It's crazy to think I've been living the hair stylist life for almost sixteen years now. When I reflect on those early days of sweeping hair off the floor and tidying up color bowls for the seasoned pros, it feels like a lifetime ago.
My senior year of high school marked the beginning of my career journey. Each day, after lunch, I eagerly headed to the salon where I worked as an assistant. Being so young and surrounded by talented professionals, whom I admired and aspired to be like, fueled my passion to soak up every bit of knowledge I could.
I remember when I first started out in my career, I thought that certain aspects were absolutely crucial to success in my field. But as the years have gone by and I've gained more experience, I realized that what I once thought was the most important thing, might not be as significant as I had believed.
When I first embarked on my journey in the beauty industry, I believed that my success hinged on having the most fashion-forward outfits and staying updated with the latest hair trends through endless education. Don't get me wrong, these aspects are crucial in this field, but through my experiences, especially through managing my own salon, I've come to realize that the most important factor in my success is building genuine connections with my clients and truly understanding their needs.
As I've journeyed through my career, I've realized the significance of every appointment, whether it's the biweekly visitor at 10 a.m. like clockwork or the cherished client of 16 years who pops in sporadically. Each individual holds a unique value beyond just wanting great hair. It's a place where connections are made beyond just hair care. For some, it's a social outlet, especially for the older crowd, where a simple shampoo and blow-dry session transforms into a 45-minute conversation that provides warmth before heading back to an empty home. New mothers cherish those brief moments as a break from baby duties, appreciating the love and attention they receive before returning to nurture their little one. And let's not forget those who use their salon appointment as a therapy session, choosing hairapy over traditional counseling to offload their thoughts and emotions.
In the world of hairstyling, it's not just about the perfect cut or great blowout - it's about connection, support, and showing up for each client, bun and all. Clients value the personal connection and support they find in their hairstylists. It's about more than just physical changes; it's about having someone to lean on during life's transitions. Whether you show up in workout clothes with a messy bun, what truly matters is that you consistently show up for your clients, ready to listen and share in their journey. Your presence at every appointment means more than a perfect hairstyling session; it signifies reliability, trust, and understanding.
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