Debbie Wiseman
“I come from a family of hairdressers. I started in my aunt's salon, where I used to work after school, on Saturdays and during the school holidays. I've now owned this salon for 27 years, taking it over from my mum. After I bought her out, I then expanded into the unit next door, so the salon became bigger. So I’ve been in the Industry a long time!
Many years ago, I took the team to see you present the Super Stylist course live, and I’ve followed you ever since, buying the books and eventually the course.
During COVID, the Super Stylist course was an absolute lifesaver. So at a time when it was extremely worrying and stressful for salon owners, it kept me really upbeat, and it kept the team really upbeat too. We held weekly meetings, went through the lessons together, I printed and delivered their workbooks, and it kept everyone motivated.
Having the course online is a great advantage because it can still be revisited. I'm going to get the team to go back and revisit particular modules, which I feel need reinforcing within the salon, because everyone gets into bad habits. So when there are particular areas that we need to focus on, it's always available.
Originally we all worked as individuals through the course, and we'd then arrange a meeting where we'd actually completed what we were supposed to complete, and then we'd get together and then discuss what we found, how we felt about it, and if we needed to adapt it how we could make it work in our salon.
The course helped me as an owner because it gave my team structure and accountability without me having to feel like I was nagging. When Antony says something, it gives weight to what I’m trying to implement, it’s not just me saying it.
The benefit for the team is that it raised their professional level, and it most definitely gave them other insights into what it takes to succeed other than just doing hair, because hairdressing is so much more than just doing hair, and the course identifies all the other important factors that makes a good stylist, a Super Stylist!
If there was just one thing that I had to say was a benefit for the team, it would be that their motivation levels improved.
I think the Super Stylist course is a great motivational tool. And the motivation levels of my team definitely improved, and when someone's motivated, I think it enables them to do so many other things much better. Motivation improves everything, from retail and rebooking to overall attitude.
The ‘Personal Audit’ section was especially impactful. It highlighted small but important things like timekeeping, appearance, how we present ourselves and even understanding the impact of our own hair on clients. It made those conversations easier and less confrontational because they came from the course, not just me. And I still use it as a reference when I feel things need addressing.
For me, as the salon owner, the templates and handouts are greatly beneficial in the course. But for me personally, I love the coaching calls. I always felt that I could ask questions and get answers, whether it was in the group coaching calls or emailing you directly.
That's one of the things I've actually found that is so easy, It's very, very comfortable and never intimidating that you can ask questions, which I've done quite frequently and it's like having a couple of friends that are there to pick me up when I need a little bit of help.
All but one of my seven team members have been with me since they left school. I believe a lot of that is down to your influence and what I’ve learned through you.
I’ve been involved with other networking groups and worked with other coaches, but the difference with you is that you totally understand hairdressing and hairdressers. This course just makes sense. Without a doubt, the investment is worth it all day long. And I know I'm repeating myself, but the fact that you can keep revisiting the course forever is amazing.
So as an investment, there’s no doubt about it, it's a no-brainer, absolutely a no-brainer. I absolutely recommend the course to anybody.“
