Tween Parties: By Rise’ Carter
Recently, I’ve been seeing a hot pink stretch limo driving around in my town. It certainly caught my attention – how could it NOT? A few months ago, I saw the same car parked at a new salon in a new shopping center. The sign over the salon was the same hot pink, “Sweet & Sassy.” I had to investigate.
Looks like a “tween” salon and a place where they have beauty-themed parties for younger girls! At first I thought…OMG! The image of several girls gathered together squealing, giggling, laughing, eating and drinking pink punch made me a little crazy. I also thought, “How could someone build an entire business around such a premise? What kind of services do they offer?”
After further investigation, I discovered that Sweet & Sassy is part of a growing franchise operation that started in Texas and has grown to over 30 locations in a relatively short period of time. Their strategy is to provide quality haircuts, nail care, spa services, retail products and celebrations; a fun environment for children with top-notch customer service.
Many nail techs and salon owners are beginning to capitalize on this side of the business. GREAT IDEA! There is also a wealth of information on how to organize, promote, market, and host these parties through different forums, chat rooms, blogs, articles and websites.
I know that it is a bit controversial whether to enhance the nails of young girls and at what age it’s appropriate. I have heard and read many arguments for and against it. This is where I tend to air on the side of caution. Parental permission, insurance restrictions and guidelines should be first and foremost when considering enhancing a young girl’s nails. From a marketing standpoint, WHAT BETTER WAY TO GUARANTEE THE FUTURE OF THE NAIL INDUSTRY?
What do you think?
Email This Post
I have a huge teen market. I have a 15 year old daughter, that has done a great deal of marketing for me at her school. I have various ages, some as young as 8 but the average child that comes in is around the 13-16 year old mark. The younger ones DO NOT, by me or my studio receive enhancements simply polish and a manicure.
I don’t think that it’s a huge deal to offer services to tween/teen market, it’s fun for the kids and fun for me, so why not.l
I love Princess parties and have had great success with them. I am a mom and I have a rule though, even at the Princess parties–NO BLACK POLISH! There are tons of other pretty dark colors and black is for adults and Halloween costumes!!
Kelley Killop-Marble
Owner and Artist
Opalized Salon Studio Salon
Shelby Townshp, MI
never!!! the loyal clients i’ve kept over the last 15 years are professionals, parents, teachers, etc. not “tweens” not teenagers either… these are the same tweens who grow into bratty teens that will come in 1/2 hr. or not show and expect you to bow to them and not tip or go to a cheap “non-licensed” (for lack of better words) salon in between! i’ll stick to my “grown up” well mannerd always showing up and following me wherever i go loyal clients, thank you!!! these parties are for the young just starting out nail techs!!! – have fun with that! Remember… you attrack those like you!!!
i think it is a good idea. i have been thinking of doing it ,but w/ adifferent premise being moble & taking a group of techs to locations, including all age groups. think i would limit the age group for the little people ,maybe starting at age 8. chris