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Your Dream Career in the Beauty or Fashion Industries: Tips for Succeeding

So you want to get into the beauty business?  Perhaps you don’t know how to take the leap and make it work out for you right from the start.  Are you afraid to take that risk?  No one believes you can make the switch at this point in your life or career path except you?  Your dreams of working in the beauty and fashion industries can come true.  Here are some tips for you!

First of all believe in yourself and your own path.  Taking a chance on something new can be frightening, especially when it comes to our careers and how we feed our families.  However, you need to be happy in what you do.  You spend more time working than you do with your family and that time needs to be spent doing the things you are passionate about to truly keep you happy and motivated for those that share your life with you.  If getting into a beauty or fashion business has always been your dream then you should consider it.  Despite it being a bleak economy presently it is actually the perfect time to make yourself the boss and venture out into something new.  Small businesses that start when the economy is weak can thrive.

If you are in the beauty business you need to think differently than if you are in a salary or hourly pay driven job.  Most of the time in the beauty or fashion business you are on what I like to call the “sweat clock”  meaning that if you aren’t working then you aren’t making money.  Most beauty jobs are service oriented and that means you have to work hard and work smart.  You are basically a freelancer or your own boss if you rent a booth at a salon or work on commission which is the case for most beauty service professionals.  It would do you good to learn all you can about running your work as a “small business”.  Learn to keep your books right and how to file self-employment taxes correctly and on time.  Get a separate bank account and deposit your income into it and pay out business expenses from it.  Learn how to pay yourself from the income you take in and put aside money for unexpected expenses and further education.  A good source for advice and help is your local Small Business Administration (SBA) that offers free counseling and help.  Also visit your local office of SCORE which is a volunteer organization made up of mostly retired professionals in fields of law, marketing, accounting and more.

Education is a must!  Not only is education important in the beginning but for the rest of your career.  If you slack then others will be on top of the latest and greatest techniques and trends and your clients will seek them out if you can’t give them what they want. 

Take the opportunity to learn from those that are already in the business.  Look for internships to learn and discover if you would really like a career in beauty or fashion.  You will make great connections and gain tremendous experience that can set you up on your career path way ahead of the game than if you skipped out on the internship.  Volunteer your skills to charity events or causes so that you can gain valuable experience.

Take workshops and classes.  A few hours in a workshop can add to your skills and to the services you can offer your clients and potential new clients.  Here at EBK Beauty we are currently running a 50% off special on our most popular classes and workshops – to see the classes, schedules and discounted rates go here: Classes by Kobe Ellis Promotion.  To see a full list of our classes go here: Classes by Kobe Ellis. During our promotion there is a new class each weekend and only a few more to go so be sure and take advantage of this opportunity.

Let the Pros know you want to make a switch.  Many times it can lead to a part-time learning job that will evolve into a full-time career.  EBK Beauty for instance is opening a new Salon and we are looking for positions for practically every beauty service such as braiders, eyelash stylists, eyebrow threaders, barbers, stylists, manicurists, and more.  By taking a class or offering to work part-time to learn you could move right into a paid position in your dream job.  If you learn from a pro in your area and they teach you their technique there is a great chance they would look to you when they need a position filled in their salon or as an assistant.

Being in the beauty and fashion industry can be rewarding and at times it can seem less like a job and more like fulfillment while you get paid.  You change people’s lives at times and you make a difference in their confidence and outlook on life.  You get to do all that while you are surrounded in the atmosphere of hair, nails, makeup, eyelashes, hair extensions, fashion design, shoes, etc. depending on the field you choose.

The best tip of all: Pursue, persevere and believe in you.

For more information about openings in our 2 locations call us at (904) 503-3139

Beauty and Fashion on a Budget Part 2

In Part 1 of Beauty and Fashion on a Budget there were great tips on how to begin making choices to gain high quality beauty and fashion but still stick to your budget.  Now we are going to discuss some more tips to help.  Let’s start with quality and how that pertains to your budget.  Many times when faced with a cheap “copy designer” item of a current design the temptation is to have what is in style even if it isn’t the real thing.  Overcome that temptation and step back a moment.  Buying generic is sometimes the same as buying the name brand but when it comes to fashion and beauty and buying “knock-offs” it is often of poor quality and the manufacturer is counting on the consumer wanting the look-a-like item more than quality.  Quality in fashion and beauty can mean a lot and by skipping out on it you could be spending much more than you should because the items will not hold up to wear, washing and time. 

Point in case, this happens much too often when people choose to buy cheap hair extensions at a beauty supply store.  Buying cheaper hair extensions means it will likely look fake, will not hold up as long as if you had invested in slightly more expensive hair extensions, and it will mean you will be buying more hair much sooner than if you had chosen quality over price.  That blows your budget.  The same can be said for lower quality and copy versions of clothes, sunglasses and especially purses and shoes.  It would be much better to choose these items at a higher quality but perhaps a less expensive brand.  Take pride in choosing something that looks good on you rather than what looks good on hundreds of other people that are buying an item just because everyone else is doing so.  Choose your fashion for how it looks on you and the quality.

Makeup is probably one of the most difficult things to categorize.  There are face creams that cost $2 and ones that cost $1,500 and both might be as worthless as the other.  Price has little to do with quality in this market.  The same can be said for well-known brands.  Some brands are consistently amazing and others are hits and misses.  So a lot of trial and error has to occur.  There are ways to go on that path and find the quality items that can help you still stick to your budget. 

Rather than going shopping for makeup have items chosen beforehand that you know you need such as a good day and night moisturizer, a good cleanser, a toner perhaps and then foundations, powders, blush, eye shadows, and others.  Buy new colors only every season not every week.  Begin to be season conscious with your makeup and you will become a better shopper in that category.  You can buy trusted colors as they go out of season and are on sale and save them for the next.  Makeup has a short life span so buying in seasons will keep your skin and body healthier by throwing out old makeup.

How to choose the right products?  Go and get free makeovers at beauty counters.  It is a great way to see if something matches your skin tone/type and if the product is affordable.  Ask for samples even from discount stores.  Samples are readily sent to drugstore type makeup counters and the samples sit unused on a shelf in the back or under a counter.  Check for sales if you are going to be buying items or brands that are found where sales often occur such as grocery stores, drug stores, or major discount stores.  Some stores match sale prices of other stores so take advantage of that.

Another great tip is to take advantage of Christmas Holiday offers.  Major cosmetic companies often have low cost promotions with major makeup kits to go along with sales of perfume.  Build your shopping list for friends or family around buying someone perfume and getting your makeup kit for an entire season.  Another great source is from TV shopping channels such as QVC and HSN.  They have daily sales, clearance, and promotional sales that offer “kits” or items of major cosmetic lines including some of the most expensive that can only be found in upscale department stores.  You don’t have to wait till they advertise on TV though since most of the items are available on their Web sites along with short videos on how to use the products.  You will have the opportunity to have high quality cosmetics shipped right to your front door, at discounted pricing and if you don’t like it then you can ship it back.  This is a great way to try new products and brands and stick to your seasonal makeup budget.

You can have quality items and great fashion and style on a budget.  It means planning, shopping around, and sticking to your list and not being tempted to buy anything off of your planned fashion or beauty list that you may “want” but don’t “need”. 

If you have any Beauty and Fashion on a Budget tips please leave them in the comment section and share with others!  If you want to get high quality products and service for your beauty salon needs then give us a call for an appointment or walk-in!  From our Jacksonville city-wide famous $50 quick sew-in to our other high quality and affordable services you can be assured you have found the right salon for your high expectations and the start to an EBK Beautiful YOU!

Beauty and Fashion on a Budget Part 1: Secrets to Great Choices and Less Spending

In the current economy everyone needs to stretch their dollar and make sure they are getting the best value out of every penny they spend.  Unfortunately it can be stressful when it comes to a woman maintaining her beauty and fashion regimen.  Confidence is often tightly associated with the things a woman does to make herself feel and look better and having to cut back can lead to disappointment in the moment and a loss of confidence.  There are ways to not only stick to a budget but up your beauty and fashion game! 

When it comes to services you normally get at a beauty salon such as coloring, hair extensions, nail art, eyebrow threading, and eyelash extensions it is important to stay with the professionals.  These services don’t have to destroy your budget or your attempt at cutting down your credit card debt.  You need to find a quality salon that isn’t pushing their prices up to pay for the over the top décor or more employees than they need to service their clientele.  Of course, here in Jacksonville the best salon for hair care, hair extensions, eyelash extensions, and eyebrow threading is EBK Beauty.  We do our best so you can look your best!  Our prices are affordable and there is no skimping on quality of services or products. 

If you live outside the Jacksonville area then ask around and start getting referrals.  Go into the salon you are researching and get a low cost service to see if the quality is still good even though you are paying for a small service or product.  Work your way up to the more costly services and make sure every time you are paying a more affordable rate for the service you are still getting the quality you expect.

For things outside of the salon such as fashion accessories, shoes and clothing don’t hesitate to visit an upscale consignment shop.  There are many items in those stores that have never been worn or have been worn only once or twice.  The best shops carry only lightly used or new items because they want to be known as “THE” place to buy quality items.  You can expect to find very high quality clothing pieces and from items from timeless designers.  This is especially the way to go when it comes to teens and young children.  Specialty clothing consignment shops for teens or children can offer tremendous bargains and you get better quality for your dollar.  It’s smart shopping!  Often these types of stores are kept as “secret treasures” by others and the stores do not advertise heavily so it may take hunting around to find the best ones.  If you have items that you can trade in then you will really be getting a great bargain by purchasing new items for yourself with your trade-credit.

Another tip is to buy online.  There are normally competitive prices to be found online and surprisingly enough there are consignment shops that operate online.  Do a search online for “high end consignment online” or “luxury consignment online” or “fashion consignment online” and you will have more than enough choices.

Tomorrow we will share with you how to do Beauty and Fashion on a Budget Part 2! 

Jacksonville Brides Encouraged to Begin Beauty Treatments Early

Once the date is set for a wedding it could appear that there will be plenty of time to get things done.  Even the best organized Bride with all of her to do lists in order can forget one important detail.  It can be a forgotten detail that goes unattended to as the months dwindle down to weeks and then days.  Most often forgotten until the last minute is the beauty regimine for the Bride.

Everyone knows that stress is definitely not a beauty treatment for the body so it would go without saying that a Bride should begin in the earliest parts of planning to keep stress to a minimum.  Since stress accumulates in the body it is important to do stress relieving exercises and take time to just relax, meditate and keep things in perspective.

Making sure to keep to a nutritious diet is key to making sure that the body can combat stress that is sure to mount as Wedding planning and life changes occur but it also helps keep the body looking its best.  Good skin as well as good hair and nail growth are all deeply tied to good nutrition.

The beginning is also the time to start planning the hairstyle, the makeup, and the nails.  Many Brides wait until they find a veil to choose a hairstyle when actually the complete opposite can have a more flattering outcome.  Choose a hairstyle that is flattering to the Bride first and then choose a veil that will enhance and set off the Bride’s overall look.  After all, the veil shouldn’t be the focus it should be the Bride.

Make a few appointments to try out hairstyles.  Then make note as to how people react to the look you are trying out.  Lots of compliments mean the look is pleasing to your face and your style.  Plan with your stylist to kick up the hairstyle a bit more on the Wedding Day to make the look more glamorous.  Once you have decided on THE hairstyle then have your hair done similar on the day you choose your gown and veil.  Things will come together much easier in this order of hairstyle first and then the gown and veil later.  If you already have your gown and veil then take several snapshots from different angles and have them printed to bring along to a hairstyle appointment.  Don't expect the sylist to get the best view from photos on a phone.  Take the effort to print them out and bring them to the sylist so they can refer to all of the pictures at one time.

The makeup and nails should be thought out beforehand as well.  If you plan to wear eyelash extensions then get them as soon as possible.  Finding out you are allergic to the glue a few days before your Wedding is not what you want to happen.  Eyebrows are important in framing the eyes and since many women over-pluck or have poorly shaped brows it is important to seek a professional’s help long before the Wedding Day.  Beauty experts encourage seeking out an eyebrow threading expert to make sure the eyebrows are shaped to flatter the eye and the face and give it a romantic and beautiful look.  Planning is everything and since you want to look your best on your Wedding Day then don’t skimp on planning out your beauty regimen to the smallest detail with as much energy as is given to the flowers, reception, and attire of the Wedding party.

EBK Beauty is well equipped to handle your Wedding Day needs and we can work with you to discover your ideal dream bridal look.  We can even set aside private hours in which to work on your look.  You can discover which look is best while relaxing and being attended to just as you should expect being the focus of the appointment.  You are welcome to bring your Mother, Wedding planner and even your Maid of Honor along to help in the decision making.  We know how to help you be the lovely vision you want to be on your Day and we will give you are full attention and access to a wide team of professionals that will all be thrilled to be a part of your Wedding Day Planning.

Here is a quick video on Bridal Makeup.  It includes tips on choosing the best makeup for different time of day weddings, different venues such as a beach destination and makeup that will enhance your look in photographs.

 

Don’t Blame Your Weave for All Your Hair Problems

Hair extensions can transform a person’s hairstyle in minutes.  The ability to get clip-ins at beauty stores and extensions from salons that would fool your Mother has made the possibilities of beauty makeovers and changes an easy task.  However, light has cast a bad shadow on the damage that can be done to the hair from overdoing extensions.  Rather than blame the weaves on the damage much of the blame needs to go to the wearer of the extensions.

It can’t be confirmed, for only their hairstylist knows for sure, but many of the long locks wearing celebrities are opting for a short style and some just shave off their hair all together.  It is a way for them to give their hair a rest before they do permanent damage.  Some just stay in denial and do damage to the extent seen in recent photos of Naomi Campbell.  It isn’t the weave’s fault all together.  It is important that the person wearing the weave is doing what is best for their own hair in addition to their overall look.

There are some things that can be done to keep your hair in great shape.  Remember that once you get the hair extensions that you have two vastly different types of hair to take care of and that one is a living extension of your body and the other is not.  A diet that is balanced and supplements such as biotin and multi-vitamins can help in making sure you are getting all your body needs to have healthy hair growth.  Women should also routinely be tested for hypothyroidism which can lead to hair loss as well as other health concerns.

When it comes to the extensions don’t wait too long to have your weave or braids changed out by your stylist.  As your own hair grows out the weight of the extensions pull on your own hair more the further out they are from your scalp.  By keeping to a schedule recommended by your stylist you can do much to keep your own hair from being damaged.  Also, choose weave integration methods that are less damaging to the hair.  Talk with your stylist about what they can offer you and be willing to pay a bit more if the result is less damage to your hair.

Don’t skip out on conditioning your own hair either.  Deep conditioning is important to the scalp and the hair and should never be skipped because your own hair has less of an impact on your style.  Next time make sure you schedule time to pamper your own hair with your stylist before you get your weave.

Full wigs can give your hair and scalp a break as well and to make sure the switch over is successful don’t skip on the cost of the wig.  Nothing can be less appealing than a cheap wig and one that doesn’t receive proper care.  The good news is that most salons that do extensions also do custom wigs and many times the best looking ones are not only affordable but they last longer.  Take advantage of this opportunity and have your stylist fit you for a wig that is similar to your current style and color.  Use it as an opportunity to go shorter and everyone will think you have cut your hair.  Many women use the winter as a time to rest their own hair and scalp since it can be much more comfortable to wear a wig in cold weather.

Another option is to combine clip-ins with a weave to give your hair a break.  Again, this is something that you want to use the skill and advice of your stylist for so that the look is exceptional and you are happy with the results.

No matter what options you use it is important to discuss any hair loss or concerns with your stylist.  Telling them you are open to doing different integration methods for your extensions to get the best results for the health of your own hair is important so that they know it is something you are interested in pursuing. 

Make your EBK Beauty appointment online or by phone.  We take walk-ins as well.  We are the hair extension specialists in Jacksonville so let us give you and your hair the quality service and attention you expect and deserve.

The Cost of Beauty: Price, Quality and Finding Treasures

When it comes to how much something costs the standard is that if it costs more then it will be of better quality.  Sometimes that is true and then other times it is not.  For instance, many times the product you pay more money for is made in the same factory or plant that another product is made and yet the price tag on the two products is far from one another.  You are paying more money for the right to buy a particular brand that has spent more money on marketing and branding rather than the product itself.

Food and beverages are a very clear example of this as there are very fine cups of coffee to be purchased at places that can compete in taste and quality with higher cost brand coffee houses but one is more expensive than the other due to the branding and marketing of one than the other. 

Sometimes you aren’t paying more for branding or marketing but more for what the owner wants in place for the business.  I once walked into a small, quaint, luxury stationary and card store and could not believe the prices.  Sheets of luxury stationary died in soft hues that made you exhale just looking at them.  They were so relaxing to just look at due to how they were all displayed beside of their matching envelopes.  One letter written to someone could cost you $5.00 for a few sheets of paper and an envelope.  It was a little more if you wanted to purchase the carefully color coordinated ink pen in which to write your words.  The experience in the shop was fantastic and much care had gone into selection of the products and their display.  I must say I felt it was worth the price tags in that shop especially when compared to the cost of a pre-printed card from a specialty shop printed on cheap paper with a horrible verse printed on it.  Shopping for a card for someone is less of a relaxing experience as you choose one card after another and tuck it back into place because it just isn’t right.  Large card stores just don’t offer me the same experience for similar pricing.  I'd rather dump the large card store and walk around admiring things in the stationary store.

In that case you are paying for the environment in which you purchase as much as the product.  You may do this at cafés, boutiques, jewelry stores, interior design shops, and salons.  Sometimes price has a lot to do with quality and then sometimes you are just paying a lot of money because the business has convinced you that you should pay more to have the privalege of purchasing there and price has very little to do with quality.

There are two pricing rules that everyone has to always be on the lookout for and that is 1) the product or service that costs less but is of higher quality (you find these businesses and products and you know you have a treasure!) and 2) the product or service that costs more and is of lesser quality (you learn a lesson and avoid in the future).

Everyone has experienced the latter where you pay a lot of money and you get poor customer service, you are nickeled and dimed to death for little extras, and the product or service fails to “wow” for the price.  I’ve done it and sometimes I will give the business one more chance just in case it was “one bad experience” but other times I just walk away and have buyer’s regret.  One such experience was when I needed some tailoring done to some clothing i had bought.  I chose the higher priced service and hated the results and never liked the clothing.  Then I chose a smaller tailoring business ran by a woman out of her home and found the quality and attention to detail to be amazing.  I almost cried when she moved away to be closer to family.  Those types of businesses are what I consider treasures.  I have been lucky enough to found a few in my days.

I want EBK Beauty to be your "treasure" business.  When I opened EBK Beauty the recession was hitting people hard.  I told myself that I would make the environment as relaxing and friendly as possible without putting so much money into fixtures or signage that it would mean higher prices to make ends meet.  I worked hard to keep our expenses down so that we could offer quality service and products without the need to mark up costs.  I wanted a friendly place where “everyone knows your name” when you walk in and you leave feeling revived and renewed. 

EBK Beauty is the little salon that is the rarity in today’s world of salons and day spas.  We are small enough to give exceptional customer service and to truly care about our customers.  We are big enough to be able to offer you highly skilled professionals for outstanding results you will return to and when you walk out you will feel good about the experience, the environment, how you look and feel and you will even feel good about what you paid for it all. 

I hope you will give us the opportunity to be your beauty service provider the next time you want to have your eyebrows threaded, to get eyelash extensions or a lash lift, or to get hair extensions or a personalized hair style.  If you have been paying lots of money for mediocre or average service, then it is time to walk away.  You now have another choice.  Check out our salon services menu and then make an appointment with us.  We can’t wait to be your Jacksonville Beauty Service Treasure!

Hair Extensions 101 – Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

Hair extensions have been around for centuries though recently the trend of using hair extensions has been more popular than it was just a decade ago.  Hair extensions can be professionally integrated at a salon or it can be purchased from the Internet, salons or beauty supply stores to be installed at home.  For those considering hair extensions here are some facts that will help you make more informed decisions when choosing your hair extensions.

• When it comes to hair extensions there are two basic categories – artificial hair and natural human hair.  In those categories there are then a wide variety of subcategories to choose from.  High quality human hair can be styled and cared for like your own hair whereas synthetic or artificial hair will melt or become damaged with some styling techniques such as the use of a curling iron.  Human hair is more expensive and lasts longer but synthetic hair can be quite useful and affordable for changing up hairstyles frequently.
• How the extensions are integrated into the person’s hair is the next consideration.  It can be a simple clip-in to longer lasting and semi-permanent installation.  Clip-ins often involve several thin sections placed throughout the hair in strategic points to make them disappear in the hairstyle and appear natural.  More permanent installations allow the wearer to sleep in their extensions and do normal hair maintenance and styling including pulling the hair into up-styles or ponytails.
• The next consideration is the length and type of hair such as wavy, curly or straight.  Choose hair type in the style you will wear it.  Your hair will last longer if you buy it straight rather than buying it wavy or curly and then straightening it during styling.
• Color is then the next step but keep in mind that natural hair can often be died to match your own hair color by a skilled colorist.

Clip-in hair extensions are the least permanent and do not cause damage to the hair as has been reported by other types of installation such as glue extensions.  When choosing more permanent attachment types such as glue or fusion, which attaches extensions with heat, it is important to select a professional to do the work so as to avoid any permanent damage to the hair follicles.  There are other types of installation such as bonding, weaving, tracking and lace fronts.  Again, when using hair replacements or extensions it is important to use a professional for a natural look if you are considering any type of installation beyond clip-ins.

The quality of the hair can vary as well.  The usual terminology to know is:

• Virgin hair means that the hair has never been chemically processed or colored.
• Remy means that the hair is close to having all of the strands organized with the roots in one direction.  It is a term that is used to mean that the hair was of high quality and would be long lasting and virtually tangle free.  However, this term is highly abused by sellers and you should beware of using this term to determine quality.  Purchase from trusted sources when choosing hair that is marketed as Remy.
• Single drawn hair means that the hair was collected and gathered with no more than a 2” difference in hairs.  There can be some shorter than others in the weft or gathering of the hair.
• Double drawn means that the hair was more laboriously gathered and there will be more uniformity between both ends of the extensions with less thinning at the bottom.  Extensions in this category are more expensive than those that are single drawn.

If you have any questions about hair extensions feel free to ask any EBK Beauty Professional.  We not only provide the most popular hair extension installations but we also sell high quality hair as well.  We are Jacksonville’s Premier Salon for Hair Extensions.

Please watch this informative video with Kobe Ellis discussing hair extensions and Brazilian Knots installation.