NCA's SalonLife'07 - Inspiration, Education, Motivation

A mix of well-known lifestyle experts and respected industry leaders presented solutions, information and inspiration to the SalonLife audience. Kicking off the second day with his segment "Seriously: Taking Your Career to the Next Level," crowd-favorite Robert Cromeans explained exemplary customer service as "a never forgotten experience."

That's also how attendees described their SalonLife'07 weekend. Highlights included:

Dr. Mehmet Oz, Oprah health expert and author of the best-selling books YOU: The Owner's Manuel, YOU: The Smart Patient and YOU: On a Diet, provided an entertaining tour through the body with advice on how to stay healthy longer. "If you regulate your blood pressure, don't smoke, exercise 30 minutes a day, eat a healthy diet that's easy to love and control stress," Dr. Oz. told the SalonLife audience, "You control 70 percent of how long and how well you live."

David Bach, author of seven consecutive bestsellers including Start Late, Finish Rich and The Automatic Millionaire urged SalonLife attendees to pay themselves first, become a homeowner, consider buying their salon instead of leasing and look at what they spend on all the little extras. "If you can save $10 a day that becomes $300 a month, $3,600 a year and $1,492,024 in 35 years," said David Bach. "If you have a partner that also saves $10 a day, you’ll have almost $3,000,000 in 35 years!"

Amanda Gore, premiere lifestyle speaker, led the SalonLife audience through fun exercises designed to relieve stress through connecting and laughing. "All successful people have one thing in common—they are 'good finders,' " explained Amanda Gore to the SalonLife audience. "They find good in everything that happens to them and in the people they meet."

Robert Cromeans, owner of five successful A Robert Cromeans Salon and artistic director for John Paul Mitchell Systems, discussed financial targets for salons, customer service, salon dialogue and staff recruitment. "Our biggest enemies are supermarkets and drugstores," said Robert Cromeans. "We need to pay more attention to the products we're selling and show clients how we can color hair in ways they can't with drugstore products."

Dr. Lew Losoncy, psychologist and author of If It Weren’t For You We Could Get Along and Early Poppers: Those Who Get It and Make the Most of It, reminded the SalonLife audience that today is the most important day because it is the only day in we can change. "Never make the mistake of limiting your future by the limitations of your past," said Dr. Lew. "Proceed as if the challenges in front of you have solutions. Your world is unlimited. You have now."

Dean Banowetz, Hollywood Hair Guy and American Idol hairdresser, grew up on a farm in Iowa and worked his way to styling the hair of some of the biggest celebrities. "Wherever you work, you have to stay true to yourself and keep it real," Dean Banowetz told SalonLife attendees. "If you have a client who is off the edge, be in the moment with them. Touch them, listen to them. So many people talk and don' listen."

Nick Arrojo, owner of New York City’s Arrojo Studio and What Not To Wear's hair expert, drew on his life experiences to encourage SalonLife attendees. "You can’t give up your passion when you're faced with business difficulties," Nick Arrojo said. "Let your creative drive be the fuel for your long-term goals."

Jan Arnold, co-founder and style director for Creative Nail Design, shared with the SalonLife audience that exercise is her all-time secret to total balance. "Make time for exercise every day no matter what so you can get the endorphin rush," said Jan Arnold. "Find your stride and even simple tasks such as taking the stairs, parking your car far away or getting out for a walk can make a difference."

Mary Beth Janssen, author and beauty and wellness expert, kept the SalonLife crowd energized with stretches, yoga and dance. "If stress has gotten the upper hand, take a healing breath," said Mary Beth Janssen. "Breathing helps you gain composure and perspective while easing anxiety."

Ann Mincey, vice president of communications for Redken, served as emcee and special guest of the event. "The NCA has always supported all facets of salon professionals careers and lives—from education to community service," says Marlene Bridge, NCA president. ""Our SalonLife events provide an inspiring two-day focus on how all salon professionals can make positive changes in their health, finances and work-life balance so they can build successful, long-term careers."

SalonLife'07 sponsors included American Salon, Creative Nail, Graham Webb, Joico, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Sebastian and Wella. Plans are underway for SalonLife'08. For updates, please visit www.ncacares.org.

For more information on the NCA or to become a member, salon professionals can visit www.ncacares.org or call 1-866-871-0656.