Savvy Salon: Littleton’s Frenchies Modern Nail Care

Sep 21st, 2017

The Colorado-based franchise makes sanitation and client satisfaction a priority.

Distinction

Frenchies is clean, approachable and fun. We are a franchise and our three locations are located in the suburbs of major metropolitan areas: Littleton, Colorado; Woodbury, Minnesota (owned and operated by Ryan McEnaney); and Lakeville, Minnesota (owned and operated by Kate and John Wensmann). Clients can expect a top-notch, memorable guest experience. For us, this means going above and beyond; small actions, such as opening the door or offering warm neck wraps and infused water, make a big difference to the overall experience. In addition to a great interpersonal experience, clients love Frenchies because of its cleanliness standards. During the service we educate clients on the cleaning, sanitation and disinfection process required for our implements and pedicure bowls. (For example, we place a physical sign and timer at each station to show how long the disinfectant must be applied to each pedicure bowl before it can be used again.) The combination of cleanliness and an incredible guest experience makes Frenchies a destination nail studio with a loyal client base.

The Look

Frenchies’ design is modern, clean and bright, and the use of white gives the studio a light and energized feeling. As a franchise, our studios need to have a similar look and feel, so no matter which location a client visits, she knows she’s at Frenchies. We also showcase retail strategically at the front desk or with interrupter tables.

The Goods

We offer OPI, CND Shellac and Vinylux, and Bio Seaweed Gel. We chose these products based on their popularity with clients, the variety of color options and the ability to have the same colors in both regular and gel polish. We also use Footlogix and Spinster Sisters product in our services and carry the same retail products. Every step of our manicure and pedicure services is designed to encourage circulation, hydration and exfoliation, and we customize services as often as we can; i.e., we may use a product to treat cracked heels, if needed. What’s more, using these products in our services helps support retail sales: We educate clients on why we use each product as well as the benefits of continued home use paired with regular hand and foot care at Frenchies.

The Clientele

A majority of our clients are women, ranging from young professionals to retirees. We also host a lot of young girls’ birthday parties, men’s nights and bachelorette and wedding parties.

In-Demand Service

Our most popular service is the Signature Gel Polish Manicure ($43). This service starts with nail and cuticle detailing. Next, an all-natural sugar scrub is applied to exfoliate and moisturize, followed by a hand and lower arm massage using all-natural body butter lotion. To finish the service, we apply gel polish and a cuticle oil treatment.

Social Media

Facebook and Instagram both work extremely well in building community and driving bookings. These channels are best for back-and-forth communication, as well as real-time sharing of creative ideas, new products and stories from within the studio (we post beautiful images, video and personal stories from team members and clients). We also use Yelp and Google My Business, and we support Facebook, Instagram and Yelp with a monthly advertising budget to reach new clients.

Praise

Since opening, we’ve heard, “I never want to leave,” “I want to live here,” “This is the nail studio that I never knew I needed,” and “When is Frenchies coming to my city?” As a growing franchise, these comments [tell us] that Frenchies is truly something special. We believe that when a client feels comfortable and appreciated, you earn their business for a lifetime.

Advice

As a salon owner, it’s important to focus on the ongoing development of your techs’ technical and people skills so they can deliver an exceptional customer experience. It all starts with your team: If they are taken care of, they will take care of your clients.