Rags to Riches: How Beauty Icons Made It Big
Available on Amazon! In Rags to Riches: How Beauty Icons Made It Big, readers will learn how to navigate the industry’s unique challenges and setbacks. Learn how to keep track of your income and expenses and what the industry benchmarks are vs where you are. Take advantage of opportunities to build business skills and grow as leaders. Master your money, develop your brand, and so much more.
The Book
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Rags to Riches: How Beauty Icons Made it Big is a comprehensive guidebook that takes readers on a journey through the fascinating world of the beauty industry. With firsthand accounts from some of the most successful and influential beauty icons in the industry, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in pursuing a career in beauty or looking to take their current career to the next level.
In Rags to Riches, readers will learn how to navigate the industry's unique challenges and setbacks and take advantage of opportunities to hone their skills, grow as leaders, master their money, develop their personal brand, and dream big.
The beauty icons featured in the book share their personal journeys, including their struggles and triumphs, and offer invaluable advice on how to succeed in the beauty industry. Readers will gain insights into the industry's inner workings, learn how to build a successful business, and discover how to stay ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving market.
Whether you're just starting your career in beauty or you're a seasoned pro, Rags to Riches: How Beauty Icons Made it Big is an essential resource that will help you achieve your goals and realize your dreams. With practical tips, inspiring stories, and expert advice, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to make it big in the beauty industry.
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Available in Paperback, Hardcover & Kindle.
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Introduction
First of all: who am I, and why am I writing this book? As the owner and founder of the ever-growing Luxe Salon Spa and Laser Center, I believe it is time for me to share the lessons and gems that got me to where I am today. I wasn’t always a business owner, or even working in the beauty industry. Coming from the finance world and a successful accounting career, I took the leap into the world of beauty in 1998. This was not really ever something I envisioned myself doing before, but it was the best decision I made. Looking back, it was probably the core belief that my father instilled in me that fueled my drive to make this move. He always used to tell me, “You can have anything you want in your lifetime; all you have to do is work for it!” After graduating with an accounting degree, I soon realized that CPA firms and Fortune 500 companies weren’t really for me. This was clear to me once I got married. I made the initial decision that got me to where I am today: I want to be a stay-at-home mom that worked for myself so I could have flexibility in my schedule. Working for myself was my best bet. I would be in control of my schedule and money.
It was then that I decided to get my electrolysis and esthetics license, and ended up making six figures out of my house by only working two and half days a week! I don’t know whether you are working from home right now as you read this book, or whether being your own boss is something you want to do, but being able to accomplish that was the biggest game-changer in my life. I grew my business in such a way that I could no longer work out of my house, and I knew that I needed to move the business from my house to rented space. After searching for the perfect space, I ended up buying a small spa that felt like a good fit. However, it turned out to be headed toward bankruptcy. Thank goodness I only bought the assets. After six months of being open, I was able to reinvest my profits, which enabled me to purchase additional space. Thus, increasing the services offered to include all salon services I offer today. Shortly after, I purchased one of the first laser hair removal machines in Rochester. That step really took my business to the next level with the influx of new clients. I outgrew the space I was in and again, in search of another location with more space. I was able to find a 16,000 square foot building, which I purchased. Currently, 9,000 square feet is now home to the Luxe Salon Spa and Laser center.
This brings me to why I wanted to write this book. With all this success, I felt it was time for me to share all the tips and tricks that got me to where I am today. After I had moved my business to a new location in 2012, I decided to take several consulting courses, which enabled me to start. This opened up the doors to becoming a consultant for salons and spas throughout the United States. My vision was to give back to those who want to be savyy business owners and be empowering leaders within their domain. There were just so many lessons that I wanted to share, but I never attempted to turn them into a book until now….
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Each chapter of the book is broken down into three sections.
The first section is the story about Beauty Icons. This includes their accomplishments, struggles and everything in between.
The second section is an assessment based on the topic that will determine what you need to work on first.
Lastly, the third section gives you the education, lessons, and procedures you will need to take action towards financial freedom.
THE BEAUTY ICONS
THE BEAUTY ICONS
Each chapter of the book is broken down into three sections.
The first section is the story about Beauty Icons. This includes their accomplishments, struggles and everything in between.
The second section is an assessment based on the topic that will determine what you need to work on first.
Lastly, the third section gives you the education, lessons, and procedures you will need to take action towards financial freedom.
Karen Pudetti - Owner of Luxe Spa and Salon and BA Badass clothing line. Karen has built a multi-million dollar beauty business and has consulted for other salons and spas around the United States. She inspires beauty professionals to become savvy business leaders.
Drew Schaefering - Drew has worked with some of the world's top stylists, brands, celebrities, and models. He has worked countless Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Paris and Milan. His clients include Victoria Beckham, Doutzen Kroes, Eva Longoria, and Tilda Swinton.
Aika Flores - Owner of the project Studio, hairstylist and celebrity men's groomer. Prior to the pandemic, she was flown around the world every 10 days to cut her client's hair!
Geno Stampora - Considered an industry expert and Business Guru, Geno was inducted into the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) coveted "Hall of Leaders," one of only 24 beauty professionals in history!
Amy Carter - Owner of Solaris Salon, one of Indiana's top salons, and founder of Empowering You Consulting, and B-Industry School.
Damone Roberts - Known for painting the features and shaping the brows of some of the world's most famous faces, Damone's clients include Oprah, Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Ariana Grande.
Kelly Smith - Kelly is the CEO and founder of Projected Growth Counseling. She sold $18M in services to her clients last year. She is the author of Profit Killers for Plastic Surgeons and Medical Spas.
Matthew Collins - Named L'Oréal Professionnel's Canadian, Matthew's work has been featured in many online and print publications such as Vogue.com, GQ, People, Elle Canada.
Julie Kandalec - Owner of Julie K Nail Artelier and Masterclass Nail Academy, Julie's work can be seen worldwide in publications including Allure, Vanity Fair, and Cosmopolitan. Her clients include Cameron Diaz, Millie Bobby Brown and Zendaya.
Barbara Guillaume - Former model, and considered one of the most in-demand groomers, Barbara's client list includes Milo Ventimiglia, Edgar Ramirez and Tom Hanks.
Dottle Greene - At twenty-three years old, Dottie's cosmetology teacher insisted she enter the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) competition and she won. She became an employee at Tame Salon owned by Niki Levengood. Niki started franchising when one of her employees wanted to move out of state. Since then, Niki has expanded the Tame Label to extensions, clothing, and a beauty bus.
Ruth Roche - Ruth is a seven-time North America Hairstylist Award (NAHA) winner and a global artistic colorist. She has traveled the world sharing her knowledge. From opening her own salon in NYC to her own RARE academy.
Susie Carder - Profit Coach, Industry Icon, Strategic Business Consultant for 30 years; Susie is a bestselling author and international speaker. She has built and sold two companies for more than $20 million.