Recently I was diagnosed with epilepsy which is ironic because my husband and one of my best friends have had this for a majority of their lives. What does that have to do with dreams? Everything.
Proverbs 19:21(NIV) says "Many are the plans in a man's heart but the Lord's purpose prevails." The next step in my career path was to build my clientele for another 3- 5 years in a salon, until I could open my own but because we don't know what unsuspected turn life will take, that plan went out of the window. Through my five years of salon experience I have gained great friends, learned many life lessons, absorbed business know-how and endured many trials, some that rattled me to the core.
Starting out this year I began working at a former salon, within the next two weeks of starting out the new year I got into a car wreck which means 3 days of therapy a week. A month later I had two seizures, followed by a 5 day stay in the hospital in which another seizure took place. You could say I've been through alot, prior to that, even though a local production of Dreamgirls was cancelled, I got to network and meet a great cast of people. I developed friendships with even more hair care professionals and bloggers, as well as potential clients, learned more business tips & life lessons from my fellow Mary Kay sisters who are extraordinary women and got to be a huge blessing to many people in the hospital. In saying that, never see a trial as an ending but a beginning. Every challenge we face is a opportunity to be a blessing to someone and learn something about ourselves along the way.
Four Important Life Lessons I've Recently Learned:
1)Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Never be afraid to depend on a higher power to guide you throughout life or rely on friends to help you. This shows strength. To think we can do it all on our own is prideful and that's a major sign of weakness.
2)Keep It Simple Silly! (Better known as the K.I.S.S Method.) Sometimes we bite off more than we can chew and over complicate our lives. Remove the clutter from your path to success and remove people from your life that may be toxic or hinder you from going forward.
3)Take time out for yourself. It's okay to breath. Having some 'me' time is not selfish but always wondering how something is going to impact you and not those around you are the beginnings of selfishness. Delegate certain task to prevent yourself from being overwhelmed.
4)Patience. Some of the best things are worth waiting for. How much more will you appreciate that promotion or new hot device knowing that you worked diligently, without complaint for it? When we rush into things we may be missing that golden opportunity to do something great until its our time to shine. Don't be afraid to let someone else have the spotlight. To be humble is a great and honorable gift that many do not possess.
Through this journey i've learned to sharpen my organizational and social skills in order to succeed in this business and not let fear be the captain of my soul or my driving motivation to not act upon something.
Being a mentor, educating clients and fellow professionals and inspiring people to be great is a power I possess that I didn't tap into until these events occurred.
To all my clients, friends and family, know that this is not a farewell but a see you later. I will come back restored, renewed and a force to be reckoned with.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Behind the Chair Q&A
Throughout my career I get asked a lot of questions, some more than others. I've complied a list of the most popular ones in hopes that you will feel more informed by the end of this article.
Q: What's a cosmetologist?
A:The field of cosmetology has to do with anything related to the hair, skin or nails.
Q:How long does it take to become a hairdresser?
A:Each state has different guidelines but in the state of Kentucky it takes at least 18 months to complete the cosmetology program. I signed up for 30hrs but some days I did 40hrs and I was able to graduate sooner.
Q:Do you have to take more classes?
A:6 continued education hours are required every year. Hairdressers can either read material from the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers & take a quiz online or attend an actual hands-on class.
Q:How do you get paid?
A: Salons vary when it comes to income.
*An apprentice is a student who recently tested & passed their state board exam and have their license. They must complete a six month apprenticeship and return to Frankfort and complete their exam to become a master stylist.
Q:Why do we need to tip the hairdressers?
A:
Q:Well how much do I tip? How much is a good tip?
A:When you know you're going to a salon, plan it in your budget, along with the tip and money for product. When hairdressers don't receive anything it's a smack in the face. Never sit in the chair with the mindset of "I'm doing you a favor by giving you my business.", instead, depending on where you go, have the mindset of "I'm going to a professional who is going to educate me on my hair, provide a service and with product." A good hair dressers is an investment. Here's a How-To Video on Salon Tipping...
For this last segment of Q&A I decided to do something a little different. Here are real life questions that I was personally asked or witnessed being asked. This is called: Things You Don't Say to a Hairdresser!
Q":Can't you just put it in the microwave?" (talking about relaxer)
A:Because it's a chemical. It could explode or cause a toxic chemical reaction. (I'm sorry relaxer is cold.)
Q:"Why pay you $30 every week for something I can do at home?"
A:(calmly I replied) So did you want your hair done or not? I am a certified cosmetologist. We have to be licensed and receive additional training for a reason, which brings me to my next question...
Q:"You have a text book? I thought ya'll just did each other's hair."
A:(Annoyed I still answered.)"It's a school, there's a lot of chemistry and science involved."
Q:"They taught you that? I didn't know they taught you that.?" (referring to resumes.)
A:We had a whole course on business management, including how to write a resumes.
Q:What's in the backroom? What do you do back there? What takes so long?
A:I'm about to reveal a secret about the back room area...
The back room is the panic room! When we're not back there mixing and formulating color, we're freaking out. If a client is rude, has unusual quirks about them, annoys you, has a 'complicated order' or very demanding...whoo...that room is a lifesaver. The other reason we're back there so long is because a client wants to be the shade of brunette you showed her in the book and 'oh no!', we don't have that color. Mad-scientist-crazy-chemist-ninja-magic is going on and yet I always manage to pull it off.
Q:"But why does it cost that much? I can go to Walmart and get a box of relaxer for $6."
A:(*long sigh*) "The chemical in the boxes are not professional, I am a professional. You're paying for a service." Not only was she wanting a relaxer on chemically damaged hair that she had chopped herself but for her six year old sister to get one too.
Q:If I bring my own stuff (e.g. color, shampoo, relaxer), how much would you charge me?
A:You can't come into a salon with store bought products and ask a professional to perform a service. Say I went to a doctor and said hey, if I bring my own surgical implements, would you cut the price on my knee surgery? Many box colors, relaxers and perm kits have very high concentrations of it's active ingredient which could ruin the integrity of your hair.
I'll leave you with additional advice for your hair journey...
Informing my clients is my number one objective. When they leave they should feel loved, relaxed & educated, oh and don't forget...look beautiful and still have money in their wallet.
Q: What's a cosmetologist?
A:The field of cosmetology has to do with anything related to the hair, skin or nails.
Q:How long does it take to become a hairdresser?
A:Each state has different guidelines but in the state of Kentucky it takes at least 18 months to complete the cosmetology program. I signed up for 30hrs but some days I did 40hrs and I was able to graduate sooner.
A:6 continued education hours are required every year. Hairdressers can either read material from the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers & take a quiz online or attend an actual hands-on class.
Q:How do you get paid?
A: Salons vary when it comes to income.
- Booth rental salons require employees to pay rent weekly, including supplies and tools, some place may supply you with a color and product line, tools and other amenities. They may also offer commission for *apprentice stylists. Booth renters and salon owners determine their own pay by their price list, the hours they work and the amount they work. Without a steady client base, networking and marketing, being self-employed can really be a roller coaster if the economy is struggling or if you are out of the hair industry for a time.
- Chain salons such as Super Cuts or Great Clips offers commission and/or hourly pay. Commission may increase based on the amount of hair that is cut hourly.
*An apprentice is a student who recently tested & passed their state board exam and have their license. They must complete a six month apprenticeship and return to Frankfort and complete their exam to become a master stylist.
Q:Why do we need to tip the hairdressers?
A:
- You should always tip for a service of any kind.
- Some would consider their services priceless so when business owners set their price list, their asking themselves, "How much do I want to make per hour?" "How much do I need to run my business & make a profit?" There may be times of little to no income, just starting out. When you tip, you're helping a small business owner succeed and expand.
- In commission salons, employees starting out may only receive 30 - 40% percent of the services they've done. Could you imagine working your butt off and after commission and taxes, receive half or less than half. Those tips have gotten me through some rough times.
Q:Well how much do I tip? How much is a good tip?
A:When you know you're going to a salon, plan it in your budget, along with the tip and money for product. When hairdressers don't receive anything it's a smack in the face. Never sit in the chair with the mindset of "I'm doing you a favor by giving you my business.", instead, depending on where you go, have the mindset of "I'm going to a professional who is going to educate me on my hair, provide a service and with product." A good hair dressers is an investment. Here's a How-To Video on Salon Tipping...
For this last segment of Q&A I decided to do something a little different. Here are real life questions that I was personally asked or witnessed being asked. This is called: Things You Don't Say to a Hairdresser!
Q":Can't you just put it in the microwave?" (talking about relaxer)
A:Because it's a chemical. It could explode or cause a toxic chemical reaction. (I'm sorry relaxer is cold.)
Q:"Why pay you $30 every week for something I can do at home?"
A:(calmly I replied) So did you want your hair done or not? I am a certified cosmetologist. We have to be licensed and receive additional training for a reason, which brings me to my next question...
 |
| My actual textbook. |
A:(Annoyed I still answered.)"It's a school, there's a lot of chemistry and science involved."
Q:"They taught you that? I didn't know they taught you that.?" (referring to resumes.)
A:We had a whole course on business management, including how to write a resumes.
Q:What's in the backroom? What do you do back there? What takes so long?
A:I'm about to reveal a secret about the back room area...
The back room is the panic room! When we're not back there mixing and formulating color, we're freaking out. If a client is rude, has unusual quirks about them, annoys you, has a 'complicated order' or very demanding...whoo...that room is a lifesaver. The other reason we're back there so long is because a client wants to be the shade of brunette you showed her in the book and 'oh no!', we don't have that color. Mad-scientist-crazy-chemist-ninja-magic is going on and yet I always manage to pull it off.
Q:"But why does it cost that much? I can go to Walmart and get a box of relaxer for $6."
 |
| A "kiddie perm" (children's relaxer), is the same as relaxers for adults |
 |
| "Box color" may contain clothes dye. |
Q:If I bring my own stuff (e.g. color, shampoo, relaxer), how much would you charge me?
A:You can't come into a salon with store bought products and ask a professional to perform a service. Say I went to a doctor and said hey, if I bring my own surgical implements, would you cut the price on my knee surgery? Many box colors, relaxers and perm kits have very high concentrations of it's active ingredient which could ruin the integrity of your hair.
I'll leave you with additional advice for your hair journey...
- Find a professional. Remember, we continually educate and train for this.
- Build a strong relationship by being consistent and appreciative.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. Being the curious client keeps us on our toes.
- Refer people to your hairdresser, this can lead to awesome discounts for you.
Informing my clients is my number one objective. When they leave they should feel loved, relaxed & educated, oh and don't forget...look beautiful and still have money in their wallet.
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