Doing Business with Inestra

Over the years we’ve heard comments and suggestions from our customers on how they like to do business with their suppliers. We see these as opportunities to become your most-preferred supplier. Doing business with Inestra means:

Unique products and services only available in your salons—no pharmacies, no cosmetic or department stores, no supermarkets, no boutiques.
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A program of ongoing education in and outside the salon.
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Salon support through educational materials, publications and in-salon promotions.
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Higher profit margin for service and retail.
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Increased revenue through more service and retail.
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Strengthened client loyalty—clients come to you to purchase service and home care— not to the drugstore, supermarket or warehouse chain.
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Decreased inventory—a seamless product spectrum combined with the method covers all hair and scalp conditions.
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More efficient use of space and more dollars to run your business.
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Territorial exclusivity.
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Direct communication with Inestra, Inc.  And we answer our own phones.

What influenced you as a young hairdresser?

I had the unique opportunity to be an apprentice in a major salon in Munich, Andreas Fox. The two partners created a spirit that made you feel like part of a winning team. They instilled us with confidence and insisted on training to be the best because “you were the best.” I took classes in color, retailing and drawing. Plus there was in-salon training, competition preparation (why I won those trophies) and on my day off, I practiced in the salon with two models.
 

What took you from hairdresser to manufacturer/distributor?

Accident. I left the States for Munich. One of my colleagues was doing business with a hair care company. I met the sales manager, went to Paris, was offered the job. It was a great opportunity for adventure.

Why did you start Inestra?

The philosophy of large companies was unappealing. I wanted to bring a professional commitment to the industry, to the salon owner and staff.

Have you accomplished that?

I’ve accomplished the commitment and the ideology. Inestra now has many wonderful clients —all my clients are wonderful. There are many other salons which would love us. My job is to find them. If I do it more quickly, I will become a mass-marketer, something I don’t want. The personal involvement is important to me. I take pride in answering my own phone—hate voice mail.

What does the future hold?

Making a difference. The huge mergers have not helped the individual salon owner. The image of the hairdresser is not strong enough. Business developments have made the industry less attractive as a career choice. I’d like to play a role in changing that.