OFF National Trainer, Julie Buchan, tells us about her 13 years at OFF & ON
OFF National Trainer, Julie Buchan, tells us about her 13 years at OFF & ON
Name: Julie Buchan
Role: OFF National Trainer and Takapuna OFF & ON Branch Manager
Tenure: 13 years
1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role at OFF & ON? How long have you been with the company?
My name is Julie and my role is OFF National Trainer as well as Branch Manager at Takapuna OFF & ON. After counting it all up, I have been with the company for 13 years. I’ve worn multiple hats including waxer, brow artist, laser technician, Branch Manager at Britomart, Newmarket and now back at Takapuna OFF & ON.
2. What initially attracted you to work for OFF & ON, and what has kept you here for over 13 years?
I worked with Brenda (our current waxer at OFF & ON Newmarket) prior to working here. She told me to come and have an interview and it all started from there. Initially, we only had our Takapuna and Newmarket store and I started at Takapuna OFF & ON.
What’s kept me here is the culture at OFF & ON. The OFF & ON culture allows you to learn as much as you want to learn and specialise where you have a passion. I’ve enjoyed growing and developing in the business.
3. How has OFF & ON evolved and grown since you joined the company?
OFF & ON has developed and seen many changes during my time here. Initially starting with two stores and providing only waxing and brows has now expanded.
4. What do you think sets OFF & ON apart from other companies in the industry, and how has that contributed to its success?
I think we’ve always had strong team members who bring passion for what you do. We have our own unique atmosphere whether it’s the music, the energy or even the way we talk about our treatments. With this, we also have the professionalism which is different to other providers. We’ve created a strong loyal customer base. For example, my current longest standing client who I do brow treatments for has been my client for eleven years so far. Also, OFF & ON are always changing with the market while keeping our own individuality and building trust with our clients.
5. As a long time employee, what advice would you give to new hires or those considering a long-term career at OFF & ON?
Make goals. Always get out of your comfort zone and be open to learning new things. I used to be very quiet and found it a struggle. I was put in the brow bar to talk with clients more naturally. The current me is so different to who I was a decade ago. With opportunities from OFF & ON, I was really brought out of my shell.
6. What do you personally find most rewarding about working at OFF & ON?
Managing a team has been rewarding for me. All of our team members are new from this and last year and in the short time we’ve come together as a team, I’ve seen each member’s passion grow and they show it in their own way. It’s been rewarding to see them learn more as individuals and also in their skills and areas of expertise.
7. How has OFF & ON’s work culture been for you over the years. What has kept you in the company for so long?
It’s always been amazing with the team. Our culture has always been in place where it comes from a place of respect. We try to help and understand each other. That’s what’s kept me here all these years.
8. Lastly, what are you most looking forward to in OFF & ON's future?
I’ve grown so much as a person in the last 13 years at OFF & ON. It’s such an amazing company to work for and there’s so much more coming. It’s always exciting as I know there’s more ahead.
9. Any last comments?
It’s been the best time. Yes, people have come and gone but I’ve made so many friends along the way including team members but also our clients.