029 What Does It Take To Be A Global Colour Ambassador?

One of the things I love about this industry is the opportunities that there are for people to evolve into different areas of hairdressing if they wish to. Don’t get me wrong; there is absolutely nothing wrong with being 100% focused behind the chair as a stylist or a colourist and building up a salon clientele. Or maybe even opening up your own salon. But for some people, their journey takes them in other directions as an educator, or to various other opportunities within product companies. My guest today is one of those people. His name is Colin Caruso, and he is the owner of Caru Salon in New Jersey and is now also Artistic Director of Professional Hair Color for John Paul Mitchell Systems. In today’s podcast, we will discuss: Color Consultations Sustainability Social Media ‘Style Trip’ and the importance of storytelling   In This Episode: [01:26] Welcome to the show, Colin! [01:48] Colin discusses his family, background, and what his priorities are. [02:49] Colin describes his job at John Paul Mitchell Systems and what it involves. [04:45] How do you balance owning a salon, being an educator, traveling, and your family? [07:26] Colin believes that balance is all about asking yourself what you are looking for and what is essential. [09:34] What advice would you give someone who wants to own a salon, be an educator, and how to balance it all? [11:50] Colin speaks about being in his salon a couple of days a week and the fact that he still has a few clients. [14:42] Antony and Colin discuss client consultations and how important they are to get to know what your client wants. [17:59] What is your definition of a client consultation? [20:50] Colin shares the questions he asks during a consultation so that he can see hair the way the guest does. [24:48] Colin speaks about the way he prices services in his salon and what he sees in the industry. [27:16] Colin says that it costs more to charge more, he loves doing hair, and he would do it for free. [29:43] What are your thoughts on online color companies? The home hair color industry? [32:08] Colin shares an exercise he did at his salon recently and believes every salon should ask the questions. [33:47] Colin speaks about the different generations that are working together under one roof and how different each generation communicates. [37:16] How has social media impacted your business? Have you embraced it? [40:26] Colin believes that social media is an honest way to communicate and gives choices to individuals. [44:00] From a salon owner’s perspective, how do you manage the social media usage of your team? [46:28] Colin shares about ‘Style Trip,’ a passion project he started years ago that focuses on hairdressers in different parts of the U.S. [49:22] When you go somewhere, do you sit in your hotel room instead of exploring and experiencing the fantastic local places? [51:18] Colin says that ‘Style Trip’ is about community, art, and inspiration. [54:57] Colin shares a story about Guy Fieri at a location where they were both shooting their shows. [58:30] Thank you, Antony, for coaching my team and me. [59:19] If you have enjoyed this episode, please share it. [59:47] Colin, thank you so much for being on the show!   Links and Resources Grow My Salon Business  Find Colin Colin Caruso Salon Caru @colin.caruso1 Facebook @colincaruso Instagram  @colin-caruso LinkedIn John Paul Mitchell Systems Youtube