How to survive the festive season

 MARIA DOWLING,  founder of  mariadowling salon, leading region's colourist and winner of "Salon of the Year 2018" talks to us about the importance of making the   most of the festive season

The festive season is upon us - our books are full, our waiting lists are spilling over and we’re already feeling a little weary.

 It’s officially the busiest time of the year for salons and spas all over the world. So how do you stay sane throughout the season and still maintain that festive cheer for a whole month?

 And just as importantly how do you ensure your team keep their heads up and their smiles wide during those long days?

• 1. Decorate your space. Nothing says festive cheer more than a beautifully decorated salon!
• 2. Involve the clients. Every year we have our mariadowling Christmas gift tree where every client that comes to the salon picks a pouch from the tree and could win some gifts.
• 3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Don't use this time as an opportunity to try out those cute new pumps!
• 4. Be cheerful and pleasant as always. Your clients aren't interested in whether you're tired or overworked. Be full of festive cheer!
• 5. Get organised. Although it might be a little too late for some of us, our own personal admin needs to be considered well before the festive rush.
• 6. Prepare your social. Get your Facebook posts and email campaigns locked and ready to go well before the rush. It may not seem right to be preparing Merry Christmas posts when you've barely seen the back of summer!
• 7. Stay hydrated and eat well. Now is not the time to guzzle 10 cups of coffee before midday. Water, plus healthy, fresh and energy packed lunches will keep you going on the salon floor far longer than overdosing on caffeine and fast food.
• 8. Look after your team. Give a little holiday cheer to your employees by allowing the work/life balance regardless of how busy you are in the salon. It will motivate them and increase their performance so be flexible during a rare quiet period.
• 9. Bounce off each other. During those long and sometimes thankless hours it’s important to surround yourself with friends and colleagues who totally appreciate the work situation. Strong working relationships always make for a happier salon.
• 10. And finally…tune out the Christmas music! We all have Buble playing on repeat and it may seem like torture at times but try to switch off your ears to it.
  Studies have shown that when we hear enjoyable music our emotions have a positive impression of the surroundings, and putting it simply, the happier your clients are, the more likely they will return.