120 A career in hairdressing means different things to different people with Mike Karg
A career in hairdressing means different things to different people. Although most of us start in the same place meaning after beauty school or an apprenticeship the next step is to be a stylist in a salon.\xa0 \xa0 For some people, they will then spend their entire career building up a loyal clientele and the great relationships and friendships that come with it. But for others, they move into different parts of the industry, whether it\u2019s as an editorial stylist, or an educator or perhaps into the product side of the business\u2026 there are many opportunities should you wish to pursue them.\xa0 \xa0 My guest on today's Podcast is Mike Karg and although Mike started out on a traditional path he has worked in multiple roles from salon based stylist to platform artist to photographic work to being an educator and product developer. \xa0 \xa0 In today\u2019s podcast we will discuss: The options that a hairdressing career gives you if you want to pursue them\xa0 Why working in more than one salon has become a thing What it takes to develop your own scissor line And lots more! In this Episode: \xa0 [03:15] An overview of today\u2019s guest, Mike Karg. [06:00] How Mike managed to start a career with a move to Los Angeles in the early 90s. [08:10] Mike\u2019s decision to start working with photographers to build his portfolio and clientele.\xa0 [10:30] How Mike hustled and grew his client base. [12:24] What made Mike leave Los Angeles to start again fresh in New York. [15:15] Balancing the pursuit of editorial photography in New York with independent work in salons. [17:47] Traveling between two places to support a career is becoming a thing today, but Mike was doing it years before the age of social media. [20:25] The practicalities of religiously traveling and living between two places, according to Mike. [22:38] The key to expanding work to six salons in the United States. [24:59] Scheduling appointments and proactive communications helped ensure clients knew when Mike was in town.\xa0 [26:30] Mike describes what ignited his passion for platform work. [28:36] Advantages of dry haircutting, in Mike\u2019s opinion.\xa0\xa0 [30:20] What it takes to create a new line of scissors. [33:10] A brief history of the longevity of shears. [35:05] The innovative changes that Mike implemented in his shears to make them stand out from everything else on the market. [38:10] What are the biggest parts of Mike\u2019s business? [39:15] The launch of PERFECT styling products. [41:46] Advice from Mike for anyone with ideas about inventing their own salon tools, methods, or products. [44:30] It\u2019s not about coming in with a bang.\xa0 It\u2019s about coming in with something that\u2019s really good that you really use and makes your life easier. [47:11] Mike explains why he never opened his own salon. [49:26] Mike and Antony discuss the wrong reasons to open a salon. [51:15] How COVID-19 has impacted Mike\u2019s businesses, and what Mike sees as the future of education post-COVID. [53:22] Digital education is valuable, but Mike believes it will never replace in-person education. [55:00] Mike shares his thoughts on the changing business models we see in the industry today. [57:55] Mike reveals what he believes is his biggest strength and what he wishes he could do better. [1:00:10] How can people connect with Mike? \xa0 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!\xa0 They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hear what\u2019s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!\xa0Just\xa0click here to review, scroll to the bottom, tap \u201cRatings and Reviews\u201d tap to rate with 5 stars and \u201cWrite a Review\u201d and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you for your support! Special thanks to Mike for sharing his insights with me for this week\u2019s episode. Until next time! Antony \xa0 Links and Resources: \xa0 Grow My Salon Business Website\xa0|\xa0Facebook\xa0|\xa0Instagram \xa0 Mike Karg Website | Facebook | Instagram