Key Takeaways 

• Career growth: Leslie started as a receptionist and progressed into leadership roles, all while working with a team that feels like family.  

• Education and training: Over the years, Leslie has taken advantage of the ongoing skill training and one-on-one technical coaching offered through Great Clips University. 

• Work-life balance: Flexible scheduling and steady customer traffic have meant that Leslie could build a career and be available for her family. 

When Leslie walked into a franchised Great Clips salon 20 years ago, she wasn’t even licensed yet. She was still in cosmetology school, and a friend suggested she try working as a receptionist to gain experience in the industry. Today Leslie is a salon manager with an expanded leadership role.  

We were curious about Leslie’s salon journey, so we sat down with her and her employer Joe, a franchisee who owns and operates 16 Great Clips® salons in North Carolina.  

Question: When you were first hired as a receptionist, what did you think of the salon environment?  

Leslie: “It was nice, because I got to see everything! I watched stylists cut hair, and I learned things they don’t teach you in beauty school. During downtime, the stylists would show me how to do fades, how to trim around ears … things like that. I learned so much before I was even licensed!” 

What were some of the most important things you learned in those early days?  
Leslie: “In beauty school, you cut on a mannequin. You're lucky if somebody comes in to give you real-world practice. At Great Clips, I learned about all the different hair types and how to hold my clippers. Being able to learn from the stylists by shadowing them was the most amazing part of my early salon experience.”  

After you were licensed, how did it feel to transition to a stylist role?  

Leslie: “I won’t lie. I was petrified on my first day! Even though I was ready, I was scared.”   

Joe: “That’s normal. We hire for the attitude, and train for the skill. The Great Clips training systems and coaching help stylists become confident. Training is just one way we lift people up, help them see what’s important, and give them the reassurance they’re gonna be great!” 

Leslie, what would you tell a new stylist who feels nervous?  
Leslie: “We’ve got support and so much training to help you get there. Typically, when I hire someone new, I will have them work on a mannequin for their first few shifts, so I can see where they struggle and where their strengths are. Then I can determine whether they need to have a little extra training or one-on-one coaching.” 

Why have you stayed for 20 years?  
Leslie: “The flexibility is key. When the kids have a doctor's appointment or something at school, it's okay. I can take time off during the week and still work the weekend. One of our organization’s core values is family. That’s my favorite one, because everyone here truly is like my family.” 

Joe: “We are very in touch with our salon teams. We know everybody, we know what motivates them, we know what they love. We try to find lots of different ways to recognize their accomplishments, and in-between the milestones, we make an effort to have little celebrations.”  

Leslie: “I know my franchisees really care about me as a person. They also care about skill development, so I’m always learning. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I still learn something new every day.” 

Are you interested in exploring career opportunities with Great Clips? 

If you are looking for work-life balance, a team that supports you, and a salon home where you truly belong, search for available roles at franchised Great Clips® salons near you.  

View more #GreatClipsLife News & Stories!

All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.