Professional Development

Professional Development

Philosophy

Amenities Day Spa And Salon believes that growing your skills benefits everyone - you, your clients, and the salon. Continuing education is encouraged but not required beyond what is necessary to maintain your California license. We support your growth through brand training, mentorship, product access, and flexibility for outside education.

Continuing Education

Attendance at all assigned education and training sessions is mandatory, including Aveda product education. Continuing education participation is a tracked KPI. Brand-specific training is available through:

  • Aveda Pure Pro - hair care techniques, product knowledge, and sustainability practices
  • Comfort Zone - skin care protocols, treatment techniques, and ingredient science
  • Jane Iredale - mineral makeup application, color matching, and product education
  • Jane Iredale University - online education portal; contact Christopher with your email to enroll

Hair training classes are structured as a progressive series with peer review and constructive critique, designed to elevate the team collectively. Employees should proactively complete Aveda online demonstrations and review Aveda Education schedules (virtual and in-person) posted in the breakroom.

Both online and in-person sessions are available - sign-up is required. Talk to your manager if you are interested in a specific course. The salon will work with you on scheduling to accommodate training when possible.

Brazilian Blowout certification: Brazilian Blowout services may only be performed by employees who have completed the required online training course and submitted their certificate of completion to management.

Mentorship and Shadow Opportunities

Learning from experienced team members is one of the most effective ways to grow. Opportunities include:

  • Shadow shifts - observe a senior stylist, esthetician, or nail technician during client services (with client consent)
  • Technique reviews - request a peer review of a specific technique you want to improve
  • New service training - when the salon introduces a new service or product line, experienced team members lead hands-on training sessions

If you want to shadow a specific team member or learn a particular skill, talk to your manager to arrange it. Shadow time may be scheduled during slower periods to minimize disruption.

Trade Shows and Outside Classes

Attending industry trade shows, workshops, and classes outside the salon is encouraged. If you plan to attend:

  • Let your manager know in advance so scheduling can be adjusted
  • Time spent at outside education events is generally on your own time unless the salon specifically requires your attendance
  • If the salon sends you to a training or event, that time is compensated as hours worked
  • Bring back what you learn - sharing takeaways with the team during a Saturday huddle or informal session is appreciated

Product Discount

Employees can purchase retail products at cost/wholesale price (50% off). Employees must complete 90 days of employment before they are eligible to purchase products at cost or receive trade pricing. This benefit allows you to:

  • Use the products you recommend to clients so you can speak from personal experience
  • Stay current with the full product range

Employee product orders are placed during the first week of every month via the employee back bar order list. When completing the order clipboard, write the product amount plus applicable tax. Payment is collected at the time of order - purchases are voluntary and are not deducted from wages unless you provide express written authorization.

Purchases are tracked through the front desk. The discount applies to retail products only and is for personal use - not for resale.

Tools

  • Employees may bring their own tools (shears, brushes, etc.)
  • All client services must use the salon-provided product lines - no outside product brands may be used on clients
  • The salon provides common tools and equipment (dryers, color processing equipment, etc.)
  • You are responsible for the care and maintenance of your personal tools
  • Report any salon equipment issues to your manager promptly

Career Growth

Amenities Day Spa And Salon supports career development at every stage:

  • New team members - focus on building technical skills, learning the salon's systems and standards, and developing a client base
  • Experienced stylists/technicians - opportunities to specialize (advanced color, corrective work, specialized skin treatments), mentor newer team members, and take on additional responsibilities
  • Leadership interest - if you are interested in taking on a supervisory or training role, discuss this with the salon owner during your performance review

Growth looks different for everyone. Your performance reviews and quarterly check-ins are the best time to discuss your goals and what support you need to get there.

Trade Services

All trades (services exchanged between employees) must be booked in the system and require management approval in advance.

  • A trade fee applies to cover products, utilities, and water costs - paid directly by the employee at the time of service, not deducted from wages
  • The front desk creates the ticket for all trades; inform the front desk before the trade is performed
  • Both the giving and receiving employees must clock out during a trade - trades are voluntary arrangements conducted during non-working time
  • Confirm with the service provider that they are willing to use the time slot before booking; the provider may prefer to keep it open for a paying guest
  • Paying guests always take priority - be prepared for a trade to be interrupted
  • Schedule trades before or after your shift, or when both parties are off duty, to minimize interruptions
  • No trades on Fridays or Saturdays; only last-minute trades on Sundays
  • Mondays and Tuesdays are recommended for trades
  • One return request per month is permitted when coming in on off-duty time

Friends & Family

Friends and family services follow trade service rules but are not eligible for trade pricing - they must pay the designated family discount. Services booked on Fridays or Saturdays will be charged at full retail price.

Licensing Renewal

Maintaining a current, valid California license issued by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is your responsibility. All professional licenses must be displayed at your station and kept current. The salon will:

  • Send you a reminder 60 days before your license expiration date
  • Work with you on scheduling if you need time for renewal requirements

You must:

  • Complete any continuing education hours required by the Board for renewal
  • Renew your license before it expires
  • Provide an updated copy of your license to management upon renewal

Compliance with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is mandatory. Inspection violations - including the presence of hair at a station that does not match the current client - may result in fines.

If your license expires, you may not perform client services. You will be placed on non-client duties or unpaid leave until your license is renewed and verified. See the Recruitment and Hiring page for full license requirements.

Last reviewed: March 2026