Ep 4. West End: Provincetown, MA

Tabatha's Salon Takeover is a reality TV show where Australian hairdresser Tabatha Coffey visits struggling hair salons across the United States and tries to turn their business around. In season 3 episode 4, Tabatha travels to the picturesque seaside town of Provincetown, located on the tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

The salon featured in this episode is called West End Salon, and it has been open for just over a year. The owner, Lauren, had a lot of enthusiasm and drive when she first started the salon, but she is struggling to make a profit and is drowning in debt. The salon has a prime location in the heart of Provincetown's bustling shopping district, but Lauren's lack of business experience has led to a series of costly mistakes. The salon is in desperate need of a makeover, both in terms of its physical appearance and its financial situation.

Tabatha is greeted by a frazzled Lauren, who is clearly stressed out by the demands of running a business. Tabatha immediately notices that the salon is cramped and cluttered, with outdated decor and mismatched furniture. The salon boasts stunning harbor views, yet Lauren has failed to capitalize on this feature by positioning the salon's chairs to face the water. Tabatha is also unimpressed with the salon's lackluster retail selection, which consists mainly of cheap, generic products.

During her initial assessment, Tabatha also discovers that the salon's staff is incredibly inexperienced, with many of them having just graduated from beauty school. Lauren has been running the salon on a shoestring budget and is unable to pay for more experienced stylists. The stylists are all struggling with their own insecurities and are unconfident when it comes to making decisions about haircuts and colors. Tabatha notices that the staff is not properly trained in customer service, as they are often rude and unprofessional with their clients.

Tabatha starts by implementing some changes to the salon's physical appearance. She has a new, more modern chandelier installed and arranges the salon chairs so that clients can enjoy views of the harbor. She also introduces a new color scheme and brings in new furniture to create a more cohesive look. The retail section is also given a much-needed overhaul, with the addition of higher-end, niche products that are more in line with the salon's clientele.

In addition to the physical changes, Tabatha also spends time mentoring the salon's staff. She works with them on honing their customer service skills and on gaining confidence in their abilities. Tabatha holds a team meeting to address the salon's financial situation and urges the staff to take more ownership of the business. She encourages Lauren to set specific goals for the salon and to hold her staff accountable for meeting those goals.

Throughout the episode, tensions rise as the salon staff feels the pressure of Tabatha's expectations. However, as the week progresses, the staff begins to embrace the changes and to see the benefits of Tabatha's approach. Tabatha is also able to connect with Lauren on a personal level and to help her work through some of her business-related anxieties.

In the end, Tabatha is able to leave West End Salon with a team of empowered and motivated stylists. The salon is transformed into a more professional and welcoming space, with a renewed sense of energy and purpose. Lauren learns valuable lessons about managing her business and is left with a clear plan for moving forward. Overall, season 3 episode 4 of Tabatha's Salon Takeover provides an inspiring look at the power of mentorship and the importance of taking ownership of one's business.