Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Carmen Smith

Loganville,GA

Summary

Salon Operations Leader | Team Turnaround Expert | Million-Dollar Performance Under Pressure About: Carmen is a passionate and empathetic salon leader with 15+ years of experience across salon ownership, corporate beauty retail, and cosmetology education. From building a thriving salon in her 20s to leading teams through post-COVID chaos and unstaffed locations, Carmen has built a reputation for operational grit, grassroots marketing, and team development. She thrives in high-stakes environments and brings heart-centered leadership that balances accountability with compassion. She's looking for a salon management or consulting role where she can coach teams, improve performance, and help beauty businesses grow sustainably. Knowledgeable with solid foundation in managing salon operations and enhancing client satisfaction. Proven ability to streamline processes and improve team performance. Demonstrated expertise in staff training and inventory management. Experienced with salon operations and team leadership. Utilizes skills in staff training, scheduling, and inventory management to maintain smooth workflow. Track record of enhancing customer satisfaction and ensuring high standards of service.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Salon Manager

Madison Reed
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • - Led a team of 8 stylists during post-COVID rebuild; managed operations, client experience, and staffing.
  • - Inherited underperforming staff with morale issues; rebuilt the team, improving retention and culture.
  • - Oversaw months of record-breaking performance, including surpassing the location's "best month ever" benchmark.
  • - Advocated for structure, performance standards, and consistent coaching to drive KPIs.

Store Manager

Cosmoprof
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • - Hired with no training during COVID; ran the store solo for 4 months while still meeting sales goals.
  • - Built out a new team from scratch and led them to achieve over $1M in annual revenue.
  • - Implemented her own training and onboarding systems to keep operations efficient during high turnover periods.

Retail Manager

White House Black Market
01.2018 - 01.2019
  • - Managed a team of 7 and oversaw visual merchandising, scheduling, and sales coaching.
  • - Focused on driving customer experience and repeat clientele through elevated service.

Owner & General Manager

Jaunt Salon and Spa
01.2009 - 01.2019
  • - Built and operated a successful boutique salon for 10 years in her 20s, earning Best of Decatur 7 times.
  • - Managed all business operations including staffing, training, payroll, marketing, and compliance.
  • - Navigated betrayal by a trusted manager who was stealing from the business; successfully removed him and restructured team systems.
  • - Rebuilt team through grassroots recruiting in a pre-social media era, growing to 10 staff members.
  • - Created a culture of trust, performance, and loyalty; team retention and referrals remained high under her leadership.

Education

Master Cosmetology - Cosmetology

Capelli
Atlanta, GA
06-1994

Skills

  • - Team Turnaround & Retention
  • - Grassroots Marketing
  • - Conflict & Crisis Management
  • - Staff Training and Development

Timeline

Salon Manager

Madison Reed
01.2022 - 01.2023

Store Manager

Cosmoprof
01.2020 - 01.2021

Retail Manager

White House Black Market
01.2018 - 01.2019

Owner & General Manager

Jaunt Salon and Spa
01.2009 - 01.2019

Master Cosmetology - Cosmetology

Capelli
Carmen Smith