Salon dealings surpass golf courses: High-stakes negotiations now unfold in hairdressing studios
Rewritten Article:
Skip the office conference room, opt for the sophisticated salon chair: the glory days of the business blowdry
Ever thought about closing a deal while getting your locks tamed? Well, welcome to the modern world of the power blowdry business meeting. That's right, ladies, it's time to elevate your beauty routine game and level up your professional networking!
In a surprising twist, working from the local hair salon, or WFH (Working From Hairdresser), is no longer a foreign concept. It's becoming more than just sending a few emails between your highlights; actual deals are being made over complimentary shampoo and comped cocktails.
I took it upon myself to survey my well-heeled female peers, and the results are astounding. Published reports suggest a sharp increase in invitations for these extravagant get-togethers, with power blowdrys, manicures, and even spa networking sessions at luxury day spas all on the table. Opinions ranged from outright enthusiasm ("Why thank you, corporate America, for footing the bill for my self-care") to reluctance ("small talk in tight curlers just doesn't suit my style"), but almost every woman polled has accepted at least one of these "unconventional networking" invitations, driven by curiosity more than anything else.
Hairdressers are jumping on the trend, too. Blowdry bar giants, such as Duck and Dry, are purposefully refitting their salons to accommodate business meetings, complete with large conference tables and early morning availability for those seeking a breakfast powwow with a side of hair perfection. Top celebrity hairstylist, Samantha Cusick, whose salons are located in hip neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Fitzrovia, and the bustling City, echoes the sentiment, noting that her clients often use their appointments as opportunities to chat business, thanks to the laid-back atmosphere[1].
For those looking to reap the rewards of the corporate perks, Cusick also offers a corporate discount for her clients who work in the nearby vicinity, making it yet another way to keep blowdry costs manageable for business use[1].
So, is this the feminist revolution we've been waiting for in the corporate world? Not exactly. Is it at least a refreshing, fun twist while we strive for gender equality in the workplace? Absolutely.
As I took up my own invitation for a "blowdry brainstorming session," my initial excitement turned to apprehension as the date drew closer. Would the purpose of the meeting be made clear? Why choose a hair salon for a business discussion, anyway? Can a businesswoman truly look polished with wet hair? Would the stylists think we were strange for holding a meeting while getting our hair done? And could I… dare I… ask for a quick fringe trim during the session, or was that pushing the boundaries too far? It felt like I was preparing to play dress-up as the epitome of a "powerful businesswoman," rather than being one in my daily life.
But upon arriving, my concerns were put to rest. My contact warmly greeted me at the door, already robed and ready for her makeover. We exchanged friendly banter, and I donned my own gown, feeling like a true queen preparing for coronation. And as we accepted our twirling mirrored chairs, any remaining doubts vanished.
The soundscape of the salon's whirling hairdryers, chatter of stylists, and occasional shouted questions of travel plans almost put an end to any semblance of small talk. Yet, in the relaxed ambiance, the cacophony became a soothing symphony that made the conversation effortless[1].
As my transformation unfolded, I would occasionally catch snatches of my business partner's conversation with her stylist as they discussed her professional life. I even started to dream of the day when we could trade hairstyling services, turning the traditional business meeting into a true collaboration. But for now, it was all, for a business affair, an absolute delight. Sign me up for another!
Discover more intriguing stories like this in City AM Magazine's Spring Issue
*Enrichment Data:
Overall, conducting business meetings at hair salons is becoming more recognized as a convenient and unconventional way to merge personal grooming with professional networking. Salons like Duck and Dry and Samantha Cusick's are adapting their spaces and services to cater to business clients effectively.
Trends and Adaptations:
- Duck and Dry: This blowdry bar chain is purposefully refitting its London salons to accommodate business meetings, complete with large conference tables and early morning availability for better accessibility.
- Samantha Cusick's Salons: Located in prime areas like Notting Hill, Fitzrovia, and the City, these salons cater to busy professionals by allowing them to book appointments during hours when they can comfortably fit a business meeting. Additionally, Samantha Cusick's salons also offer corporate discounts to clients with nearby offices[1].
Catering to Business Needs:
- Flexible Booking Options: Salons are accommodating business needs by offering a wider range of booking options, including early mornings and evening hours, to better fit the schedules of busy professionals.
- Relaxed Environment: The laid-back ambiance of some salons creates a conducive environment for networking and conversations among professionals.
- Cost Management: By offering corporate discounts, salons are helping professionals meet business expenses while enjoying personal grooming services.
[1] City AM The Magazine's Spring Issue.
- In the contemporary world, the power of a business meeting extends beyond the office conference room, making its way to sophisticated salon chairs during the advent of the power blowdry business meeting.
- Many entrepreneurs, fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts, and businesswomen are taking advantage of the convenience of working from hairdressers (WFH), as hair salons become a hub for professional networking.
- Extravagant get-togethers, combining power blowdrys, manicures, spa sessions, and even home-and-garden discussions, are on the rise, with businesswomen exchanging invitations to these unconventional networking opportunities.
- The hairdressing industry is evolving to accommodate such requests, with salons like Duck and Dry and Samantha Cusick's salons refitting their spaces to include conference tables and early morning availability to cater to business meetings.
- For businesses seeking to save on expenses, many salons like Samantha Cusick's offer corporate discounts to clients working in nearby offices, making it more manageable to merge finance with fashion-and-beauty.
- The revolution of conducting business at hair salons represents a unique blend of lifestyle, entrepreneurship, and personal grooming, signifying a fresh and invigorating approach to networking in the corporate world.
