Artificial intelligence is reshaping the beauty and wellness industries in ways that are both exciting and impactful. By streamlining routine tasks and offering personalized experiences, AI is helping businesses grow while allowing providers to focus on what they do best: building connections and delivering exceptional service. Gregg Throgmartin, CEO of Skin Laundry, says he’s seeing the benefits at his company daily.
“AI is going to touch every facet of business, from logistics to every single customer and employee touchpoint,” Throgmartin said. “We’re already seeing significant changes in how staff handle tasks like rescheduling appointments, which once caused major disruptions. AI now makes this seamless, benefiting both employees and customers.”
According to Sudheer Koneru, CEO, Zenoti, for guests AI makes booking effortless and tailored, with personalized marketing that strengthens loyalty and satisfaction. It’s a game-changer that boosts efficiency without losing the personal touch that makes this industry special.
Koneru is of the view that AI is not about replacing people; it is about making them better at what they do. Koneru thinks that with an “AI First” approach, businesses can use AI to handle the mundane, such as scheduling appointments and shift changes, sending appointment reminders, managing inventory levels, answering frequently asked customer questions, and processing payment confirmations, freeing up professionals to focus on creativity and care, while keeping the human touch front and center. This balance of automation and human oversight creates new opportunities for growth, innovation, and excellence, making AI a true partner in creating meaningful, personalized experiences for everyone involved.
To gain an insight into a useful application of AI, Digital Journal spoke with Koneru.
Digital Journal: How have trade professionals traditionally balanced administrative duties with honing their craft, and what challenges have they faced in managing both effectively?
Sudheer Koneru: Trade professionals have always needed to juggle administrative tasks and their core craft, often leading to time management issues and reduced productivity. The pressure of handling scheduling, inventory, and customer interactions can detract from their ability to focus on skill refinement and innovation. This has historically been a significant challenge, as both areas are crucial for business success but require different skill sets and time commitments.
DJ: What specific admin tasks can AI automate for trade professionals, and how does this technology enhance their daily workflows?
Koneru: AI can automate a range of administrative tasks for trade professionals, such as employee scheduling, inventory management, and customer service interactions. For example, AI tools can set up weekly employee schedules, monitor and reorder inventory based on usage patterns, and handle customer queries through virtual assistants. By taking over these routine tasks, AI frees up time, allowing trade professionals to streamline operations and focus on more critical aspects of their work.
DJ: In what ways does automating administrative tasks with AI enable trade professionals to focus more on skill development, creativity, and innovation within their craft?
Koneru: By automating repetitive and time-consuming administrative tasks, AI allows trade professionals to allocate more time and energy toward honing their craft. This newfound freedom can lead to increased creativity and innovation, as professionals are less bogged down by mundane tasks and can instead focus on improving their techniques, learning new skills, and developing creative solutions to problems.
DJ: Can you share examples of how AI-driven automation has transformed the productivity or output of trade professionals across various industries?
Koneru: In the salon and spa industry, AI virtual assistants like Zenoti’s Zeenie can manage scheduling changes, transcribe conversations, and evaluate customer interactions. For instance, AI can seamlessly reschedule appointments when staff call out sick and analyze customer feedback to help personalize service. AI-powered customer profiles also enable new employees to deliver tailored service by instantly providing details like preferred stylists and past services, easing training while maintaining service quality. As Ju Tenuta of Regal Grooming Lounge explains, this approach allows even a new employee to confidently assist a client as if they’ve been part of the team for years, ensuring a smooth and professional experience.
This has significantly increased productivity by reducing the time spent on admin tasks and allowing staff to focus on delivering exceptional service. Similarly, in industries like retail, AI-driven inventory management has improved efficiency, ensuring that product availability aligns with demand without manual oversight.
DJ: What long-term benefits do you foresee for trade professionals who embrace AI tools to streamline administrative processes?
Koneru: For trade professionals who integrate AI into their workflows, the long-term benefits include enhanced productivity, improved business agility, and greater customer satisfaction. By relying on AI for administrative tasks, businesses can reduce operational costs and increase efficiency, ultimately leading to higher profitability. Additionally, professionals can focus on continuous learning and adapting their skills, keeping them competitive and relevant in their fields.
DJ: How can businesses ensure that AI-powered solutions complement rather than replace the unique skills and personal touches trade professionals bring to their work?
Koneru: To ensure AI complements rather than replaces human touch, businesses should implement AI tools that offer support and enhancement rather than complete automation. The philosophy should be “AI First”—letting AI handle initial tasks but always allowing humans to review and adjust outcomes. By maintaining human oversight and control, trade professionals can leverage AI to augment their skills and provide the personal touch that only skilled craftspeople can deliver. This approach ensures that AI acts as a tool for empowerment rather than replacement.
