I came in ready to lead, I left disappointed
Pros
The nail technicians are some the most talented, nicest, and personable people I've ever worked with. Their passion for their craft is inspiring, and was a huge reason I stayed as long as I did. The surrounding studio directors and assistants were generally very supportive and encouraging. I can say I've learned so much about running a business during my time with Miniluxe. Not only has MiniLuxe taught me what NOT to do in managing a studio, they've also validated my managing style by showing me shinning examples of district "leaders" on how not to lead a staff.
Cons
For the role and responsibilities, the compensation wasn't nearly enough. I was constantly questioning my managerial capability during this role (years of experience with success. But was never “enough” with MiniLuxe). During my interview process, I questioned how the position became available, and should’ve run for the hills after my interviewer answered with: “ She needed constant validation and for me to hold her hand. She was too emotional, and couldn’t handle the pressure for the job. “ There’s two sides to every story, that’s for sure. As a studio director, the goals for the studio are outlandishly high. Unless your studio is rich in technicians, and a client base - your studio will fail. And unfortunately for you, you can not control either variable. There is so much pressure from the district managers onto the Studio Directors for their studio to hit their goals. As a studio director, you must take this pressure, these hits, these losses and constant humiliations (at a large scale- you’ll be called out in front of all managers and CEOs during monthly calls) on the chin. You can try everything, but unless you hit your goals, it won’t be enough. Don’t waste your time exhausting yourself. I also have “minor” complains for miniluxe as a business: For being a woman owned business, you'd think the company would care more about women. No pregnancy leave. No leniency. Hope you have enough PTO stacked up and ready to be sacrificed. Or you could always take a pay hit by going on a medical “leave” for a couple months. My technicians every 2 weeks would complain about their paychecks being inaccurate. MiniLuxe hires payroll employees. Why inaccuracy EVERY pay period then? Tips would go missing. % of compensation for both product sale and services wouldn't be added to their checks. A promised pay “guarantee” wouldn’t be applied. I would warn my technicians to track their pay closely and check meticulously to ensure they were properly getting compensated. When complaints were filed to HR and District Managers about this- there was always an excuse and never accountability. And there are still inaccuracies in pay, to this day. Overall, MiniLuxe is not the worst company I’ve worked for. On paper, the company is wonderful, and I so desperately want MiniLuxe to succeed as it is reinventing the nail industry for the better. Just like any company and job, there are hiccups. As you apply to MiniLuxe, consider the reviews and ask yourself if you’re willing to endure the bumps that MiniLuxe has, and are seemingly unwilling to do anything about.
