JAG Salon in Bloomfield, NJ, is a hair salon built on passion, style and expertise. Thanks in part to their high level of community outreach, JAG has cultivated a vast and loyal customer base. Owner Jes Gichan talks to us about social media marketing strategies, business management and the importance of giving back to her community.
What has been your greatest challenge transitioning to business ownership?
Figuring out the best way to advertise. Being a brand new business in a new town, I wanted to make sure I was making the best decision in getting our name out there. I’m now responsible for building three stylists’ careers, as well as building my business. This is a challenging transformation, but a rewarding one as well. When a brand new client comes in and tells us they read about us in Patch or other media, it brings a smile to my face.
What do you find is most effective in attracting and keeping customers?
I have found Facebook to be an amazing marketing tool. We consistently post photos of our work, events, promotions and our beauty tips of the day. We always get such great and positive comments from our clients.
When clients comment or like our post, it automatically reposts on their Facebook page. Now all of their friends see it. Now a whole new audience knows about JAG Salon that we may never have reached otherwise. It's kind of like a new modern form of word of mouth, and word of mouth is everything in the beauty industry.
What was the best advice in regard to managing your business that anyone ever gave you?
I took a lot of salon management classes prior to my opening JAG. If I had to pick one thing, it would be not to spread yourself too thin. Choose one or two days doing hair and the rest working the business. I make sure I spend at least five minutes talking to every client that walks into JAG. I feel that speaking with every client not only makes the client feel welcome and at home, it also keeps me aware of everything on the floor. Making sure all of the clients’ needs are met and they are satisfied with their services--that keeps client retention at a high level.
If you had to choose your proudest moment in your time as a business owner, what would it be?
Very easy question to answer. It was May 19th 2013. I even know the time; it was 5:00pm. I held a cut-a-thon at JAG Salon to raise money for suicide prevention. My stylist Chloe does the Out Of The Darkness walk in honor of her mother. She needed a $1,000.00 in order to walk. My entire staff, my mom and two friends donated their time on everyone's day off to help. We raffled off baskets and did haircuts for $10. At the end of a very hectic day I added what we raised and it was $1,010.00. I was so happy that I was able to do this for her and help with a cause that recognizes depression and bullying as serious issues.
What are your three keys to success?
The three keys to my success have been: be kind to your staff and listen to their needs, get involved with your community and give back with charity cause events, and cross-promote with other business in the community.
Follow JAG Salon on Facebook or visit their website.
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