Interview With Wendy McCown & Lensi White
In an inspiring interview, Rebekah Harrison of Storm Salon Social sits down with sisters Wendy McCown and Lensi White from Louisiana. Wendy, a seasoned salon owner with over 25 years of experience, now operates a studio space for independent stylists, while Lensi is an independent salon owner. The sisters share their journeys, challenges, and successes in the beauty industry, offering valuable insights for aspiring salon owners and stylists.
Wendy recounts her path from high school to hair school, eventually opening her own salon at 22. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, excellent customer service, and continuous education. Wendy's salon thrived by implementing efficient systems, leading to national awards and recognition, including being featured on the cover of Salon Today magazine. She highlights her transition from working behind the chair to focusing on business growth and eventually selling her salon to open a space for independent stylists.
Lensi shares her story of growth under Wendy's mentorship. Initially shy and unsure, Lensi learned the ropes by observing Wendy's interactions with clients. She worked at Wendy's salon for 16 years before venturing out on her own, thanks to the encouragement and coaching from Rebekah Harrison. Lensi now enjoys the freedom and creativity of running her own studio, bringing back inspiration from various experiences like working at Fashion Week.
The sisters discuss the benefits of a three-day work week, a system they implemented at Wendy's salon to improve work-life balance while maintaining high earnings. This system, which involved efficient booking and continuous education, allowed stylists to work fewer days while increasing their income. They also talk about the importance of finding a structured environment with strong leadership for new stylists to learn and grow.
Wendy and Lensi provide advice for new salon owners, emphasizing the need for selflessness, hard work, and a commitment to helping employees succeed. Wendy advises potential salon owners to carefully consider their goals and the level of responsibility they are willing to take on. She also highlights the advantages of independent studio spaces, such as privacy, inclusivity, and access to ongoing education and support.
For those interested in learning more about their unique approach to salon management and independent studios, Wendy and Lensi encourage reaching out for guidance and coaching. Their combined experience and dedication to the beauty industry offer a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to succeed in this field.
