"Imitation is the most sincere form of insecurity"

"Imitation is the most sincere form of insecurity" - Polly Bergen

 

In every industry, not just the beauty industry, there are people passing off others ideas as their own. It's so frustrating! 

So what can we do?

Well I've been in this boat myself, several times I've got myself wound up over these people who were copying my blogs or posting my pictures or page statuses as their own. 

Did getting angry or irritated stop them or help me?

Nope. 

In fact if you call these people out all it does is drive traffic to their website or pages and actually helps them to increase their own audience...remember no publicity is bad publicity.

 

I often hear the saying "If someone copies you, it means you are already ahead of them", so they are trying to play catch up with you, they are trying to be at your level, but you've been there and done that and now you are working on your next piece to continue on your own journey and to continue growing.

 

You have two choices when someone is imitating you:

  • Pause your own journey and focus your time, energy and strength on being angry and irritated at them and how you are going to stop them or get payback.
  • Use any emotions you are feeling to spur you on to be even better! Use that time and energy to fuel your business and elevate you even further ahead of this person.

 

The Problem with the first option is whilst you are on pause and consuming yourself with what this person is doing, you're own business is being held back and you're actually given the person a chance to get ahead of you which is the opposite of what you wanted!

The second option is always better. Block that person, unfollow them so they don't have the opportunity to get under your skin. Use your passion to launch your next idea! 

 

Sometimes this is easier said than done and I totally understand that it can get to the stage where it just can't be ignored. In these cases there are a few practical things that you can do.

Firstly, ALWAYS watermark your pictures. This doesn't always stop people using them but it does discourage them, especially if the logo is hard to crop or photoshop out.

Secondly, email and/or post them a letter to cease and desist from using your photos (or intellectual property which has its own laws).

There are templates for legal letters that you can buy online from Lawyers in the UK if you need help.

The key is to remain professional. As soon as you start to become emotionally charged you will be giving them your energy that you should be using on your own business.

 

Do not ever let someone who is copying you intimidate you, they wouldn't copy you if they didn't think you were worth copying. 

Believe it or not, you have inspired them, and if you approach it the right way you may even become friends and a mentor to them, this could be a positive to your business!

 

The main difference between you and this person is that you made your work with passion and creativity, and those are skills that can't ever be copied.

So go be creative, don't worry what others are doing, and as always continue to strive to be the best version of you.

April 21, 2017 — Britta Krueger
Make Marketing Your Friend - flirties

Make Marketing Your Friend

You've undergone your training, perfected your techniques and bought all your products. So, how do you get those all important clients through the door?

The short answer to that is marketing. Whilst it seems a scary prospect, with the right brands behind you it can be easy to achieve.

When you choose Flirties for your lashes, brows, tanning, waxing or nails, you get a team of dedicated professionals to work with to help make your business a success. When you have completed your training, a Flirties trainer will be on-hand to offer support and advice, so you can be sure you are offering professional treatments, and if you are offering professional treatments then make sure you shout about it! Let your clients know that you offer the very highest standards and have trained with a reputable brand.

All Flirties students get access to free marketing materials including specially designed leaflets that will help to promote your business and demonstrate that you offer top quality products and treatments. To take this a step further, there is also now the option to order personalised logos and images to support your business further.

Flirties also offer access to VIP Facebook advice groups where you can reach Flirties trainers and therapists who are happy to share their knowledge and experience.

Flirties want to help make your business a success, so to find out more about how we can help you, call 0845 022 22 33 today!

April 20, 2017 — Louisa Fryatt
Keeping It Professional | flirties

Keeping It Professional

When you opt for a new range of beauty products, you want one that will support your business. This means that the brand should be designed for salons in order to make your treatments stand out.

There are a huge range of beauty products available on the market these days, and whilst they all have their benefits, it doesn't mean you want to stock high street brands on your shelves. The purpose of a beauty salon is to provide unique treatments, expertise and a sense of something special, which is why you need to be working with a professional brand.

Flirties ensure that their products are only available to qualified professionals. Not only does this mean that you are properly trained to use the products, it also means that the brand, and your salon, is seen to be a cut above the consumer offerings.

Giving your clients something they cannot get at home means that your treatments are not de-valued, your retail products are not cheaper elsewhere and knowledge is vital.

To set up your Flirties account, click on the Registration page and fill in your details. We will ask to see copies of your certificates to help keep the brand professional-only.

March 30, 2017 — Louisa Fryatt
Hayfever - is it already that time of year? | flirties

Hayfever - is it already that time of year?

Today I've had to bring out my antihistamines again for the 5th day in a row, which can only mean one thing...

With the weather being milder it's brought hayfever season forward.

 

Normally we don't have to think about this until springtime, but the issue is very real for us lash technicians.

 

Keep an eye out for broken lashes or gaps in the lash line. 

If lashes are broken it's not an early spring lash shed, it's a sign that clients are rubbing or picking at lashes, which could be a direct result of allergy or irritation.

 

During the time which clients suffer with hay fever, their immune system is weakened. 

This leaves clients more vulnerable to reactions and possible sensitivity to your lash products, so advise your clients about this.

If they want advice to help prevent reactions from occurring simply recommend a healthy diet, exercise and possibly supplements to boost their immune system (a pharmacist can advise them which is best).

 

It's always important to keep lashes super clean to aid retention and for the prevention of infections and disorders, however when clients have hay fever they will need to be even more frequent in cleaning lashes.

Pollen and allergens will settle on lashes aggravating any existing condition, so on top of washing lashes frequently with Flirties cleanser, they might find it useful to rinse lashes with warm water throughout the day, and dab gently with a clean towel to dry.

 

 If clients are using eye drops they need to ensure they pull the eye open from the lid, not the lashes.

Many medicated drops can be very oily so it's worth mentioning that these may affect retention.

 

Some aftercare tips I share to clients.

Wash your lashes regularly 

Start taking antihistamines before hay fever kicks in properly (speak to your pharmacist for advise)

Change pillows frequently and keep bed sheets and towels freshly laundered.

Wear sunglasses outside 

Wash hair frequently as pollen becomes trapped in hair.

Brush pets regularly outside as their fur collects pollen.

Do not rub your lashes

Be aware that some eye drops/sprays will affect retention.

 

For clients who suffer a lot, it may now be worth mentioning that they could move over to lash lift for the summer as an alternative. Many of my clients do this and it works really well, and they all get excited about going back to lash extensions in the autumn. 

 

So from our point of view, it's super important to be aware of issues surrounding hay fever. Many clients won't even tell you they have it, some might not know! But by being aware and ready for it, you could potentially prevent an issue before it becomes one :)

March 10, 2017 — Britta Krueger
Jump On The Training Train | flirties

Jump On The Training Train

Beauty therapy is an industry that is constantly evolving and developing, and it needs the people within it to do the same. The best way to keep on top of everything is with properly organised training.

Whilst many treatments might seem like child's play, training is vital in everything that you want to offer to the paying public. It protects them, protects you, and you might just learn a thing or two! 

The Hidden Questions

Applying a nail product, gluing on lashes or ripping a wax strip off might seem simple, but there is a lot of knowledge that is needed before you can be let anywhere near a client.

Health and safety is hardly a sexy subject but it is a vital one if you want to keep your clients safe. Learning how to keep your tools and working area clean and hygienic is essential in making sure nothing untoward is passed on to your clients.

There are lots of reasons why you might not be able to perform a treatment, and you need to understand all of these. Contra-indications mean it is not safe to go ahead with the treatment, and it is of paramount importance that you can recognise all of these and know the best way to handle them.

Only with proper training can you have a full and thorough understanding of all of these issues and be able to keep your clients safe.

Supplier Training

Learning the basics of a treatment gives you a great foundation, but every product is different. Responsible suppliers like Flirties give you the opportunity to train in the use of their specific products so you know the exact way they should be used, how long the effects can be expected to last and what differences you might encounter with the products.

Insurance

Sometimes things do go wrong, which is why all beauty therapists should have insurance to protect themselves if the worst happens. You will need to prove that you are qualified to perform every treatment that you offer, and so professional training is necessary. Many insurers are now clamping down on what courses they will cover so make sure you train with an accredited provider like Flirties.

Nothing is more important in the beauty industry than training. It protects you from making dangerous mistakes, it protects your clients from anything going wrong and it protects the good name of the industry.

To find out more about the fantastic training offered by Flirties across the UK, just click here.

March 07, 2017 — Louisa Fryatt
Try Before You Buy | flirties

Try Before You Buy

We all toy with the idea of trying new things, but most of us are a little scared of change. Before we embark on something new, we want to know that it is really right for us, and many of us want the option to try before you buy.

In the world of beauty, this option can be difficult, as many suppliers don't like the idea of sending something out for nothing. However, at Flirties we take a different approach! We know you've seen how amazing the Flirties products are, but also now that you want to see it to believe it.

That is why we have put together an incredible range of samples boxes that allow you to see, feel and use the products free of charge before committing to an order. We offer Sample Packs for semi permanent lashes, semi permanent mascara, lash lifting, waxing, tanning, brow extensions, brow sculpting, advanced SPL and lash styling. This means you can invest in Flirties products knowing how well they work, how long the last and how many new clients will be walking through your door.

To order your free Sample Pack just click here and choose which products you want to try!

February 27, 2017 — Louisa Fryatt
flirties lash lifting | flirties

flirties lash lifting

So this is our first blog so be gentle..... We get asked from so many of you about Flirties so we thought a blog might help to make a start......
November 29, 2013 — Britta Krueger