137 Creating a Salon Experience that Reflects Your Sense of Style with Greg Ruggeri and Craig Longhurst
Like many of you, I will sometimes spend time scrolling through Instagram and occasionally a salon design will stop me in my tracks… This is the case with Salon Ruggeri based in NYC. Every time I see an image they have posted, it’s always of a beautifully put together and very stylish salon space that breaks the cookie-cutter salon design mould and gives you a peek into the world and the style of the salon owners. It always makes me want to just go and hang out there because I know it will be a great experience and a luxury treat for the senses, as well as great hair! So my guest on today's Podcast is Greg Ruggeri and his husband Craig Longhurst from Salon Ruggeri in New York. In this episode we discuss: The client experience The importance of attention to detail The meaning of style And so much more! In this Episode: [02:39] A brief overview of what Greg and Craig’s joint journey in the salon industry has looked like to date. [04:05] Greg shares what motivated him to become a hairdresser while he was still in school. [09:14] How Craig and Greg made their first salon, which was based in Sydney, stand out. [11:32] Factors which drove Greg and Craig to move from Sydney to New York in 2010. [18:41] Creative methods that Craig and Greg used to build up their client base in New York. [24:40] The award Greg received during his first year in New York, and the growth that Salon Ruggeri experienced over the months that followed. [30:23] Why Greg chose to bring injectables into the salon. [33:31] Craig’s approach to designing a salon. [39:42] Why everything in Greg and Craig’s third salon was for sale. [42:13] The look and feel of the current Salon Ruggeri space. [45:12] Greg explains why he decided to further his trichology education when the COVID-19 pandemic began. [49:52] Emotional unloading that commonly occurs in a salon setting, and how Greg has gone the extra mile to provide his clients with support. [53:22] Mixed feelings that Greg has towards social media. [56:35] How Craig and Greg define style. [59:08] Greg and Craig share their thoughts on the salon suite model. Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Just click here to review, scroll to the bottom, tap “Ratings and Reviews” tap to rate with 5 stars and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you for your support! Special thanks to Greg and Craig for sharing their story with me for this week’s episode. Until next time! Antony Links and Resources: Grow My Salon Business Website | Facebook | Instagram Salon Ruggeri Website | Facebook | Instagram