Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1511260
N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 71 Getting insight into the business was empowering, so when Senior Manager of Industry Relations and Events Katie Pohlman invited the group to share their stories, Layne was the first to respond. FIND YOUR NICHE Layne realized early in her hair career that what she loves most is the feedback—the smile when a guest walks out with better hair. Her personal 'aha' moment came in 2017, with her first set of extensions. "It changed my life," she says. "I have always had fine, thin hair and wore my hair up or in a short cut. Extensions gave me control over hair I didn't know was possible. I needed to do this for other people." She now sees 30 hair extension guests monthly. "Last year, extensions represented 15 percent of my business; now, it's more than half." Layne is certified in and offers guests: • Tape-ins • Wefts • i-Tips or microlinks • Keratin fusion • Combline (certification pending) "I work hard at what I do because I love it so much," she says. She travels on her own time as an extensions educator and was a guest speaker at a recent Hair Extensions Summit. Ulta Academy has also expanded extensions education, and Layne expects the service to keep growing and evolving. TAKE CARE OF U AND YOUR GUESTS As determined as Layne is to earn a great living as a hairdresser, she also prioritizes lifestyle and balance. She loves how Ulta Beauty asks and answers, "W ho is taking care of you while you're taking care of your guests?" Being a hairdresser is demanding, she knows. "If you make a bunch of money but can't protect and enjoy it, what good is it?" Layne is grateful she can manage her schedule and be a present parent. She plans PTO and fun with family as purposefully as she plans her business. "I also support Ulta Beauty in my local community and in networking with other salons. I tell them one unique thing about being a stylist at Ulta Beauty is it's truly a one-stop shop for all things beauty. Guests can get their brows done and keep their makeup up to date when they see me. A nd you have access to tools that other stylists don't have, including so many brands for at-home care. You can really recommend what you believe is best for your guest." VALUE YOUR PARTNERS "Some people see my success and ask, 'W hen are you going to go out on your own?' I answer, 'Do you want me to raise my prices?' I would have to raise every service price to cover the overhead cost of being on my own," Layne says. "A nd I could still never offer everything Ulta Beauty allows me to do." Layne is a fan of the Ulta Beauty Rewards points system, and the Ulta Beauty credit card that links to it. "No other salon I am aware of allows you to earn free services based on previous spending." It's just another example of the strengths Layne is happy to leverage. "I own my success, but I have a partnership with Ulta Beauty." Layne sees 30 loyal extensions guests on a monthly basis in her chair at Ulta Beauty. Step by step, year after year, Layne's career at Ulta Beauty keeps growing. advertisement