GIVE AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE: THE 411 ON GIFTING YOUR CLIENTS AT THE HOLIDAYS

Mindy Nguyen, owner of Mai Blossom

Eco Wellness Salon in Point Loma, California:

Yes, the holidays are an important time

to thank our clients for the business they

contribute throughout the year.

Bill Vandiver, co-owner of The Edge Salons

in Nashville, Tennessee:

Gift giving is totally left to the discretion of

each stylist. I do highly encourage each of

my staff to personally write very heart felt

Christmas cards to each of their clients. …

We, the owners, do give small gifts to our

clients who really make our days special. …

I think the entire practice of expressing your

gratitude to your clients is something that

should not only be done at the holidays but

all year long.

Federico Calce, celebrity stylist and owner

of Federico Salon in New York City:

I feel the best gift I can give my clients is

to give them the best of my talent and

ability all year. I am always there for them

whenever they need me and do not believe

in other gifts.

Mindy: It all depends — if a stylist is a renter

or independent contractor, they should

buy the gifts, but if they are employees the

owner should do it.

Bill: We feel it is the responsibility of each

stylist to provide his or her own clients

with gifts.

Maria Lekakkos, former Miss Massachusetts

and owner of M. Lekakkos

Salon, Spa, & Boutique in Wenham,

Massachusetts:

You could have a client base of 3,000!

It would be outrageous to send them all

gifts. You would go broke. We love to give

a holiday thank you of 20% off of a service.

… If a staff member or stylist wants to give

a special gift, then that´s okay.

Bill: Homemade jellies, country ham, travel

gift baskets, salon gift certificates for services

that they do not normally receive,

framed pictures that were taken in the salon,

framed articles that mean something to

both of you. I also work with many country

music celebrities and the Tennessee Titans

(NFL cheerleaders) and the Nashville Predators

(NHL dancers). I get calendars and pictures

personally autographed to clients.

Mindy: I´ve had my stylists over, and we´ve

made English toffee together. Not many

people get homemade English toffee — the

clients really appreciate it!

Mindy: A holiday card is always the best

way, and the message in that card is the

most important thing. After all, a personalized

thank you is inexpensive.

Bill: The most precious gift of all is the gift

of your time, and a Christmas card well

written takes time.

Maria: The best gift is saying, “We´re going

to take care of you!” That could be with

a glass of wine, cheese and crackers, or

maybe giving a complimentary conditioning

treatment. That says “VIP” to me!