Interview With Shelly Malizola

In this captivating interview, Rebekah Harrison of Storm Salon Social sits down with Shelly Malizola, founder of The Beauty Cloud and owner of Allure Designs Salon and Boutique in Libertyville, Illinois. Conducted at the Data Driven Salon Summit in Denver, Colorado, this conversation highlights Shelly's impressive journey and contributions to the beauty industry.

Shelly shares her early passion for hair and beauty, sparked by a childhood incident where she helped transform a bullied classmate’s appearance. This experience shaped her mission to reveal internal beauty through external transformation. With over 30 years as a stylist and 28 years as a salon owner, Shelly recounts the evolution of her salon, Allure Designs, into a seven-figure business with a small, efficient team.

She discusses the innovative Layback Foil technique she developed, which allows stylists to highlight hair quickly and efficiently while minimizing physical strain. This technique not only boosts profitability but also extends the careers of stylists by reducing physical fatigue.

Shelly also elaborates on her role as an educator and coach through The Beauty Cloud. She offers insights into the importance of proper retail systems and the emotional connection between stylists and the products they sell. By understanding and leveraging this connection, Shelly has successfully increased her salon’s retail sales by 30%.

The interview underscores Shelly's commitment to continuous education, both for herself and her team. She explains how hosting classes and offering personalized coaching sessions contribute to the salon’s success and sustainability.

Throughout the conversation, Shelly emphasizes the significance of listening to her team and involving them in decision-making processes, particularly regarding product selection and retail strategies. Her approach has fostered a collaborative and motivated work environment, leading to consistent growth and excellence.

For those interested in learning more about Shelly’s methods or seeking coaching, she directs them to TheBeautyCloud.com, where she can be contacted directly for consultations and training sessions.

This interview not only highlights Shelly’s remarkable achievements but also provides valuable insights and inspiration for salon owners and beauty professionals aiming to elevate their businesses.