When I meet Amber George at her salon, Verve Hair Lounge, she greets me with a warm handshake and smiling eyes. While her personality and charm are evident, I’m equally impressed by her professional appearance. She’s dressed immaculately and as the Creative Director/Owner of Verve Hair Lounge it is no surprise that her hair is perfect. While image and first impressions are important in the fashion and beauty industry, it doesn’t take long to realize that Amber has much, much more going for her.
Prior to opening her salon, Amber had over 10 years of experience working in the hair industry. Her background includes being a successful technical director, department head and salon mentor. Education is an ongoing endeavor for Amber and she credits having amazing mentors through out her career. In addition, she maintains her education in hair design, technique and trends.
Amber George appears to have it all: business savvy, marketing know-how and the determination and dedication to see her business succeed.
So far, she’s right on track. Verve Hair Lounge, located in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale area,just celebrated its one year anniversary. Walk by the salon and you’ll be tempted to enter. The setting is sophisticated, yet comfortable. Upon my arrival to meet Amber, she immediately greeted me and offered tea or coffee. When I asked her what gives her the most satisfaction in running her business, she says, “having clients commenting on the vibe that I’ve created.” The salon is surrounded by coolness and beauty. On the walls are a collection of framed photographs by three different local artists – all part of the Verve Hair Lounge’s Art Gallery where different artists are featured throughout the year.
Of course,success at a hair salon wouldn’t be complete without clients and Verve Hair Lounge has an excellent client retention rate that keeps Amber happy. It’s no surprise then that many of the new clients hear about the salon through word of mouth so that “when they sit in our chair, they trust us,” Amber says.
While word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, Amber’s success can also be attributed to her marketing skills. Verve Hair Lounge uses a diverse marketing mix that includes social media, community events and more traditional means of marketing including paid advertisements and press releases. While print advertising works well for building brand awareness, Amber also maximizes the benefits of social marketing.
Social media is another way for Amber to reach her target market. On Twitter, she has an impressive 763 followers where she stays connected with the fashion and beauty industry and promotes herself and her salon. Most recently, she posted news about an exciting hair assignment for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Verve Hair Lounge also has a fan page on Facebook with 221 members that provides constant updates about the salon and the stylists. Through social marketing, Amber keeps her clients and associates in the industry informed not only about Verve Hair Lounge, but also about what’s happening in Vancouver’s beauty and fashion scene.
Amber and her team are consistently staying current with the latest in hair trends by attending industry events and educating other stylists. Staying current opens the door to numerous opportunities outside of the salon where Amber is a hair stylist for the runway, photo shoots, local fashion designers and fashion magazines
Not only is Amber dedicated to her business, she also dedicates her time to community. In August, 2009, Verve Hair Lounge and Lower Lonsdale neighbours RDS Skate Supply, hosted a block party with a skateboard competition and art show featuring six artists. Each artist was challenged with creating an art piece using spray paint and a 3’ x 4’ canvas. The results were six very different works of art all auctioned off with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of North Vancouver. In December Verve Hair Lounge hosted a Wigs for Kids Fundraiser and Art Show featuring four Lower Mainland artists. Not only does Verve receive attention from these events, the charities being supported and local artists also benefit from the exposure.
Amber has a lotto be excited about with the business that she has built. “I had a lot of hopes with this place and I’ve seen a lot of my hopes happen,” she says, adding that she is incredibly satisfied with “seeing my vision come to fruition.”
Recent high points include accolades from a few significant sources including being voted #1 Hair Salon by the North Shore Outlook Readers Choice Awards and being listed as one of the 8 Best Salons in Vancouver by Crave Vancouver – a local magazine that promotes and connects the urban fashion savvy set with inspiring women entrepreneurs.
Amber has achieved so much in her life time, it is hard to believe that she is still a youth. Her advice to other young entrepreneurs? “Have a sense of humour,laugh at yourself, forgive your mistakes, learn and move quickly…and get your sleep.”
Verve Hair Lounge is located at 227 Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver, BC. To book an appointment with Amber, or any of the other amazing hair stylists, call 778.340.4654. Bio’s for Amber and the Verve Hair Lounge team can be seen on the salon’s website at www.vervehairlounge.com.
