ASCP Skin Deep

MARCH | APRIL 2015

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Partnerships with Family Members As noted in Preston's tips, it can be dangerous to mix family and business. Nonetheless, there are couples who have blended their family, passion, and entrepreneurship toward success. Eva and Scott Kerschbaumer—the dynamic team who owns ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare, with multiple locations in Pennsylvania—are great examples. With a large and thriving business plus a family, their partnership is 24 hours, seven days a week. The Kerschbaumers report that as their business grows, so does their love for each other. But both the business and the marriage require constant, unexpected (and sometimes unpleasant) hard work. The key to success in this situation is to always keep working on both the business and the marriage. It is when one of the partners fails to put in the maximum effort that the breakdown begins. Here are this couple's rules: • Try not to get in each other's way all the time. • Try to present a unified front to the employees (and to the rest of your family). • Try to set realistic goals ahead of time and plan how to achieve them. • Try to never go to bed angry at each other. • Try to learn how to duck, run, and lose gracefully. According to Scott and Eva, "We started each of these tips with the word try because we don't always see eye to eye at home or work." You won't always agree with your partner, but you must always try. Partnerships with Other Businesses Business partnerships don't always have to be with another individual esthetician. Marie Jordan, a cosmetologist in Carrollton, Georgia, built a successful salon that employed 14 stylists and therapists. However, with economic challenges, more competition, and wanting to find more life balance, she knew times were changing personally and professionally for her. Jordan's solution was to collaborate with another salon in her area and merge the two businesses. With both salons now offering the best of the best, Jordan could step back from the tasks of management, focus on her clients, and enjoy her days off with her family. The partnership is a collaboration of success! Adapt and Thrive Whether you are considering a new business or you are already in a partnership, no scenario or situation is the same and each has its own nuances, so treat these tips and strategies as guidelines to help you develop your own rules. Seek legal council before entering into any arrangement. According to the Project Management Institute, poor communication is a cause of nearly 56 percent of projects or businesses failing. No matter what else you do, always be flexible and communicate with your partner. Harness your enthusiasm with your business friend and make wise choices so the partnership—and the friendship—will thrive. Denise R. Fuller founded the National Aesthetic Spa Network (NASN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and scholarships to the skin care and spa industry. NASN offers complimentary membership. Fuller is a well- respected contributing author to trade magazines and is a certified beauty therapist, licensed esthetician, and nail technician. She can be reached at denise@nasnbiz.com. Know each person's strengths. Work should be assigned to the partner who can best perform it, not simply shared. Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 15

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