Ryan Hopkins | April 15, 2024
I am Paul Sibusiso Mandlazi a hairdresser and owner of Softsheen P H Saloon, my job includes providing coloring, chemical hair treatments, and styling in addition to shampoos and cuts, and serve both female and male clients.
I’ve always been interested in hair and styling, and thought it would be a fun and creative career. I also like working with people, so I thought hairdressing would be a good way to meet new people and make them feel good about themselves.
I have been a hair stylist for twenty five years and I still enjoy styling people’s hair as much as I did when I started. Hairstyling gave me a lot of skills such as creativity, customer service, listening skills, physical stamina, tidiness, time management, active listening and problem solving. I’ve also worked at a healthcare facility and on a film set. During that time, I learned various leadership skills and how to style wigs. Making people happy by improving their looks and self- esteem.
My personal style is creative, modern, and professional. I strive to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in hair styling while also maintaining a classic look that will stand the test of time. I’m passionate about creating unique looks for my clients that reflect their individual personalities. My goal is to make sure each client leaves feeling confident and beautiful. I believe in using quality products and tools to ensure that every cut or color job is done right. I’m always open to feedback from my clients so that I can continue to improve and provide them with the best service possible. In addition, I’m comfortable working with all types of hair textures and lengths.
I look up to my former school principal Mr Petrus Mathebule, he used to run Salon businesses in 1980s using his own products and he inspired me a lot. Also my former teacher Xoli Katsio and H Ndabeni. I have learnt a lot from them, they also taught me how to manage business and how to deal with customers. I am here today because of them.
The hair industry has changed a lot over the past few years. I remember back in the day when the local beauty mart was the only place you could purchase hair products from. Store hours were normally Monday through Saturday 9 am-7 pm. If you needed anything before or after that time frame, you were stuck! But times have changed since then! Of course, you can still purchase products from hair stores, but there’s a ton of more options now too. At this point in the game, all you need is a computer and the Internet, and you get hair products delivered right to you. For example, my favorite online distributor is Dark and lovely. When you go to their website, you will see a wide range of hair products.
Opening a hair salon business would be a great opportunity if you enjoy working with hair. The advantages and disadvantages will vary depending on whether you decide to open a home hair salon business or a commercial hair salon business. For a home hair salon business, the advantages are a minimal investment, money saved, and cancellations are less hassle. The disadvantages of a home hair salon business are strangers in your home, and you must be extremely disciplined.
There are several challenges that a hairdresser may face on a daily basis. These can include working with difficult clients, managing time efficiently, and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. Additionally, keeping up with the latest trends and styles can be a challenge, as well as dealing with the physical demands of the job such as standing for long periods of time.
What the secret to staying relevant as a hairstylist?
*Creativity -It can be helpful to study current fashion trends and be willing to experiment with new haircuts.
Customer service skills – Hair stylists are often friendly, pleasant, and capable of interacting with clients effectively.
*Listening skills – Hairdressers are usually attentive listeners.
Advice to anyone who wants to open their own salon
Starting a hair business is a bit challenging it requires knowledge and patience. A salon is a lucrative business, providing income for many entrepreneurs, but there are some essential decisions you need to make before you venture into this business. You need to decide on the size of the hair and beauty salon; the location, the various products and services you will offer, plus your target market. These factors will be affected by the amount of capital you have. Thus, you should carry out a feasibility study, market research and have a good hair and beauty business plan before you venture into this business
Softsheen PH Saloon
Situated : 132 4th avenue in Alexandra township.
Facebook : Paul Mandlazi
Instagram : Paul Mandlazi
Whatsapp & calls* 0766935150/0832490336
Email : paulmandlazi4@gmail.com