This week our guest is Mike Van den Abbeel, salon owner from Florida, who was featured on THE Argument: Licensing in the Salon Industry episode. Mike and his wife, after owning a salon for 10 years, opened a second location during the pandemic.
Mike discusses how he entered the beauty industry and how a personality profile test along with a school instructor convinced him that he was a right fit for the industry. He also shares a bit about owning and working with his wife, including how that dynamic works and how they separate responsibilities.
Mike gave some insight into his business model and how he has a similar model to the restaurant business. He elaborates on how he opened his second business with a partner and how the COVID shutdowns put a stop to the renovations. He also shares how they were able to go forward and open all during the pandemic.
Don’t miss out on Mike’s advice to new, starting up salon owners and his thoughts on changes in the beauty industry!
“I love that even after 21 years, new techniques come out or techniques get reinvented or reinterpreted. And all of a sudden, it’s a different look.”
“I can hire a manager, but nobody’s ever going to have as much, as someone who’s got skin in the game.”
“I don’t want to get rid of the beauty schools, I think that’s a perfectly viable option for some people. But I don’t want them to be the only game in town”
Listen to the full episode here or wherever you stream.
