We are excited to introduce you to Virginia Meyer! She is the Co-Founder and COO of the redCHOCOLATE, a company that specializes in education and leadership development services for the professional beauty industry. The Belle Salon & Spa staff has taken the redCHOCOLATE color training course over the past few years and we are happy to share a little more about who is behind training our staff and her story as our partner and friend in this industry.
So, we caught up with Virginia while she was recently training the Belle Salon & Spa staff, to ask her a few questions about how she got started in the beauty industry, her mantra to live by AND what she loves most about working with salons around the country. (belle included…we are so lucky!!) I mean, she has worked with salons all over the world, we are so thrilled to have her train our staff in our salons.
How did you get started in the beauty industry?
I started working in a salon answering the phone. I saw how guests would come in looking one way and leave feeling transformed. I loved seeing those transformations and knew that I wanted to spend my time helping hairdressers and salons be successful.
How long have you been working in the beauty industry?
I have been working in the salon industry for 30 years.I believe in and am incredibly passionate about education for thebeauty-industry and helping hairdressers and salon owners grow.
What is your role with redCHOCOLATE clients?
In the work we do with redCHOCOLATE, I work with salon owners and managers to lead and coach the behaviors that lead to sustained business growth and success. Since I began my career in the salon, I got to experience all aspects of running and managing a successful business—including sales, distribution, product development and education—the latter of which led to my role with the Aveda network, where I remained for 17 years.
When did you work for Aveda?
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Horst R. founder of Aveda when there were only seven products in the line. After falling in love with the philosophy and the company, I went to work for Aveda and eventually became the Vice President of Global Education. I left Aveda Corporation 6 years ago to start redCHOCOLATE with my partner David Adams. We think of ourselves as an extension of the Aveda brand.
What is your mantra?
I like to encourage people to “focus on behavior and let go of the outcome.” If you are doing the right things, the results will be there. I am passionate about creating the condition that allows hairdressers and salons to step into their vision of excellence and to realize their full potential.
What are some of your favorite memories in your career?
At redCHOCOLATE, we love watching customers reach new milestones and achieve their dreams and goals whether personal, professional or financial. It’s inspiring and rewarding to see people realize their dreams.
We love celebrating people’s successes and we love coaching the behaviors that lead to success – helping team members and leaders find that “I get it!” moment is our “get it” moment!
What do you do when you are not working with a salon?
I love Pilates and I love to cook for my friends and family. That and travel, ravel, travel. There is so much in the world to explore. My husband works as an architect so we are constantly scouring design magazines and imaging the perfect “space.” Movies, books, music and poetry are also passions. My guilty pleasure is a rainy afternoon and Sex in the City re-runs!
