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Located in the heart of Keilor East, Melbourne, Clarke and Co. began as a small salon with a clear vision: to serve busy women in business.

Salon director and owner, Joyce Clarke Henry, saw the need for a one-stop destination where clients could not only get their hair done but also enjoy facials, makeup, and skin treatments.

Five years later, the salon has grown into a thriving beauty hub with a wide range of services and a great team culture.

We sat down with Joyce to learn how her vision has shaped the salon’s success and how she continues to create an exceptional experience for her clients.

What inspired you to broaden the range of services offered at Clarke and Co?

When I first started Clarke and Co I recognised a need. Busy professional women were juggling careers and family with little time to visit multiple salons for different services.

They needed a one-stop beauty shop. So, we built Clarke and Co around that concept, offering everything from hair styling and brows to skin treatments, facials, and now even cosmetic tattooing. This combination of services quickly grew from a small offering to a well-rounded beauty hub.

Salon makeup artist doing clients makeup

Tell us about your team and how you maintain a great culture

One of the things I hear most from our clients is how much they appreciate the team culture at Clarke and Co, we have six stylists, and we don’t operate as individuals; we operate as a team. Whether it’s assisting each other with a client’s request or brainstorming how to offer the best possible service, the collaboration among our team members is what makes us special.

Salon stylists working together at reception desk

How do you provide a consistently great client experience and keep your clients coming back?

For me, it all starts with a warm welcome. When clients come to Clarke and Co they’re not just here for a service, they’re here for an experience. From the moment they walk in, we want them to feel like part of the family.

The consultation process is crucial, and it’s about more than just taking notes. It’s about building a relationship with our clients. We listen to their needs, understand their goals, and design customised plans that meet their needs.

We pride ourselves on being transparent and honest with our clients. Our consultations are designed to be a two-way conversation about what the client wants and what’s realistically achievable. If a client comes in with a dream look that’s not possible, we don’t shy away from telling them.

Instead, we work together to find a solution that will get them as close as possible to that goal. It’s about building trust, and when you’re honest, clients respect that. They appreciate knowing that we have their best interests at heart.

Hair stylist styling clients hair

How does Kitomba help you succeed in business?

As the business grew, so did the complexity of managing it all. At first, I didn’t fully grasp how important technology would be, but as we expanded it became clear that we needed our technology to reach that next level.

That’s when I turned to Kitomba Salon and Spa Software. It has revolutionised the way we operate. It’s not just about managing appointments, it’s about understanding every aspect of your business.

Reports to identify areas of improvement

Kitomba’s reporting features have been invaluable in helping us track performance and identify areas for improvement. I can now easily spot which services are doing well and which might need more attention.

The insights we get from Kitomba make it easier to run the business and ensure that every part of it gets the attention it deserves.

Salon owner talking to stylist in salon about their targets

Client-friendly online booking

Kitomba’s online booking system has been a game-changer. We now see 10-15 online bookings daily, which has significantly boosted our revenue.

It’s easy for clients to use, which means they’re more likely to book appointments, and that’s helped us grow in ways we hadn’t anticipated. It’s amazing how something as simple as making booking easier has had such a huge impact on our bottom line.

 

Targeted salon marketing messages

 With Kitomba, we can send targeted messages to specific client groups, keeping them engaged with personalised communications about new treatments, or promotions. It’s not about selling, it’s about nurturing relationships. 

Salon stylist giving client a gift bag

What has been the biggest thing you have learned in salon ownership? 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned along this journey, it’s the importance of investing in the right tools. We don’t have a receptionist or salon coordinator, but with Kitomba, I feel like we do.

At Clarke and Co, Kitomba is our virtual coordinator, helping us manage bookings, communications, and reports seamlessly. It allows my team to focus on what they do best, providing exceptional service, while the operational side runs smoothly in the background.