Written by Jana Ferreira Employers must recognise that technical excellence alone does not make effective leaders. Being the best stylist, therapist, or technician in a salon, spa, or skincare clinic does not automatically mean someone is ready to guide people, manage conflict, or grow a business. Leadership identity is a different skill set, one that requires empathy, communication, and vision. For business owners themselves, this means reflecting on their own leadership min

Once upon a time, communication was deliberate. A phone call meant dialing a rotary line, often through a switchboard operator. Letters were handwritten. Conversations were private. If someone wanted to reach you, they needed your permission and your physical address. As decades passed, technology evolved. Telephones became mobile. Messaging became instant. Social media turned private lives into public timelines. And now, artificial intelligence (AI) allows us to ask question

The Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare Industry (HBSI) Pension Fund is not just a legal requirement—it’s a business obligation with serious consequences if ignored. Employers are at the centre of making sure their employees’ futures are protected, and compliance with the Pension Funds Act is non-negotiable. Your Legal Responsibilities as an Employer By law, every employee between the ages of 15 and 60 in this industry must be part of the fund. Employers are requi

We’ve talked before about Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in your salon/spa, often focusing on specific situations you face day to day. What’s become clear is that while many of you understand the background, the reasons behind OHS, and its importance, there’s sometimes a disconnect when it comes to putting that knowledge into real, practical steps. So, in this article, we’re zeroing in on a very particular scenario: getting your salon/spa ready for OHS compliance when p

Creating a positive work culture is important for the functioning of every business, it encourages good work ethic, productivity and efficiency. Workplace culture can be understood or referred to as phenomenon that integrates the beliefs and attitudes of the people working in a business with the principles and values of that company. With the sole aim of establishing a ‘culture’ in the company. Workplace culture plays a critical role in the structuring of a business in that;

As the beauty industry in South Africa continues to grow, so does consumer awareness and demand for ethical and sustainably sourced products. Ethical sourcing ensuring that products are obtained responsibly, with respect for people, animals, and the environment no longer being a luxury; it's a necessity. Yet, many players in the hair and beauty industry still face significant challenges in aligning their practices with ethical standards. This article explores the landscape of

In the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare Industry, operating a compliant establishment is not only good business practice - it’s a legal requirement. Clauses 5 and 6 of the Main Collective Agreement, compel all employers to register their establishments and employees with the Bargaining Council. This ensures that each workplace meets the industry’s professional standards, is staffed by qualified personnel, and contributes to the sustainability of fair labour pra

In South Africa, medical certificates are important documents that serve as proof of an individual's health status, often required for purposes such as sick leave, fitness for work, insurance claims, or even court proceedings. These certificates need to be issued by recognised healthcare professionals who have the legal authority to assess an individual’s health condition. However, who can issue a medical certificate in South Africa, and when can it be issued? This question i

In South Africa, Bargaining Councils play a crucial role in regulating labour relations within various industries. These councils, established under the Labour Relations Act, facilitate collective bargaining between employers and employees, ensuring fair and standardized working conditions. While much attention is given to the benefits for employees, employers in the hairdressing and beauty industry also gain significant advantages from a Bargaining Council. Below are the key