The Style Bar Group gives staff opportunities for growth in many different directions – and long-term staff whose dream is to be a salon owner can achieve this within Style Bar, by becoming partners within their salons.
Style Bar owner, Vittorio Russolillo, believes that this will help employees to feel more empowered and committed to their stores.
“With our Style Bar salons expanding so rapidly we are aiming to create a structure where there is a shareholder in each store. This will contribute towards even better productivity and employee job satisfaction”, he says.
The first two Style Bar shareholders – Cindy Petersen from Style Bar Palmyra and Marika Smith from Style Bar Cape Gate – talk about their journey with the group and how they have grown along the way.
CINDY PETERSEN
When did you start your career with Style Bar?
My career with Style Bar started 15yrs ago. “Humble beginnings “ were the key words for when my journey started with this company. Style Bar was a small entity consisting of only a handful of staff and reflecting on it all makes me proud to be associated with the dynamic group it has become.
How have you progressed since then?
I progressed from being a qualified stylist to managing a salon, where I have learnt a great deal of how the day to day operations work in order to run a successful business. I’ve been very fortunate to learn through Vittorio (owner and mentor) whose vision has always been clear. Today, as a shareholder, I am grateful for the journey I have travelled with this company, consistently learning and growing.
Was it always your goal to be a salon shareholder and if so how did Style Bar help you achieve this goal over the years?
My first goal was always to be part of a “brand” – Style Bar has grown exponentially to be exactly that..a GREAT BRAND that I am privileged to be associated with. To gain this opportunity of being a shareholder, has proved that “dreams really can come true”.
What is it like to be a shareholder within the Style Bar group, do you feel there is a balance between independence and support?
Being a shareholder in the Style Bar Group has been phenomenal. There is definitely a great balance between support and independence. We work together systematically, and this allows complete transparency in running our business successfully.
Do you feel working as part of a big group gives more opportunities for career advancement in different directions?
I definitely think there are opportunities for career advancement in a big group. It allows for further advancement in certain avenues, for example, progression to managing a store, running a business within a business, and education and training.
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MARIKA SMITH
When did you start your career with Style Bar?
I started working for Style Bar' Cape Gate Branch from the very beginning. So I have been with the company for 12 years and 7 months.
How have you progressed since then?
When I started with the company in Feb 2006 I was not nearly as educated and trained as I am today. The owner, Vittorio, gave me a chance as he saw something in me that no one else did. I have grown so much over the past 12 years and he supported me through it all. Style Bar has taught me that if you put in the hard work that you will reap the benefits. Nothing ever goes unseen. Hairdressing is my passion and there is not a day that goes by that I am not eager to come to work.
Was it always your goal to be a salon shareholder and if so how did Style Bar help you achieve this goal over the years?
I never thought that I would be so privileged to get an opportunity like this. Vittorio always sees the best in everyone and he pushes you to be the best you can be. He has played a big role in giving me the confidence and necessary skills to take on this next chapter in my career.
What is it like to be a shareholder of a salon within the Style Bar group, do you feel there is a balance between independence and support?
Being a shareholder has given me the opportunity to voice my opinion more broadly. As for support, we have a wonderful team at Head Office that is the back bone of all the salons. They have great systems in place and there is someone on board for everything you would want help for.
Do you feel working as part of a big group gives more opportunities for career advancement in different directions?
Yes, there is definitely a lot of opportunities when one is working for a big group if you are willing to learn new things. As for advancing your career, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
For more information on Style Bar contact:
Website: www.stylebar.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stylebarsa
