metro FOR MEN Blog
Posts Tagged ‘orange county’
Saturday, March 12th, 2011
I enjoy reading men’s trend articles and came across a great one from Men’s Health Magazine. They listed the Top 12 Accessories every man should have or already own. Check out the full article at http://www.menshealth.com/style/style-accessories-men?cm_mmc=Twitter-_-MensHealth-_-Content-Style-_-12AccessoriesforMen. These 12 accessories are:
1. Pocket Knife
2. White Handkerchief
3. Credit Card Holder
4. Magnetic Collar Stays
5. Tie Bar
6. Business Card Case
7. Briefcase/Overnight Bag
8. Pen
9. Reversible Belt
10. Umbrella
11. Dopp Kit
12. Shoe Shine
Number 12 is my favorite because a nicely kept pair of shoes completes the package of a well-dressed and accessorized man. Come in to metro FOR MEN and see what we can do for your shoes before investing in a new pair.
Tags: grooming tips for men, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
I just returned from Old Saybrook, CT last night where I attended a business class for salon owners over the past 4 days put on by Strategies (www.strategies.com). It was 4 days of a LOT of business information and has made my head so full it’s about to burst. On the first day, I learned how the culture of a business starts at the top and leaders have to be engaged in their businesses at the same level expected from staff. That has never been an issue for me. I’m quite engaged at the shop. However, I did learn that I compromise way too much. I compromise because I hate confrontation, I don’t hold people accountable enough (compromise again), and I hate upsetting the apple cart. I learned that my challenges are holding my business back from reaching its full potential.
On Day 2, the class covered a Team Based Organization. This philosophy has always been what I wanted for my business and was fearful that going to such a system that service providers do not understand would “upset the apple cart”. I wanted this for metro FOR MEN because I always envisioned a staff that was engaged and wanted to be a part of a great company that has a sustainable future. A staff that could effect growth and be rewarded for those efforts. While the shop has always experienced growth (up until the recession), we’ve never had the ability to have a bonus program. As of January 16, 2011, that was changed. metro FOR MEN has become one of the few salons/spa to provide bonus’ to staff when goals have been met! I implemented a team based organization model this year. So excited to see what the future brings.
On Day 3, I learned how to coach for performance and how to communicate expectations so that the entire team is working in the same direction. Leaders must hold its associates accountable and holding others accountable doesn’t win popularity contests. I assume that’s where tough love come into the equation. I also learned that an organization chart clarifies who is in charge of what and informs staff of who to report to. Item to do on my list.
Day 4 taught me clarifying capacity and productivity. The revolation for me was metro FOR MEN has a lot more growing room. Not that I ever want the shop to be at full capacity, but we still have plenty of room so please tell your friends and family to join the metro FOR MEN revolution…LOL. Lastly, I signed a contract with myself that I will be a NO Compromise Leader from this date forward.
Most of all I learned how to be much more strategic in my business planning. There is no other salon owner education out there that teaches what Strategies does. Thank you Strategies!
Tags: Best Barber, Irvine, men's personal grooming, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Friday, February 18th, 2011
Calling on Sunscreen!!! Yes sunblock should be worn every day whether it’s sunny or cloudy outside. This is a necessary step in any skin care regimen because sunblocks keeps the skin from absorbing UV rays. UV rays not only cause cancer but they age the skin as well. I often have clients ask me what I do that makes me look so young. While I am petite which helps me to look younger than I am. But I also drink water, don’t smoke, get plenty of rest, eat right and exercise. The key to my youthful appearance is the use of sunblock EVERYDAY no matter the weather. The more the skin is exposed to sun over the years, the skin texture becomes compromised. Sunblock is the fountain of youth in my opinion. Yes men need it too. Us women want our men to stay looking good forever. Stay looking young—use sunblock daily.
metro FOR MEN hosts sunblock by Menscience. It’s waterproof, ultralight and non-greasy and contains ingediients to moisturize the skin as well. This sunblock will not make your hands slippery to interfere with your golf game. I always like that excuse 
Tags: grooming tips for men, men's grooming, men's personal grooming, men's salons, men's skin care tips, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Thursday, January 27th, 2011
metro FOR MEN has been nominated for Best Barber by My Fox LA HotList. Please help us win this year by casting your vote for metro FOR MEN at http://oc.cityvoter.com/search?q=best+barber. Thank you for your continued support. Check back often to see where we stand in the voting.
Tags: Best Barber, Irvine, men's hair stylist, men's haircuts, men's personal grooming, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county, trendy men's haircuts
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Thursday, December 30th, 2010
The new year is upon us and I can’t help reflecting on where the shop has been, where the shop is at, and where I want to take metro FOR MEN. Where have I been with metro FOR MEN? I’ve taken it from a failing salon with a no-quality reputation to a million dollar salon that has been recognized as one of The Fastest Growing Salons in America for the past 4 years, Best Barber, Best Men’s Haircut, and Best Shave. metro FOR MEN is now known for its quality service and friendly staff. That shift is what I’d been working day and night to obtain for the past 6 years. Where is metro FOR MEN today? The shop survived very well during this economic down turn and have added employee benefits and hired new staff during 2010. Our nail and waxing services have finally began to pay for themselves, with our hair services still being our driver. The current staff at metro FOR MEN is the best we’ve ever had. They want to work for a shop that is committed to its mission, future and reputation. Where is metro FOR MEN going in 2011? While I can only speculate, but I will continue to reach for the stars. I get asked every day whether I will open more salons, franchise, and the like. My answer is always…”if it is meant to be–it will be”. As the owner of the shop, I’ve always maintained the position of controlling growth until the flagship store is near perfection. We aren’t there yet, but are closer than we’ve ever been.
Until then, I will continue my mission to establish metro FOR MEN as the leader in men’s grooming. I was a participant in a class a while back that still continues to stick with me today. This class covered the cycle of business. That in the first years well-planned businesses grow and grow, then growth levels, and in year seven the business either reinvents to grow again or fails. metro FOR MEN is on year six and we have felt the plateau (although the economy didn’t help matters). I stay connected with what is going on in men’s trends and strategically place new products and services into our menu when I feel the time is right. In order to keep metro FOR MEN on the forefront of men’s grooming, I’ve added to our menu:
SERVICES: 5 min steam towel treatment, men’s skin detail, men’s anti-aging treatment, eye smoothing treatment, and a new mask treatment for the hands and feet designed to maintain moisture during the winter weather.
PRODUCTS: Stainless Steel razors and shave brushes, SuperSmile teeth whitening products, razor blade sharpeners by EverBlade, and the best reviewed nose/ear hair trimmer.
It’s a new year—time for a new and improved metro menu. We look forward to seeing you in 2011 and wish you a prosperous new year!
Tags: Best Barber, Irvine, men's grooming, men's hair stylist, men's haircuts, men's personal grooming, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Thanksgiving week has been a great week at metro FOR MEN. The shop has been very busy, staff is excited for the holiday and for being so busy, guests are happy, and me, I’m smiling. I love it when the shop is buzzing and the energy is high. I am thankful for being blessed with a successful business and being provided this opportunity to share my passion with you. Thank you, Krista.
Tags: Best Barber, Irvine, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Thursday, November 18th, 2010
Part 4 – I hope all of you have enjoyed reading my 4 part consultation and will be concluding that experience with this post. The last item of my make-over consultation with my married guest was on his hands and feet. He is a nail bitter and cuts his toe nails way too short. I noticed this instantly when I shook his hand and he immediately explained he has been biting his nails for years. For nail bitters there are social effects that come from this habit and can inhibit social interaction from other people. Why? Because nail bitters hide their hands and try not to expose them. That type of interaction could send the wrong message and cause judgment.
According to Wikipedia…”Bitten fingertips can become very sensitive to pain, usually at the place the skin meets the edge of the nail…Saliva may then redden and infect the skin. Finally it may also result in the transportation of bacteria that are buried under the surface of the nail…Nail biting is also related to dental problems, such as gingival injury and malocclusion of the anterior teeth. When the bitten-off nails are swallowed stomach problems can develop.“
There are many cures for nail biting from topical nail treatments to behavioral therapy. My cure for nail biting is routine manicures. Routine manicures can stop nail biting because one may think about biting the nail that was recently manicured. It’s a psychological thing. Routine manicures and pedicures will keep hands and feet looking and feeling great. Not only are these services good for men, the women in their lives appreciate too. At metro FOR MEN we offer nail services for men to help maintain that perfect handshake. For the man on the run, we have an express hand detail fr only $16.00. Come in for a consultation with Claire or Erin to see how we can help you.
For my married guest, he now has had 2 manicures and 1 pedicure, his nails on his feet and hands are looking better, he is conscious of his nail biting habit, and is committed to continue to receive manicures and pedicures monthly. Not only has this process helped him from not hiding his hands from clients, but his wife is ecstatic for no more rough feet!
Tags: grooming tips for men, men's grooming, men's personal grooming, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, nail care for men, orange county
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Thursday, November 11th, 2010
Part 3 – On to my skin care consultation with my guest who no longer “really” takes care of himself because he’s married. I discussed with him his hair and beard changes and then we moved on to his skin. We discussed his skin care regimen because he spends a lot of time outdoors and his skin is paying the price. I hear men say all the time, “I won’t spend that much time washing my face”. A easy skin care treatment is quick. It takes only a minute to wash, tone and moisturize. Add a facial scrub twice a week to keep the skin looking vibrant and it takes a second. Men more than ever are concerned about looking older than they are and a using good skin care products are the key. Another key to remaining youthful is sunscreen and staying hydrated…yes I’m saying to drink plenty of water everyday.
Why a good face wash? Many men suffer from oily skin and facial skin becomes oily, dry or a combination of both because the skin is not in Ph balance. Using a a good face wash with quality ingredients will help maintain the facial skin in its normal Ph balance. metro FOR MEN uses Menscience Face Wash which is an androceutical. Andro meaning man and ceutical meaning pharmaceutical grade ingredients. A good face wash should never leave your skin feeling tight. A “tight” feeling means the skin is dry, needs moisture, and will not prevent oily skin as some men think.
Why a toner? There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of a toner. Some experts say that toner dries the skin others say it draws in a moisturizer creating more hydrated skin. I’ve used a toner for years and prefer it. I believe adding toner to a skin care regimen benefits oily, dry and combination skin types. Again, metro FOR MEN uses Menscience Toner.
Why face lotion or moitsurizing sunscreen? No matter the skin type, skin needs hydration and puts it in to a normal Ph. There are several lotions on the market that will not make the skin feel “greasy”. metro FOR MEN uses the Menscience Face Lotion and Menscience TiO Sunscreen-30 block. Both of these products have a powdery finish and does not feel greasy. Sunscreen keeps the skin from absorbing UV rays. Over exposure to the sun creates wrinkles. Use sunscreen and prevent wrinkles! Apply it to the neck area too.
Adding a facial exfoliator will smooth the complexion while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Face scrubs buff away dead skin cells and dull buildup revealing new even skin tone. Another added bonus, exfoliators will prepare the skin for a closer shave and combat ingrown hairs. A great looking face is always appreciated by the opposite sex and no matter married or not, youthful looking skin is in. Visit metro FOR MEN, request a 5 min Steam Towel Treatment for $12 and get revitalized skin. Next week I’ll tell you about the final part of our consultation—hands and feet.
Tags: Best Barber, grooming tips for men, Irvine, men's grooming, men's haircuts, men's personal grooming, men's salons, men's skin care tips, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010
metro FOR MEN offers the lost art of shoe shining and it’s not just to give shoes a high shine anymore.  Shinning shoes started before the 1800s where “…a mixture of soda ash, tallow, wax and oil was used to soften and condition leather and to make it waterproof. Shine was first added to polish around the 1700s” stated by to http://www.ehow.com/about_6296706_shoe-shine-history.html. Today, the request for shoe shining has declined due to the increased wear of relaxed footwear according to Absolute Astronomy and most providers of shoe shine services are located in airports, car washes, and luxury locations.
You can judge a book by its cover and a man by his shoes and we want our guests to look their best from head to toe. metro FOR MEN offers shoe shine services because it has a purpose and provides a solution. Our shoe shines are far more than shinning shoes…it maintains the look of the shoe while protecting the shoes from the weather thereby increasing the length of wear of the shoe and keeping them looking brand new. The best tip I can give is clean, condition, and protect your shoes often with our shoe shine service, especially when its raining. Leather and suede expands and shrinks in hot and cold weather. If shoes are conditioned regularly, the leather and suede will not crack and will repel water.
On your next visit to metro FOR MEN, bring your shoes and Cesar will retore them to their original condition for only $6.00 (and $3.00 with a service for the first pair).
*picture provided by picture history online
Tags: Irvine, men's grooming, men's haircuts, men's personal grooming, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Monday, October 18th, 2010
At metro FOR MEN we concluded are meeting/class agenda for the rest of the year. What an informative class! Having been an employee in the past and never understanding what my boss was doing because my boss never shared anything . He would just tell us what to do and I always left meetings wondering why. He would tell us we couldn’t afford that or he couldn’t give that bonus or a raise but never shared why? I never understood as an employee why I wasn’t privy to that information and just thought that’s how business is done. Then I was exposed to a concept called “open book management”. In this concept, ”…Open-Book Management is a way of running your company that gets everyone, at all levels of the business as informed, involved and engaged as you are in making the company successful. It’s about employees understanding how profitability is driven, how assets are used, how cash is generated, but most importantly how their day-to-day actions and decisions can make or break your business…” according to Jack Stack of The Great Game. When I realized what this meant to me as a boss, that I would be sharing everything including financial statements on a regular basis, I was petrified. I was scared of the unknown, what would my staff think, what would they say, what would they want. I knew if I wanted to own a business that involved engaged workers that cared about every aspect of my business, I had to try this. I put my fear aside and shared it all. To my surprise, the reaction was incredible. My staff now feels able to provide ideas, solutions, and options. They understand the why and the why not. Using this approach will get me closer to the company of my dreams.
Tags: Irvine, men's grooming, men's hair stylist, men's personal grooming, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county, trendy men's haircuts
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