Special Feature
What did you do before franchising? I studied business and fi nance at university and, after graduating, set up my own clothing boutique, which I ran successfully for fi ve years before selling it to concentrate on raising my family. Later, I wanted a new challenge, so I chose to train as a beauty therapist, which led me to opening my own home-based salon. Over 18 years I built up a loyal client base, and very much enjoyed my chosen career. I always had aspirations of opening a high-street salon.
What drew you to franchising and Guinot in particular?
Guinot Tina Rai
Tina runs her Guinot franchise in Gerrards Cross and began trading in October 2014.
I had always been a fan of Guinot products and treatments, and so franchising with Guinot seemed like the ideal way to realise my dream of opening my own salon. Guinot is a respected brand that off ered me the opportunity to accelerate my business growth.
What advantages does the Guinot franchise off er? We were apprehensive about building a client base from scratch and competing with a number of established local salons. Although I had my existing clients from my salon, we knew this would not be enough to sustain the business. Since opening, the Guinot brand name has attracted many clients. We’ve now built up a healthy clientele with high retention rates. Commercially, Guinot helps their franchisees with competitive commercial off ers and preferential trading terms, along with dynamic marketing collateral and thorough training.
Why a franchise in the health and fi tness sector?
I’ve had a passion for beauty all my working life and love the personal nature of client relationships in beauty therapy. I recognised the growth potential in the health and fi tness sector. It has withstood the tough economic times of recent years and has continued to grow, so it defi nitely felt like a robust sector in which to invest.
How was initial training and support? The team were hugely supportive from the very fi rst meeting, helping with fi nance, fi nding and securing property, salon design, staff recruitment and training. They’ve been alongside us every step of the way.
What is the ongoing support like? As a Guinot franchisee we run an independent salon, but with the support of one of the biggest names in the beauty business. It’s reassuring to know that the franchise team is available if I need to ask any advice; we speak to them at least once a week and see them every six weeks.
How have you found trading so far? Have there been any challenges? Like any business, the fi rst two years have been hard work but immensely rewarding. With Guinot’s support, we have achieved our fi rst two years’ sales targets. The biggest challenge has actually been building a team of experienced and hard-working therapists, and I’m pleased to say that after two years we have done that.
How has this infl uenced your personal life?
It has taken up a large slice of our life, but we expected that all along, and I’ve been fortunate to have been supported by my husband and children throughout.
Would you recommend a Guinot franchise to others? For somebody starting a fi rst-time salon business, Guinot is a brilliant opportunity that I can’t recommend highly enough. While Guinot’s brand and proven system will be your biggest asset, you will need to roll up your sleeves and work really hard to establish your salon. If you can match Guinot’s expertise and experience with your own determination and eff ort, you have a recipe for success.
What are your plans for the future? In the long term I would like to open a second salon and continue to expand the business.
December/January 2017 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 45
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