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The Van Clarke way
Date Added: 2009-11-16
Michael Van Clarke is renowned in the hairdressing industry as one of the most technically creative stylists in the world. His 99% client retention rate is unmatched, much of which could be due to his unorthodox, but inspiring approach to training and developing his staff. Michael has just won four business awards and continues to develop a strong and successful business.
“I am looking to get my message out to a wider audience this year, I also want to put my knowledge on various forms of digital media.”
This explains why Michael has developed a new training video, which seeks to inspire and encourage young hairdressers, likening their skills to that of an artist, an architect and a psychologist.
“Few other professions depend on such a breath of skills. A good hairdresser must have excellent social skills, a deep technical understanding of their practice, visionary creative ability and the skills of a surgeon at the very least.”
The video, (which can be viewed on our videos page) was developed in under six weeks and was produced by media company MCM. Its purpose is to showcase the salon’s training programme and highlight the life skills and character building aspects of it.
Michael‘s approach to training focuses on strong technical skills as well as personal development. ‘In the industry generally when hairdressers are taught, the most fundamental issues such as holding the scissors get lost. Often young stylists don’t properly learn their craft, which means they are not getting their return with clients.“
“We have a different way of teaching therefore we don’t have a high turnover of staff. We also have a big bridal team. We cover the key bridal show in the UK twice a year. The reason I wanted to develop that side is to put my graduates under pressure and see how they perform. We are teaching them at a very high level.“
What makes Michael's approach so different, is his attitude to teaching.”We send them to Tony Robbins, the American motivational speaker, we give them DVD lists, book clubs, we even have a theatre group which come to visit my trainees and encourages them to do improvisation. These activities are good for building their character. We are a very well respected salon, with an up-market clientele and the stylist have to be able to talk to them and engage with them.“
Above all Michael's motto is that "good people make good business"! And that is inspiration itself!
