Over the next few days, StyleSeat Professional Damali Fils (@Damali) will be available to answer your questions! Damali extends her passions beyond the salon, sharing her insights via The Stylistpreneur Podcast ! She is also the author of Travel Notice: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Traveling Hairstylist , which you should definitely check out if youāre ālooking to take your skills on the road.ā This is all in addition to her successfully selling products on her website damalifils.com.
Damali has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry and has been utilizing StyleSeat for the past decade. Throughout this time, she has established herself as a ārenowned extensions specialist and Mizani Artistā.
Outside of her career, Damali shared with us that she is a world traveler and has especially enjoyed her trips to Amsterdam, Taiwan, and Barcelona. She has also lived in various places throughout the U.S. including Florida, New York, and California before moving to Chicago, which she currently calls home. In her free time, she is an avid reader and sets a goal to read/listen to at least one book monthly! She most recently read The Four Agreements.
Damali will be answering questions today through Wednesday, June 12th. Letās get to the Q+A! Drop your questions below
Hi Damali! Weāre so excited to have you as our AMA guest this week!
The Four Agreements has been on my TBR for a while now, but I havenāt gotten around to it yet. Would you recommend it? Any particular takeaways you found useful?
A key takeaway from āThe Four Agreementsā by Don Miguel Ruiz that I apply to my career is to "Always Do Your Bestā!
For a beauty professional, this means consistently providing the highest quality service to clients, staying updated with the latest trends and techniques, and continually improving skills. By always doing your best, you ensure client satisfaction, build a strong reputation, and cultivate a loyal client base. This agreement encourages you to put forth your best effort in every appointment, consultation, and interaction, fostering a positive and professional image.
itās so cool that you have products related to your business! iām new to the industry, but love this idea. Do you have any tips on how to create/sell merch on a budget?
Navigating service prices in different markets requires a blend of research, flexibility, and understanding of local economics. Hereās the approach I take:
Market Research: I start by researching the local market. I gather an understanding of the standard pricing for similar services in the area. This involves checking competitorsā prices, understanding the local cost of living, and gauging what clients are willing to pay.
Adjusting for Costs: I consider the cost of running my business in the new location. This includes rent, utilities, supplies, and any other overhead costs. Your prices should reflect these changes to ensure profitability.
Value Proposition: Emphasize the unique value you bring to your clients. Whether itās your expertise, the quality of your products, or exceptional customer service, make sure your clients understand why your services are worth the price.
Flexible Pricing: Iām always open to adjusting my prices based on demand and feedback. I often offer introductory discounts or package deals to attract new clients when Iām in a new area.
Consistent Quality: Regardless of the market, I make sure to maintain a high standard of service. Clients are more likely to accept higher prices if they perceive the value and quality of your work.
Communication: Iām always transparent with my clients about any price changes. I explain the reasons behind adjustments and reassure them of the continued quality and value of your services.
By being adaptable and attentive to the specific dynamics of each market, you can effectively manage your service prices and maintain a successful business.
Creating and selling merchandise on a budget can be a great way to supplement your income and build your brand. Here are some tips to get you started:
Start Small: Begin with a limited product range. Choose a few key items that resonate with your brand and are likely to appeal to your clients.
Leverage Print-On-Demand Services: Use print-on-demand companies like Printful, Teespring, or Redbubble. These services allow you to create and sell merchandise without upfront inventory costs, as they produce items only when an order is placed.
DIY Production: For certain products, consider making them yourself. For example, you could create custom hair accessories or small beauty products at home. This can keep costs low and give a personal touch to your merchandise.
Bulk Orders: If you decide to order products in bulk, negotiate with suppliers for discounts. Ordering larger quantities can reduce the cost per unit, but be mindful of not overcommitting financially.
Use Social Media for Marketing: Promote your merchandise on social media platforms where you already have a following. Use engaging posts, stories, and even live sessions to showcase your products.
Collaborate with Other Creators: Partner with local artists or other small businesses to co-create products. This can help you share costs and cross-promote to reach a broader audience.
Offer Pre-Orders: Gauge interest and generate upfront funds by offering pre-orders. This approach helps you understand demand and ensures you have the capital to produce the merchandise.
Optimize Your Online Store: Use affordable e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or even Instagram Shop to sell your products. Make sure your online store is user-friendly and visually appealing.
Focus on Packaging: Even on a budget, good packaging can enhance the perceived value of your merchandise. Consider simple yet attractive packaging options that reflect your brandās aesthetics.
Gather Feedback: Ask your clients for feedback on your merchandise. This will help you improve your offerings and better understand what your audience likes.
Starting small and being strategic with your investments can help you successfully create and sell merchandise without breaking the bank.
Hey! After years of supporting clients in the salon, I realized how much I enjoyed the mentorship aspect of my work. Helping my clients feel confident and beautiful was incredibly rewarding, but I found myself equally passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with fellow professionals. I wanted to help others in the industry grow, develop their skills, and navigate their careers. This shift allows me to make a broader impact, empowering more people to succeed and thrive in their professional journeys.
Yes, I have noticed regional differences in tipping, which definitely affects service costs. In some areas, clients tend to tip more generously (New York), while in others, tipping is more modest (Florida). These variations influence how I structure my service costs to ensure they reflect the local customs and expectations while maintaining fairness and sustainability for my business. Understanding these regional differences has been crucial in adapting my pricing strategy effectively.
Each place has served a different purpose for my business. Florida will always have my heart as itās where I got started and established my home base. New York was the most exciting, as I worked with celebrities and built some great industry connections. California allowed me to really hone my skills as a traveling hair stylist. Now, Chicago is opening me up to endless possibilities as an educator and industry expert.
Honestly, it wasnāt by choice, lol. Iāve relocated four times for my husbandās career, and I found it easier to travel back to my initial state of Florida, where I had a full clientele, while also building a new clientele in each new city. Hereās a video where I describe how I became a traveling hair stylist.
So inspiring to see how youāve diversified your business to bring in new income streams. Podcasting is a great idea to get exposure and it sounds super fun! Canāt wait to check it out!
What episode of your podcast should people listen to first?
She has also lived in various places throughout the U.S. including Florida, New York, and California before moving to Chicago, which she currently calls home. 
In her free time, she is an avid reader and sets a goal to read/listen to at least one book monthly! She most recently read The Four Agreements. 
How do you stay creative and innovative in your business approach?