 Hey guys, this is Matt Beck from freesaloneducation.com here with American Salon magazine and Cassandra McLaughlin, so we We have something cool that we're doing tomorrow. We're at Premier Beauty show and in Orlando, Florida American Salon hooked us up with this interview. So tomorrow We're actually sitting on a panel for American Salon and we're gonna talk some social Yes, so the reason that Cassandra is here is that we you have Created not only a successful salon business that you have but also you are successful on social media So let's talk about Social media as a business for a little bit right, so what do you what is your main? Platform that you use definitely Instagram Instagram. Yeah, I think as far as hairdressing goes having something That's photo driven. Yeah, and the way it connects people I think it's it's probably the most viable way to generate Connections and business in your salon. Awesome. Yeah, and I talked to you last year and we were talking about how to get that perfect Instagram shot right so I think with the amount of filters on Instagram now It's it's a little bit easier. Yeah But so what would you say with the new movement with Instagram and video and all that stuff How have you kind of worked your way into that world? Well, I think it's important from the beginning to start with like super solid raw material So I think where I'm seeing a lot of transition is people are actually getting really into photography Yeah versus just snapping pictures maybe by the front window, which is what we've done for a really long time That sunlight is literally the best but we've integrated some lighting systems some backdrops. Maybe make them a little bit more Polished and kind of still creating a look with your work But it's letting the work really stand out versus getting too involved with like background and stuff, right? And I also think it's really important to just be consistent with it like super duper consistent with your work and your posting and And when you say consistent are you talking about consistency within how often you post or consistency within the way it looks both Okay, I think I think how often you post especially when you're growing is super important because it's almost like you need to be in Everyone's face. It's like a marketing campaign truthfully You know, it's it's not like you put one ad one time at one o'clock in the morning And then you expect everyone to rush into your salon You really have to stay in in everyone's face in a way and I think a consistent presence on posting Even if it's deleting and reposting deleting and reposting. I mean, it's that's the new thing. I found on Instagram It's great because you also you gain followers. Yes, people that haven't really seen your work Yes, and the beauty about like YouTube like you can't delete a video Because you lose the views and all that on Instagram like who cares You're not starting over repost it right and new people are gonna see it. Yes. That's a good one Yes. Yeah, well another thing too That's really great because we've got new stylists starting and sometimes they don't have as much a bigger as big of a portfolio to choose from Okay, I mean currently I have 26,000 pictures on my phone so I can go back a few months if I need something Yeah, but deleting reposting or just creating different layouts of the same work It just gives you more opportunity to have to be present. So that's a great thing for that And then as far as like the videos and things I really think Where Instagram has kind of evolved our industry is people want to know the truth Yeah, they want to know what's happening behind the chair and I think utilizing videos and actually showing Real-life placement process and giving legitimate information. Yeah, I think is has really been Something that me and my salon team have really focused on is just like the element of sharing and sharing in a very open and truthful way I mean it's taken nine hours. We're gonna say it takes nine hours Yeah, not everybody wants to hear that, you know clients want to come in me like I'm gonna be platinum blonde from jet black I have four hours, and I have a hundred and fifty dollars And then the stylist is like, okay. Yeah, it's just orange. And yeah, and then you stress yourself out Give yourself an ulcer sweat the whole time. Yeah, it's super hard. Exactly. Yeah, and then she's never coming back No, and then she'll tell all her friends. All right. So let's talk about successful salon business. So you you're growing Yes, you're hiring. Yes. So let's talk about that. So because I know there's a lot of new stylists out there that are Probably wanting jobs. You have a successful place. What do you look for? What's your plan with that? Well, our process is kind of like an interview process and then a shadowing process And I would say the biggest thing that we look for as a salon team even beyond a resume is the right fit Right someone who comes in works with the team and it just clicks into place because without a strong team I think a salon will just flounder and fall and I feel like what I hear from other stylists It's like I want to do this, but I can't and there's those limitations. So I think it's John Maxwell calls it the law of the lid It's like finding that salon home that has the lid that you want to work under and I think finding the team that you fit in and not trying to force something just because something looks good from the outside and It doesn't mean good or bad on either side, but but no matter what finding that right fit Yeah, no matter where it is. Yep. Yeah, that's such a good call Yeah, so tell me so you're working on getting so you're growing the salon you have the Instagram thing What else can people look for with you, you know coming up in the future you have so I know that you're here this weekend Yes, you're at a booth. Yes doing some education me and Dominique at La Montree one of my dear friends and we actually got you here She's here. Yes, she's not here I don't know that's pretty cool. You get that shout out. I know what Instagram can do She her and I are actually working together We work together at the frame our booth and we did a color model where we focus on balayage and foiling and Really just kind of shared exactly what we do behind the chair Okay, and that's really what we're looking to do kind of in the future It's just share a little bit of salon reality. Yeah, and work together like it's so important I feel like there's so many opportunities where someone can elevate themselves and do things on their own But it's so much more Joyful and exciting and creative when you've got a team or partners behind you And I think having that connection. It just makes everyone do better and do more so push each other. Yeah, absolutely Yeah, well, it's always Amazing talking with you. Congrats on all your success. Thank you so much. Good luck in the future with everything Thank you. If you guys are not following Cassandra for some reason What is it Cassandra Cassandra platinum Cassandra platinum on Instagram and at Platinum salon Tampa and that yes And follow at American salon also follow us at free salon education Thank you to American salon for letting us hang out have this great interview with you and thank you so much for sitting down Thank you so much for having me. Thank you so much American salon. Thank you guys. We'll see you on the next video