Ron King: The Case for Commission

by The Style King/Ron King on Monday, June 28th, 2010

Ron King has worked as a hairstylist, transforming people’s appearances, for more than 20 years. With a growing celebrity clientele, King travels the world taking inspiration from different cultures and countries. Along the way, he has developed his own “easy wear” style philosophy which plays up a woman’s natural hair texture and pairs it with natural-looking makeup that’s easy to apply. This mantra led him to launch a signature line of cosmetics for women who want to look pulled together but who are are short on time. King has worked with some of the most respected names in the industry, including L’Oreal Professional, Ted Gibson, Eva Scrivo and Rick Wellman.

Let’s face it; in our industry the only constant is change. And stylists are used to adjusting to new trends, products, coloring and cutting techniques, clients, and the list goes on. But when it comes to working on commission and leaving their independent contractor days behind, most stylists resist this change.

Now don’t get me wrong, as an entrepreneur I understand the appeal of working independently. I also worked as an independent contractor and employ several at bo Salon, my first location.

However, as a salon owner, I learned how fulfilling it can be to be part of a team of stylists. So as I prepare to open my second salon, Ron King Salon in the Four Seasons Austin, Texas, and interview possible new employees, I’ve found myself explaining the benefits of working for a larger company as opposed to working as an independent contractor. So, I’d like to share them with you as well.

1. Teamwork

When stylists are working for themselves, they are only interested in making more money for themselves. There certainly is no sense of helping each other out, and everyone is disconnected from each other. As a salon owner, this is not good and it’s not good as a stylist either. Learning from each other, working together and helping each other out only makes stylists stronger. Independent contractors are disconnected from this sense of community.

2. Education

Independent contractors are responsible for providing their own education, which takes initiative and discipline. It also is money out of their pocket. Once they realize all that goes into education, it’s been my experience that independent contractors let this fall to the wayside—and we all know how dangerous it is as stylists to fall behind on education. When time is already set aside for education, by an employer, the stylist is much more likely to take the classes.

3. Marketing & Finance

Other responsibilities that fall on independent contractors are managing their finances by paying their taxes on time, marketing themselves for new clients and providing themselves with healthcare. Working for a salon on commission can provide stylists with all of this, which is a major part of making it as a successful stylist.