Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic to Keep Moving Forward

Being successful in the beauty and wellness industry has always been a challenge. But the past two years have been particularly tough on service providers. Take a moment to learn how one stylist applied the knowledge that she learned from her first business venture to keep the doors to her current medical spa open throughout the majority of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jamila Sluder is the owner and operator of Millionaire Hair Salon, a Central Florida based beauty and wellness spa that specializes in hair extensions, trendsetting hairstyles, skin treatments, and spa-inspired services. In addition to being one of our more successful Booksy providers, Jamilia runs a business with a top notch reputation throughout Winter Garden.

A key trait that separates Jamila from many other industry professionals is her ability to access multiple revenue streams. Whether it’s teaching hair courses, selling styling products, offering at-home hair care extensions, or investing in medical spa treatments—Jamila is a motivated entrepreneur who equally values the business and creative aspects of the industry. 

Spend the next few minutes learning the formula for success that Jamila perfected, after experiencing a host of ups and downs in her professional career. Read how the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced her passion for the industry while reminding her to always showcase the proven entrepreneurial skills that set her apart from so many others. 

Creating a Business Strategy 

Unlike many professionals, when Jamila started off in the world of all things beauty and wellness about eight years ago, her very first instinct was to open her own business. Before Jamila fully completed beauty school, she was already making plans to own and operate her own 2,700 foot spa. She was also taking steps to manage a team of eight hair stylists and a number of estheticians. 

Although that business venture didn’t work out, Jamila learned from the experience. In particular, she firmly believes in focusing on numerous business interests. And that's in addition to working with clients behind the chair, along with other beauty professionals outside of the salon.

According to a short article that she wrote, which was published in IBA Success Magazine, Jamila states that “you have a better chance of getting to the top, if you join forces with others. There is a misconception that entrepreneurship is a lonely journey. If I’ve learned anything from my experience it’s that others believe in you just as much as you do or more.”

The shortcomings of her first business also taught Jamila to broaden her skillsets. In addition to being a salon owner, she specializes in blonde hair, corrective coloring, and providing hair extensions. She also has experience working as a platform artist and a celebrity stylist. 

Working through the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Whether it’s with the industry newcomers that she teaches during small class sizes or the Instagram followers who direct message her for career advice, Jamila believes in creating a business strategy and working as closely with other like-minded professionals to achieve that dream. 

For Jamila, the COVID-19 pandemic made the last two years very stressful. But she also describes everything she experienced as “inspirational.” Much like the time when her first business venture came to a close, making difficult business decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic also taught Jamila the value of investing in herself. 

For Jamila that means juggling a host of different professional ventures. At Millionaire Hair Salon, Jamila sells styling tools, such as flat irons and combs. She also promotes a host of hair styling services, including Brazilian blowouts, hydrating hair treatments, and toners. With regards to spa treatments she offers facials, waxing, peels, and deep tissues massages. And she has a host of beauty products that promote hair growth or help with acne. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of stylists reached out to Jamila for business advice. According to her, they valued her feedback to keep investing in classes, salon tools, and quality products. Jamila tells people to make a sincere effort to broaden their skills and services. Take advantage of any downtime by learning more and doing more. That way, it's easier to bring added value to every appointment, after burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted.

Online Scheduling with Ease

Mastering the art of scheduling was another one of the key things that Jamila learned from both her first business venture and the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, she said that walk-ins can bring in more revenue. But scheduling clients ahead of time helps her better balance her appointment book. And that's especially true while complying with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions set by health officials. 

The Booksy software is specifically designed for business owners like Jamila. It helps service providers continue offering styling and wellness services, despite any limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. And there’s a number of COVID-19 tools within the Booksy app for business owners who want to make absolutely sure their clients and staffers stay safe.

According to our data, Booksy providers have 25% less no-shows and cancellations. Upon activating Boost, our premiere marketing tool, providers have earned more than 60% more bookings. Also know that we're able to report such positive numbers because over 13 million customers worldwide have already downloaded Booksy. 

New clients are ready and waiting for each and every new Booksy provider. Activate an account in minutes to jumpstart your business. As an added bonus to help providers keep their momentum, Booksy delivers two different software experiences. There's a tablet solution for the front desk and a mobile solution for managing appointments on the go. Keep learning more about Booksy and reach out with questions.