Coaching Academy program. They can develop their skills and coach fellow salon team members, so everyone grows their careers.”   

 

We believe in having fun! 

“Every fall, once the back-to-school rush is over, we try to re-energize our teams with a pumpkin decorating contest,” Nicki said. “Each team designs their salon pumpkin. It gets pretty competitive! We bring in guest judges to choose the winning salon.” 

“We also do a no-hair November challenge,” she continued. “Each salon team creates a stunning hairstyle with a mannequin that has no hair. Stylists have used flowers, yarn, Christmas tree bulbs—the sky’s the limit! They are so creative. It’s a lot of fun!” 

“And we believe in rewarding good deeds,” Jennifer added. “We raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network every October, and the salons in each area that raise the most money to help kids with life-threatening illnesses win a pizza party. Last year’s overall top salon won a special outing; the team chose to do an escape room!”  

 

We celebrate wins 

“We have Sunshine Coordinators who take the lead on celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones,” Jennifer said. “We have a private Facebook community page for all 34 of our salons where we can post shoutouts for stylists and salon team members and celebrate when our salons break records. Our franchisee’s first name is Raj, so we call ourselves the ‘Raj Squad,’ and love using the hashtag #RajSquad to highlight our big wins.” 

 

Speaking of wins… 

At the most recent Great Clips Convention – the largest gathering of the Great Clips franchisees and managers across North America – Nicki was named “General Manager of the Year.”  

“I was so surprised! I was shaking head to toe on stage!” Nicki said. “I know I’m among an elite group who has worked hard, and I don’t want to stop. I have an amazing team behind me, and I know we can grow to achieve what’s next!” 

 

We want you! 

 

If you’re a stylist or barber looking for a GREAT salon to call home, check out the job openings with a Great Clips franchise near you.  

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All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.