Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1540979
96 AHP Indie Stylist Volume 6 Issue 2 INBOX THE "To begin, set a firm date for the transition. Let your clients know as far in advance as possible. Ideally, this conversation will happen face-to- face, so you can answer any questions they may have and assure them you're not 'breaking up' with them. Try to pair them with a new stylist yourself so you can share your color formulas and any other pertinent information. is type of gesture will go a long way toward easing the client's mind about losing you, and you can help a friend build their book. Above all, be consistent. Once you drop a service, you cannot offer it to anyone aer that. Imagine how your former client would feel if they saw you performing that service on someone else aer telling them no!" —Jesse Linares (@jesse.linares), Sam Villa ArTeam member and stylist at Structured Hair "e first thing I'd do is find a stylist I trust and respect to refer my clients to, someone who specializes in the services I'll no longer offer. en, I'd be up front with my clients, explaining that I'm shiing my focus to a specific niche to better serve my passion and expertise. I'd give them plenty of notice—maybe a few months—and set a clear deadline for when I'll stop offering those services. During that time, I'd help them transition by offering referrals and sharing why I think the new stylist will be a great fit. To avoid confusion, I'd also remove the phased-out services from my menu and stop accepting new bookings for them immediately. is approach keeps the communication professional and ensures my clients feel cared for, even as I transition to my new specialty." —Crystle Jones-Bond, award-winning hairstylist, salon owner, author, chemist, and educator How do I tell my current clientele that I'm no longer going to perform the services they've always booked with me? Q: A: unsplash I'm Ready to Focus on My Niche! Expert advice from industry pros "I would definitely have 1–2 referrals for other service providers for them, and I wouldn't take any new clients who want the services I wish to not continue. I really enjoy my guests and would prefer to keep them for the parts of the service I enjoy. I currently pass anything I am not interested in doing to other people in my salon who I know love it. I can suggest a service, but that doesn't mean I have to be the one to do it. I'd also have a plan for them and put a timeline on it. I would say something like, 'I wanted to let you know, aer November, I will not be doing this service anymore, but I'd still love to see you for the services I'll still be doing. I'd love to introduce you to my coworker who can take care of you and who is excellent at it!' Be enthusiastic, as if it's a great new opportunity for the client, and do not feel bad about it. Be excited you are choosing to do more of what you love. It'll show, and they should be happy for you." —Jamie DiGrazia, Redken Artist, owner of Logan Parlor, executive director of Hair Has No Gender NFP