8 minute read
AI's Transformative Role in the Beauty Industry
By Elle Wilson
The question we all must ask ourselves now is this: How do we navigate this new era of artificial intelligence with insight, integrity, and imagination?
Recently, I came across a comment from a beauty professional who confidently stated, “It’s not going to be a problem for me. I use my hands.”
This perspective, although optimistic, highlights the need for broader awareness about the complexities and evolving dynamics of how AI will shape the future of our beautiful industry.
As global entrepreneurs it is our responsibility to follow trends and be at the cutting edge of developments, worldwide. In the past two years, Toby and I have dedicated ourselves to comprehensive research alongside some of the most esteemed figures in artificial intelligence globally.
Late night meetings, deep integration, insightful new paradigms and, of course, mind-altering realities of what is now here and yet to come.
No one is free of this new advancement; no one’s hands alone will save their business.
You may or may not be aware that currently, robots can extend lash services, and people blind from birth will soon be able to see. Just let this reality in and imagine the future.
In our ever-evolving industry, artificial intelligence does not need to be seen as a distant possibility, but as a dynamic, deeply integrated reality, now. Its introduction to our industry promises a revolution that transcends traditional boundaries, inviting beauty professionals to reimagine every aspect of their work and businesses.
It isn’t about a little piece of marketing copy or a Facebook caption, a blog post; this is a far deeper consideration. With nearly four decades of dedication to beauty entrepreneurship, I made it my business, my commitment to stand at the forefront of this world-altering era, ready to guide you through understanding AI’s potential and pitfalls.
The concept of AI has often been misunderstood, cloaked in apprehensions about its implications for creativity and personal touch. However, I urge you to view AI as a catalyst for innovation rather than a competitor.
However, there is always the pitfall. Where is the pitfall, where would you even begin, absolutely everywhere.
The beauty industry, like any other, isn’t immune to new challenges. In fact, due to the lack of understanding, the beauty salon owner has one huge hurdle to avoid.
With all the LLMs [large language models] such as the very familiar ChatGPT, Jasper, Claude, I could go on, the entrepreneur is faced with “sameness”. What I mean by this word is simple: becoming a part of an ocean of the same. Losing your differentiation. Words hold immense power, your resonance, how to transfer this to an LLM?
Jack Trout, one of the world’s most respected marketing minds, wrote ‘Differentiate or Die.’ This is the basis on which one’s business thrives and another discounts or closes its doors. Let us make no mistake; it has nothing to do with ‘the economic climate.’
In the last two years, Toby and I have tirelessly entered the global arena of AI with some of the most advanced marketers and entrepreneurs to help the entrepreneur transcend this undeniable pitfall - sameness.
Should you be afraid of becoming consumed by the ocean of sameness? Yes, fear is not bad when not indulged; it alerts you to where you must place your attention and where you need to improve. Let fear inform you of your current weaknesses in relation to the AI space.
LLMs are not just for a caption or an email, but rather will support you by offering insights that allow for unique client experiences, help identify emerging trends faster, tailor services more precisely, and even predict future beauty needs, thus ensuring your offerings remain compelling and competitive. Are you feeling me?
If you are not at the cutting edge and believe your hands will get you through it, you are in a fog, and whoever is telling you these things is too. Stop listening to the misinformed.
As with all powerful tools, the essence of AI’s impact lies in its application. Misuse arises when AI is employed without a clear understanding of its limitations or without regard to ethical considerations.
The misuse of AI can manifest in over-reliance, where the human element is diminished, or in manipulative marketing practices that compromise consumer trust.
It’s crucial to approach AI with a balanced perspective, using it to complement rather than compromise your values and vision.
Understanding how these LLMs work is a critical piece, and it will allow you to also be clear about who runs them, creates possible biases behind the scenes, and agendas that may very well alter the perspectives of humanity to its core.
By the way, this includes your children, your grandchildren, your nieces, and your nephews. Right now, not only you, the beauty professional, but humanity as a whole has a responsibility that is above and beyond anything it has ever faced before.
This brings us to an essential deliberation: With an array of AI technologies available, making informed choices becomes the critical piece.
Align with platforms and partners who prioritize transparency, ethics, and, above all, the augmentation of human creativity and the human spirit. You may think this is not possible; let this article help you think again.
We have to, not as entrepreneurs but rather as human beings first, consider this very critical piece.
We, Toby and I, had to consider the future of humanity and what role we wanted to play. Thus, our choice to collaborate with Dr. Flint McLaughlin, one of the world’s greatest marketing minds and deeply inspiring human beings, became abundantly clear. Our choice was rooted in a shared commitment to our deepest principles, not for the sake of ourselves, but for others.
Together, we envision AI as a medium to raise the human spirit, integrating it seamlessly into our initiative that not only drives innovation but also champions charitable endeavors throughout the world.
We made a decision to embrace this era by spearheading a guild— an international community dedicated to exploring AI’s possibilities responsibly. This collective stands as a testament to our belief that when navigated with wisdom, AI can be a source of empowerment, foster creativity, and ultimately, serve the greater good.
This guild is an exclusive application-based community. Everyone is welcome to extend an application to become a part of the revolution, the transformation. However, before this becomes a consideration for an entrepreneur, know this: it is a non-profit community and is deeply embedded in the highest good.
It has attracted entrepreneurs from all industries across the globe. One might ask, was there another way to cast a net to be of the highest value to entrepreneurs faced with the greatest challenge of their lives?
Joining forces with Dr. Flint McGlaughlin, has meant taking on the roles of Director of Community Impact and Director of Education and Training for this international community which is dedicated to unfolding the mystery, the pitfalls, and the opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide.
Our own lives have been transformed, taking our hearts into a new level of transcendence.
The practical applications of AI in our industry are as vast as they are fascinating. From AI-driven analytics that offer deeper insights into client behaviors and preferences to intelligent booking systems that optimize schedules and enhance client engagement, the possibilities are endless.
Moreover, AI can facilitate personalized marketing campaigns that resonate on a more profound level, ensuring that your services reach those who need them most.
For beauty professionals wavering between intrigue and intimidation, consider this: AI does not dilute our industry’s value; it distills it, refining our work to its purest form.
As we heed the wisdom of ‘Jack Trout’ differentiation, we find meaningful and impactful opportunities that have in the past been missed or remained unseen. It is the role of AI, when used with precision and wisdom, to unlock the human being’s hidden creativity, inspiration, and insight, let alone productivity and efficiency.
Meaningfully created, customized AI solutions can become your signature, setting your services apart in a crowded market. The question is how.
The path forward is a strategic one. It requires deep discernment and the knowledge that how we use AI changes humanity as a whole. It has this power. Choose your affiliations wisely.
Humanity now has the power to eradicate itself, over time, or to create a deeper, more meaningful future. You are one of the decisionmakers. It is now more important than ever to see humanity as a whole organism.
As we stand in the center of this new world, let us move forward with a spirit of curiosity and conviction. AI, when harnessed with insight and integrity, promises not just to revolutionize our industry but to reinvigorate our passion for beauty.
It beckons us to explore, to innovate, and to act—reminding us that at the heart of every technological advancement lies the potential for deeper human connection and expression.
Remember, in embracing AI, fearlessly, we do not forsake our essence; we amplify it, stepping into a future where the beauty we create is as limitless as the technology we have available to us.
Let us embark on this journey not by indulging fearful thoughts, but with the boldness of those who write the future—one where beauty, technology, and the human spirit converge to create a world of unimaginable beauty experiences.
Elle Wilson x
Feel free to reach out for support and guidance to support@truebrow.com
