Last Saturday began with my guest saying, "I'm sorry, I'm SO hungover right now!" She was! It was an interesting start to the day. Over the course of our few hours together, she found her balance and began to feel normal. Upon her arrival, her hair was looking "NSG" = (Not So Good), she came in feeling "NSG". I'm happy to report she left feeling and looking fabulous : ) It was great fixing an icky color and giving her a great cut.
Later that day I had a young man arrive for his hair-cut. He hadn't cut his hair in a year and a half! It was a lot of hair! He was ready to make a change and I was ready to make it for him! He brought in some photos of styles he was hoping to have. The interesting thing was the photos weren't pictures of humans, instead they were photos of cartoons-illustrations. It was an interesting take on style and fashion. A textured look inspired by a Japanese Anime illustration. Although unconventional, the illustrations gave great cues to the details of a hair-cut. I saved the print-outs he brought in. It made me smile knowing I may never have another guest bring in an illustration to show their stylist what kind of hair-cut they want. Inspiration is a funny thing, when it strikes it guides in a powerful way. He was an interesting young man in more way than one. A college graduate pursuing his dream job...which is yet to be determined. He was excited to show his girl-friend his new style. I hope she liked his cut which turned out to be a mix between Harry Potter, Justin Bieber and an Anime cartoon. He looked ready to tackle his pursuit to find a career that he can put his heart and soul into. I wish him well.
My parents both reminded me regularly that, "It takes all kinds of people to make this world go around"...these people get their hair done, and I tell their stories. : )
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
12 cuts, a comb over and a paraffin dip
Last week I had a wonderful experience. Saturday and Sunday, I was completely booked! I had a moment here and there to eat, prep, remind myself of my guests name and rock out some sweet hair! It was so FUN! On Saturday, I had ONE person on the books for a haircut. Within an hour of being open I was BOOKED! Sunday filled in much the same. I left the salon that weekend feeling so great! I had done it! I had experienced the full books of a real stylist. The only down side was I also had 12 cuts staggered throughout my middle finger, index finger and various knuckles. At times there was such a flurry of hair, comb, shears and styling that I didn't even realized I was bleeding a bit....whoopsie! That usually is the case, I think, oh, that one got a little close, or that one made contact. Then I'm so caught up in things that I forget and a few moments later I have a bloody mess. Sometimes I have to excuse myself to fetch a band-aid. Other times it is like a paper-cut and doesn't need attention. I felt like such a hair warrior that weekend. My battle-wounds were proof.
Another first for me in the last week, my first comb-over. A neat couple came in together. I had the husband and my co-worker had his wife. I am glad to say they were one of the cutest couples I have ever met. Probably in their late forties, they acted like twenty-somethings as they held hands, gazed into each others eyes and beamed with adoration for one another. Neither individual would have graced a cover of a magazine, neither would have caught your eye as they walked down the street...but together, they were a knock-out! I came to find out the two were friends in college years before. After school they went their separate ways and lost touch. Guess what brought them together....yes, you've got it, facebook : ) After reuniting- their friendship blossomed into love. After dating, she moved to be near to him. After engagement, he moved to be near to her. They finally became husband and wife. When they came to the salon it was just a few days before their belated honeymoon, to Disney World. Too cute! Love is alive. Love stories are real. Good work facebook : ) So, in lew of all the "love", I couldn't bring myself to address the comb-over. Besides, its always good to build a relationship with your guest before proposing a big change ; ) There's always next time!
Tonight I had a handful of interesting people. I was at "Salon R" for one of my last shifts there...ever! Yay. I had a nurse looking for a new "do". A mom with her three year old in tow...a bit tricky indeed! A woman getting a shampoo and style before a first date...hoping it went well (her hair looked great, she looked great, hope it went great!)! But by FAR...the most interesting was the woman who wandered in for a complimentary hand treatment (think exfoliation, hydration and paraffin dip). She had the craziest questions about our products, about home remedies and everything in between. Upon removing her paraffin (which is a treatment in which you dip the hands into a warm-wax creating layers...let it sit and remove...it hydrates and seals in moisture). Her strange request...as I was peeling off her paraffin....
She asked to take her paraffin home.
WHAT!???? So, I kindly put the blob of used waxy goo into a plastic bag and sent her on her way. A strange request I can easily say will never get again! It takes all kinds to make the world go round. Sigh. I love my job.
Another first for me in the last week, my first comb-over. A neat couple came in together. I had the husband and my co-worker had his wife. I am glad to say they were one of the cutest couples I have ever met. Probably in their late forties, they acted like twenty-somethings as they held hands, gazed into each others eyes and beamed with adoration for one another. Neither individual would have graced a cover of a magazine, neither would have caught your eye as they walked down the street...but together, they were a knock-out! I came to find out the two were friends in college years before. After school they went their separate ways and lost touch. Guess what brought them together....yes, you've got it, facebook : ) After reuniting- their friendship blossomed into love. After dating, she moved to be near to him. After engagement, he moved to be near to her. They finally became husband and wife. When they came to the salon it was just a few days before their belated honeymoon, to Disney World. Too cute! Love is alive. Love stories are real. Good work facebook : ) So, in lew of all the "love", I couldn't bring myself to address the comb-over. Besides, its always good to build a relationship with your guest before proposing a big change ; ) There's always next time!
Tonight I had a handful of interesting people. I was at "Salon R" for one of my last shifts there...ever! Yay. I had a nurse looking for a new "do". A mom with her three year old in tow...a bit tricky indeed! A woman getting a shampoo and style before a first date...hoping it went well (her hair looked great, she looked great, hope it went great!)! But by FAR...the most interesting was the woman who wandered in for a complimentary hand treatment (think exfoliation, hydration and paraffin dip). She had the craziest questions about our products, about home remedies and everything in between. Upon removing her paraffin (which is a treatment in which you dip the hands into a warm-wax creating layers...let it sit and remove...it hydrates and seals in moisture). Her strange request...as I was peeling off her paraffin....
She asked to take her paraffin home.
WHAT!???? So, I kindly put the blob of used waxy goo into a plastic bag and sent her on her way. A strange request I can easily say will never get again! It takes all kinds to make the world go round. Sigh. I love my job.
Monday, January 10, 2011
17 and focused
I met the most interesting young woman this week. I will call her "17 and focused". "Ms. 17 and focused" looks like she could be 24. Tall, gorgeous, put together, stylish, confident...but still a teen. She is a new staff member at Salon M in our guest services role...aka the front desk crew. On Saturday late afternoon I had an open time-slot and offered to do an up-do on her for fun. She agreed and we began to get to know one-another. It was a fun and interesting 45 minutes.
"17 and focused" is a senior in high-school. She works 24 hours a week at our salon, baby-sits for her neighbors, is a twin and has a slight Heather Locklear look about her. She plans to go to college in the Fall.
One of my favorite questions to ask people is, "What is your dream job"? "Ms. 17" didn't miss a beat and replied seconds after the question was proposed. She clearly and confidently stated, "a divorce negotiator".
WHAT!?? Hopefully I didn't make a weird face!!!
I immediately thought, "Why is this young woman so set on trudging through the mess of divorce for a career!??? Who would ever want that? I didn't even know this career exists!"
She went on to tell me that her parents are still married but have had many ups-and-downs along their journey. "Ms. 17" described herself as someone who helps others make decisions concerning relationships. I am always baffled by people who have such a definite career in mind in their teen-age years. I had interests but never a clear idea.
I think the whole conversation made me sad. Why is this 17 year old focused on such heavy life issues? Why is she working 24 hours weekly at the salon, baby-sitting for tax-free money (as she was sure to point out), and looking forward to her future career as a divorce negotiator. Where is her fun? Does she have the freedom to simply ENJOY? What is driving this young woman?
As I looked and imagined what was going on inside for her, I then turned the questions to myself.
Where is my fun?
Do I have the freedom to simply ENJOY?
What is driving me?
It turns out these are hard questions to answer. "Ms. 17" challenged me.
I'm happy to report her up-do turned out beautiful...picture a side swept, low-bun. It had a beautiful texture about the whole look with an old holly-wood twist. "Ms. 17" LOVED the up-do and told everyone she has "dibs" on me for prom. It felt good to make her beautiful, it felt good that she liked it, but even better - it felt good that I liked it.
Where is your fun?
Do you have the freedom to simply ENJOY?
What is driving you?
"17 and focused" is a senior in high-school. She works 24 hours a week at our salon, baby-sits for her neighbors, is a twin and has a slight Heather Locklear look about her. She plans to go to college in the Fall.
One of my favorite questions to ask people is, "What is your dream job"? "Ms. 17" didn't miss a beat and replied seconds after the question was proposed. She clearly and confidently stated, "a divorce negotiator".
WHAT!?? Hopefully I didn't make a weird face!!!
I immediately thought, "Why is this young woman so set on trudging through the mess of divorce for a career!??? Who would ever want that? I didn't even know this career exists!"
She went on to tell me that her parents are still married but have had many ups-and-downs along their journey. "Ms. 17" described herself as someone who helps others make decisions concerning relationships. I am always baffled by people who have such a definite career in mind in their teen-age years. I had interests but never a clear idea.
I think the whole conversation made me sad. Why is this 17 year old focused on such heavy life issues? Why is she working 24 hours weekly at the salon, baby-sitting for tax-free money (as she was sure to point out), and looking forward to her future career as a divorce negotiator. Where is her fun? Does she have the freedom to simply ENJOY? What is driving this young woman?
As I looked and imagined what was going on inside for her, I then turned the questions to myself.
Where is my fun?
Do I have the freedom to simply ENJOY?
What is driving me?
It turns out these are hard questions to answer. "Ms. 17" challenged me.
I'm happy to report her up-do turned out beautiful...picture a side swept, low-bun. It had a beautiful texture about the whole look with an old holly-wood twist. "Ms. 17" LOVED the up-do and told everyone she has "dibs" on me for prom. It felt good to make her beautiful, it felt good that she liked it, but even better - it felt good that I liked it.
Where is your fun?
Do you have the freedom to simply ENJOY?
What is driving you?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Home
In the last two months since I wrote ... the Holidays have come and gone, my city received 33.4 inches of snow in December alone, I've met some amazing people, done some great hair, and I now know which salon will be my home.
Salon M : )
In early December I got word that starting February 2011, I will be working Wednesday through Sunday at Salon M. It's wonderful! At the end of November, I knew I wanted to call Salon M home. I felt at ease there. When I spent time at our other two locations, I wished I was at Salon M. Our color trainer is the lead stylist at Salon M. As I got to know her, I realized that she speaks my language. She encourages, and pushes me to grow. Finding a mentor that "fits' really sealed the deal; actually the whole team at Salon M "fits". A new home, a new team, and a new year - 2011, yahoo!
As far as the hair goes, its going SO much better. I'm feeling great about cutting and styling; color is coming along. Timing is getting better. Confidence is getting better. Endurance is getting better. My joy is getting better. My paycheck is getting better.
Until next time...
Salon M : )
In early December I got word that starting February 2011, I will be working Wednesday through Sunday at Salon M. It's wonderful! At the end of November, I knew I wanted to call Salon M home. I felt at ease there. When I spent time at our other two locations, I wished I was at Salon M. Our color trainer is the lead stylist at Salon M. As I got to know her, I realized that she speaks my language. She encourages, and pushes me to grow. Finding a mentor that "fits' really sealed the deal; actually the whole team at Salon M "fits". A new home, a new team, and a new year - 2011, yahoo!
As far as the hair goes, its going SO much better. I'm feeling great about cutting and styling; color is coming along. Timing is getting better. Confidence is getting better. Endurance is getting better. My joy is getting better. My paycheck is getting better.
Until next time...
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Snow, and please GO!!!!!!!
Sunday night. I made it through another weekend at the salon. Right now, I'm sitting on the couch (still in my dress-clothes from the day...too lazy to walk upstairs to change into comfy sweats), watching a little football with my Mr.
I was on the books Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Our goal as new talent is to have 30% of our shift booked, this ensures we stay for the entirety of our scheduled time. If we do not make our goal, we are given an hour to try to get someone booked; then we are sent home early. I was scheduled at Salon M Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Thursday I had one hair-cut booked (equal to about 15%), after the cut I hit the town with my business cards and a smile. I wasn't able to fill my shift and therefore went home a little early. Friday I had close to 70% booked at Salon R. My shift flew by! I worked with two friends, and two strangers.
Saturday came with an attitude! Our first official snow fall and snow storm began early Saturday morning. My coffee maker was acting up which made for NO coffee before work. It was not pretty. While struggling with the coffee maker, I realized the giant pot of soup I had made from scratch the night before was never refrigerated. SHOOT! Into the garbage it went. The snow warnings I brushed off were real! I needed to leave by 7am to give myself plenty of time to drive through the snowy winter morning! I left a few after 7, and drove carefully for 45 minutes. Luckily I still had time to spare to swing in and pick up coffee. Then, I got into the salon and was SOOO disappointed to see I had 0% booked : ( I had two hours to attempt to fill my books. So, once again I hit the streets with my card, a smile, and by then an attitude! I was covered in wet, heavy snow-flakes and wasn't sure where I should head to try and recruit people. Walking around outside was NOT an option in the weather. So, I decided I would hit up the classy grocery store down the street. After bundling up, scraping the snow off of my car, I then drove the 2 miles to the grocery store. My little car was an ant next to the trucks and suv's of all of the grocery store shoppers out in the storm. I made the rounds and talked with 4 people. I gave each a few coupons...and then it happened! THE STORE MANAGER GOT IN MY FACE! Apparently I wasn't being super-sly with my recruiting. The store manager confronted me in a harsh tone and said, "I would APPRECIATE it if you would STOP soliciting our customers!!!!" I nearly ran out of the store!
I think I managed to reply, "sorry sir, I am leaving now"....eeek! It was so awkward! At this point I laughed as the whole morning kept replaying in my mind. No coffee, spoiled soup, snow storm, 0% booked and kicked out of a classy grocery store! I returned to Salon M with my grocery store report and packed my stuff to drive home in the snow storm. The usual 35 minute drive was 75minutes. I was relieved to be home. I got to work at home immediately! I grabbed a shovel and took out my aggression and disappointment on the snow covered driveway. Then I even scrubbed our bathtub, toilet, bathroom sink, and bathroom floor. It ended up being an OK day. I will forever have bragging rights of getting kicked out of that store...: )
Sunday had a much better go. I ended up having 3 clients (2 booked and 1 walk-in)...I got to stay all day! It was a great day of cutting, watching, learning, cleaning, folding and styling. Tomorrow we have another color class and another color model. I am looking forward to the week ahead.
Goal for next post, to tell the story of at least one guest. Enough about me already...
I was on the books Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Our goal as new talent is to have 30% of our shift booked, this ensures we stay for the entirety of our scheduled time. If we do not make our goal, we are given an hour to try to get someone booked; then we are sent home early. I was scheduled at Salon M Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Thursday I had one hair-cut booked (equal to about 15%), after the cut I hit the town with my business cards and a smile. I wasn't able to fill my shift and therefore went home a little early. Friday I had close to 70% booked at Salon R. My shift flew by! I worked with two friends, and two strangers.
Saturday came with an attitude! Our first official snow fall and snow storm began early Saturday morning. My coffee maker was acting up which made for NO coffee before work. It was not pretty. While struggling with the coffee maker, I realized the giant pot of soup I had made from scratch the night before was never refrigerated. SHOOT! Into the garbage it went. The snow warnings I brushed off were real! I needed to leave by 7am to give myself plenty of time to drive through the snowy winter morning! I left a few after 7, and drove carefully for 45 minutes. Luckily I still had time to spare to swing in and pick up coffee. Then, I got into the salon and was SOOO disappointed to see I had 0% booked : ( I had two hours to attempt to fill my books. So, once again I hit the streets with my card, a smile, and by then an attitude! I was covered in wet, heavy snow-flakes and wasn't sure where I should head to try and recruit people. Walking around outside was NOT an option in the weather. So, I decided I would hit up the classy grocery store down the street. After bundling up, scraping the snow off of my car, I then drove the 2 miles to the grocery store. My little car was an ant next to the trucks and suv's of all of the grocery store shoppers out in the storm. I made the rounds and talked with 4 people. I gave each a few coupons...and then it happened! THE STORE MANAGER GOT IN MY FACE! Apparently I wasn't being super-sly with my recruiting. The store manager confronted me in a harsh tone and said, "I would APPRECIATE it if you would STOP soliciting our customers!!!!" I nearly ran out of the store!
I think I managed to reply, "sorry sir, I am leaving now"....eeek! It was so awkward! At this point I laughed as the whole morning kept replaying in my mind. No coffee, spoiled soup, snow storm, 0% booked and kicked out of a classy grocery store! I returned to Salon M with my grocery store report and packed my stuff to drive home in the snow storm. The usual 35 minute drive was 75minutes. I was relieved to be home. I got to work at home immediately! I grabbed a shovel and took out my aggression and disappointment on the snow covered driveway. Then I even scrubbed our bathtub, toilet, bathroom sink, and bathroom floor. It ended up being an OK day. I will forever have bragging rights of getting kicked out of that store...: )
Sunday had a much better go. I ended up having 3 clients (2 booked and 1 walk-in)...I got to stay all day! It was a great day of cutting, watching, learning, cleaning, folding and styling. Tomorrow we have another color class and another color model. I am looking forward to the week ahead.
Goal for next post, to tell the story of at least one guest. Enough about me already...
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Color and My Future
Yesterday was my first time doing color since August! It felt so great getting back into it. There is something so lovely about getting my gloved hands covered in hair-color...It's just the best. The smell is great too. When I began coloring hair last year, I didn't originally like the smell. It's now grown on me, I love it just as much as I love the smell of freshly painted walls and occasionally the aroma of gasoline when filling up my tank.
I was really stressed going into the day. Timing timing timing. I've never been the quickest or very efficient. I'm getting better and stayed on track yesterday. I'm grateful my trainers give me tips about application and other sneaky things we never discussed in beauty school. Basics are proven and perfect, twisting them can speed things up, mix things up or screw things up. I'm cautious as I jump into twisting my basics.
My future is looking me straight in the face. Some days I can't wait to jump out of bed and get ready for what lies ahead, excited for the people I will meet and the hair I get to cut, style and color. Some days I think, "am I ready to do this day in and day out forever"? Yes, No, or does it even matter? One day at a time, one guest at a time.
And where should I work? Out of the three salons, each one has such different options. Today one of my trainers mentioned that my opinion about where I want to be placed is very important as they decide which salon I will go to. Hmmm. My plan was to stay neutral and rock-it-out where ever I would end up. Now I'm thinking this isn't the best approach. Why not get attached and fight for what I want? Its where I will be day in and day out : ). . .so why not pick just as I did our perfect little duplex?
I'm going to come up with code names as I talk about them ...Salon R, Salon P, and Salon M. Here's a quick run-down of my future options...Salon R is located in a shopping mall, it offers hair and minimal waxing and nail services. Salon P is the "mother-ship" and largest salon. Most of our training takes place at "P" which offers everything from hair to massage to nails to facials and waxing. Salon M is the newest of the three and includes everything as well. When I first began I wanted Salon P, no ifs ands or buts. Now its a toss up. Pros and Cons to follow.
I was really stressed going into the day. Timing timing timing. I've never been the quickest or very efficient. I'm getting better and stayed on track yesterday. I'm grateful my trainers give me tips about application and other sneaky things we never discussed in beauty school. Basics are proven and perfect, twisting them can speed things up, mix things up or screw things up. I'm cautious as I jump into twisting my basics.
My future is looking me straight in the face. Some days I can't wait to jump out of bed and get ready for what lies ahead, excited for the people I will meet and the hair I get to cut, style and color. Some days I think, "am I ready to do this day in and day out forever"? Yes, No, or does it even matter? One day at a time, one guest at a time.
And where should I work? Out of the three salons, each one has such different options. Today one of my trainers mentioned that my opinion about where I want to be placed is very important as they decide which salon I will go to. Hmmm. My plan was to stay neutral and rock-it-out where ever I would end up. Now I'm thinking this isn't the best approach. Why not get attached and fight for what I want? Its where I will be day in and day out : ). . .so why not pick just as I did our perfect little duplex?
I'm going to come up with code names as I talk about them ...Salon R, Salon P, and Salon M. Here's a quick run-down of my future options...Salon R is located in a shopping mall, it offers hair and minimal waxing and nail services. Salon P is the "mother-ship" and largest salon. Most of our training takes place at "P" which offers everything from hair to massage to nails to facials and waxing. Salon M is the newest of the three and includes everything as well. When I first began I wanted Salon P, no ifs ands or buts. Now its a toss up. Pros and Cons to follow.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
In the last few weeks...
In the last few weeks a LOT has happened! Ups, downs, mediums and everywhere in between.
Starting with the mediums:
My energy is running a bit low! As we near the two-month mark, the new-ness and original excitement has worn off a little. Getting up and out the door seems to be a constant game as I test how many times I can hit "snooze" some mornings. Other days, I'm ready to get up.
My clothes are all becoming quite itchy as the little hairs from hair-cuts weave into every shirt, every BRA (especially the bras!), pants, shoes, you name it, its now itchy! I also have my first ever hair-sliver in my finger. Youch! But also comical!
Right now as "new-talent" stylist, I spend time at the three salons in the company I work for. My time is divided between them all as they get to know me, and me them. I'm constantly trying to decide or not decide which salon I want to be placed at. 3 Salons, 3 very different environments and cultures all part of one over-arching business. I'm a positive person and I know that I could be happy anywhere. I have discovered that attitude makes or breaks you. I'm trying to maintain a neutral position as to which salon I WANT to be at in hopes I won't get my heart set on one and then be disappointed and then have every day ruined by my bad attitude. Even though I know this...its still hard not getting attached to one or another. Some weeks I want salon A, some weeks salon C, other weeks I'm convinced salon B will be just right! Time will tell.
The Bad....
I cried AGAIN! It was our men's hair-cut training day. It was a frustrating day of several models, not enough training time, not enough stations for all of us, grrrr! I ended up tearing up while working with my last model (which luckily was my handsome husband). The funny thing was that everything had gone well with all three models. I just was frustrated with the day, and had wanted to be a rock-star. I was extremely let-down when I was the last to finish that day, and hadn't rocked it out as I had imagined. It was a laugh-cry kind of moment. Crying one second and laughing it off the next. Once I got it out, I felt much better, but ridiculous at the same time. Somehow I need to work on getting out my frustration so it doesn't always bubble over and run down my face : )
I was 5 minutes late one Saturday. I had completely set my alarm for the wrong time! In my head, when I set my alarm, I was thinking I worked at 9, when in fact I worked at 8. So there I was one morning, stepping out of the shower at 7am. Usually I leave at 7am when I work at 8am, I like being early (its my new hobby)! My husband asked what time I worked that morning, I told him 8...and then it hit me! Shoot! I got ready as fast as I could and luckily was only 5 minutes late. Whew. I hated being late, but learned an important lesson. Check, check, check, double check and check again when you work each day. Since I am 20 minutes early every other day, my manager knew it was a freak accident, thank goodness I'm not the late girl anymore.
Our group of 8 is now 7. We started with 8 trainee's and two weeks ago we were down-sized to 7. Basically she wasn't the right fit. Honestly, I have to say it is much better without her. In a way, she was like a corn stalk growing among the soy-beans. It just didn't fit. I think of her a lot. Knowing a lot about her life and history made me sad to see her go. I wanted it to work for her sake so much. It finally came to a breaking point and she had to go. No one really talks about it or her. Its almost as if she was never there. No one is being mean or hurtful, but just moving ahead and leaving the rest behind. I so badly never ever want to be left behind.
Good:
Hair-cutting is going much better! I am feeling more confident about it and actually enjoy taking on the challenge! I especially like working on people I have never met. When someone new sits in my chair, I feel free to explore, try new things, create and experiment. I have had 4 days of working on my own taking haircuts. I love being independent and working one on one with my guests. I love making people's day, and making people beautiful. It's a treat to get to spend the time with each person listening to their hope for beauty. They give me cues both silent and spoken about what's going on in their life. I'm learning to hear more everyday.
Hair-color training began last week. Tomorrow we work on our first hair-color models. Excited and nervous.
Paychecks are wonderful. Tips are wonderful. Enough said here.
People are bending over backwards to help me out! I've had friends, family, friends of friends, co-workers of friends, strangers, acquaintances, and so many others' come in! Thank you all. Being busy is a gift. I have so many people who have my back and want me to succeed. It gives me courage and excitement for the future.
Starting with the mediums:
My energy is running a bit low! As we near the two-month mark, the new-ness and original excitement has worn off a little. Getting up and out the door seems to be a constant game as I test how many times I can hit "snooze" some mornings. Other days, I'm ready to get up.
My clothes are all becoming quite itchy as the little hairs from hair-cuts weave into every shirt, every BRA (especially the bras!), pants, shoes, you name it, its now itchy! I also have my first ever hair-sliver in my finger. Youch! But also comical!
Right now as "new-talent" stylist, I spend time at the three salons in the company I work for. My time is divided between them all as they get to know me, and me them. I'm constantly trying to decide or not decide which salon I want to be placed at. 3 Salons, 3 very different environments and cultures all part of one over-arching business. I'm a positive person and I know that I could be happy anywhere. I have discovered that attitude makes or breaks you. I'm trying to maintain a neutral position as to which salon I WANT to be at in hopes I won't get my heart set on one and then be disappointed and then have every day ruined by my bad attitude. Even though I know this...its still hard not getting attached to one or another. Some weeks I want salon A, some weeks salon C, other weeks I'm convinced salon B will be just right! Time will tell.
The Bad....
I cried AGAIN! It was our men's hair-cut training day. It was a frustrating day of several models, not enough training time, not enough stations for all of us, grrrr! I ended up tearing up while working with my last model (which luckily was my handsome husband). The funny thing was that everything had gone well with all three models. I just was frustrated with the day, and had wanted to be a rock-star. I was extremely let-down when I was the last to finish that day, and hadn't rocked it out as I had imagined. It was a laugh-cry kind of moment. Crying one second and laughing it off the next. Once I got it out, I felt much better, but ridiculous at the same time. Somehow I need to work on getting out my frustration so it doesn't always bubble over and run down my face : )
I was 5 minutes late one Saturday. I had completely set my alarm for the wrong time! In my head, when I set my alarm, I was thinking I worked at 9, when in fact I worked at 8. So there I was one morning, stepping out of the shower at 7am. Usually I leave at 7am when I work at 8am, I like being early (its my new hobby)! My husband asked what time I worked that morning, I told him 8...and then it hit me! Shoot! I got ready as fast as I could and luckily was only 5 minutes late. Whew. I hated being late, but learned an important lesson. Check, check, check, double check and check again when you work each day. Since I am 20 minutes early every other day, my manager knew it was a freak accident, thank goodness I'm not the late girl anymore.
Our group of 8 is now 7. We started with 8 trainee's and two weeks ago we were down-sized to 7. Basically she wasn't the right fit. Honestly, I have to say it is much better without her. In a way, she was like a corn stalk growing among the soy-beans. It just didn't fit. I think of her a lot. Knowing a lot about her life and history made me sad to see her go. I wanted it to work for her sake so much. It finally came to a breaking point and she had to go. No one really talks about it or her. Its almost as if she was never there. No one is being mean or hurtful, but just moving ahead and leaving the rest behind. I so badly never ever want to be left behind.
Good:
Hair-cutting is going much better! I am feeling more confident about it and actually enjoy taking on the challenge! I especially like working on people I have never met. When someone new sits in my chair, I feel free to explore, try new things, create and experiment. I have had 4 days of working on my own taking haircuts. I love being independent and working one on one with my guests. I love making people's day, and making people beautiful. It's a treat to get to spend the time with each person listening to their hope for beauty. They give me cues both silent and spoken about what's going on in their life. I'm learning to hear more everyday.
Hair-color training began last week. Tomorrow we work on our first hair-color models. Excited and nervous.
Paychecks are wonderful. Tips are wonderful. Enough said here.
People are bending over backwards to help me out! I've had friends, family, friends of friends, co-workers of friends, strangers, acquaintances, and so many others' come in! Thank you all. Being busy is a gift. I have so many people who have my back and want me to succeed. It gives me courage and excitement for the future.
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