What is it worth?

   I've been giving business a lot of thought lately. How and when to grow. How to touch a new audience. How to keep existing clients satisfied and progressing forward with their skin care needs. In the beauty biz competition is fierce.  So, how do I separate my business from the others?
   Good service is an an average expectation these days. The Walmarts of the world have made it so predictable for the consumer and that's what makes their business successful.  However, do you remember each and every visit you have ever made to a Walmart?  Granted, Walmart trumps with deep discounts but is that how one should choose a spa service? It it worth $10,$20,$50 extra dollars to get exceptional service?
The spa experience should be memorable each time in my opinion. Was it the service rendered, the results achieved, the conversation, or the way it made you feel?

 Which leads me to believe each experience must be memorable for an ongoing small business to succeed. The growth on my business depends on it.

  Do you have any ideas or stories to share that stand out as exceptional service and experience?

   The reality is the beauty industry does not launch many new things any given year. Most services and products are regurgitations or mutations of already existing offerings. A new package, a new name, a recycled form of electricity applied. The only truly novel event that has occurred in skin care is the delivery system or agent that pushes active ingredients into the skin. And, the only way laser has evolved over the years is how less painful it has become. More user friendly if you will. Although these  imply progress the tactics are the same.

So what really makes a client stay loyal? What are you seeking in your experience?

Would love to hear your feedback!

Keene Cosmetics
Smart skin care

The "why"of business

My significant other and I have hired a life coach, recently. Some may find this frivolous but for me it is a priority to help me not only define my goals but be accountable to achieve them. The reason I am sharing this is because my first homework assignment is to list "why" I am in business. Not what I do or how I do it but the real reason I am involved with skin care. He told me to list thirty reasons. At first I thought this was daunting but soon I realized I had a list with over forty!

Here is a list of a few favorites:

To educate the public

Trusted information

Long term results

Problem solving

Therapeutic

Break bad habits

Sharing

Align with the clients lifestyle

Sift through the BS in skin care

Use technology and natural approaches

Improve clients' self confidence

Innovative

To serve

Dramatic results

Develop realistic skin care goals

Being in skin care has afforded me all of the above. The relationships I've developed with clients has been a rewarding process.

Asking "why" we do something is the core reason for "doing". This question can be applied to any industry or relationship.

I would love to hear any feedback!

Keene Cosmetics

Smart Skin Care

Farm to table trends

In recent years many households and cities have been embracing the farm to table philosophy. Have you considered utilizing this beliefs of wholesomeness into a skin care regime?
 I'm all for chemical peels, lasers, and pharmaceutical grade products, however, many natural ingredients offer beautiful results for daily skin care.
  For example many herbs seeped into water make great toners. Lemon and basil as an astringent. Lavender and rose water as a calming agent. Cucumber is used as an anti inflammatory. Use cucumber seeped in water or slices on the eyes or acne.
Honey is widely known as a moisturizer and antiseptic. Blend honey with eggs whites for a tightening mask.
Squash, sweet potato, or carrots puréed offer a weekly does of Vitamin A. Blend with an egg for a messy yet healthy mask.
Garlic has incredible healing properties for acne. Take a clove of fresh garlic mashed and apply to a blemish. The natural oils and drawing capabilities will heal the spot in no time.
Of course for bruising the old faithful of a steak over the area. The last two are not recommended before a night on the town, however.
  You can have fun and increase your skin health between esthetic appointments!

Enjoy your new year with fresh farm to treatment table!

Keene Cosmetics
Smart Skin Care