I had a bad day...............yeah!!!!!!! Ever had one of those days, in the salon or spa, when everything was just off?????????? Consultation off, booking was all wrong, clients all showed up late, nobody liked their services? You just felt like you should of stayed at home, or even worse by days end - like you should reconsider your profession??? Don't worry we all have. It happens a couple times a year. Come here to let it out and have someone give you that pep talk to get you going again!
Cindy Farr Hester, co-moderator
www.behindthechair.com
Well I just can't take it anymore! I think I got into this business too late in life. I see my book building more and more which is wonderful. But it takes so long to make money in this business. Insurance is always a joke! We have a crappy program we have to pay for ourselves. My boss is a nice person, who is NEVER around, she doesn't advertise, and all my clients are legally the salons. I don't think I can switch places and start all over again. I'll just knock myself back 2 years! I am such a hard worker and I hate to just give up but I need to get on with life here! I'm applying in a corporate office this week. If I get the position I'll triple what I'm make, get full benefits for the whole family, further education is completely paid for, and they tell you how much you will make for the next 6 years.
I wasn't current looking but when someone waves this in your face it hard to say no to the steady pay and benefit. I hate to give up hair though...
oh how my head spins with confusion!
I knew we needed a place to vent!
Many, many years ago I almost did the same thing you did. I had had it, and I said enough with this business, and knew I could make more money in the corporate world with set salary and benefits and I almost walked away and did it.
Now, I have been in this business 18 years, I did not leave, never knew I would end up being a single mom supporting a 7 year old with no support, being independently employed, happy, paying my own benefits and still making more money than I ever would in the corporate world. So hold on if you love doing hair - OK?? How's that for a series of unfortunate events? Our industry can be very good to us if we stick with us.
Did you mean in you statement your clients are leaving the salon? Why do you think that is? You said you got into this business too late? Do you mind telling me how old you are? I personally don't believe there is an age limit, clients grow with us, some of them prefer maturity. I agree it does take time to make money in this business. But if your books are building, you are on your way. The best advertisement is your clients. You have to cultivate your own clientele. Ask your clients for referrals. I have to run off to work now. However, don't go off and do something harsh yet........you had a bad day. Sounds like you have started something good. I'll check back in later and hopefully others will offer advice. Remember, if you quit now, and start another job, you will have to start all over rebuilding again if you re-enter.
CindyFarr Hester co-moderator
My clients are great, none of them are leaving the salon. Things are improving finacially very, VERY slowly! I've been doing this for 2 years now. And the way I look at is it going to be some time before I'm making a descent living. I'm 27, married and between the two of us we're just barley getting by. I'm just fed up. I used to have the comfy office job and have alot of days I regret leaving. I have a problem with my hip and although it doesn't give me too many problems now my doctor says it is going to catch up. Which is what he used to tell me anyway since I haven't been able to afford a doctor in the past few years.
Sorry it sounds like I'm whinning and thats not what I'm trying to do. Its kinda sick how this business sucks you in. With applying for this job in the back of my head this moring I went in today thinking; "I just don't want to be here"; then at the end of the day I had my bag on my shoulder ready to leave when someone asked me to give them a hand. I was happy to stay and jump into assistant mode and started thinking "Why would I ever want to leave"?...so confused...
It's kinda like..........torn b/w 2 lovers.........but it's your job. Your future. Going back to pitch in being part of the team shows your loyalty. And your team spirit. You are going to have to do some soul searching. Fast money does not usually come in this business. But it is a great sign you are building your books quickly. This means you do have talent and a good attitude. Great things come to those that wait. As for the benefits. Since you are married - can you husband carry you on his insurance plan? If not, have you looked into Blue Cross/Blue Sheild Private health insurance for your state? It may be more affordable for you. Please check into it, I believe you can apply online. Keep asking your clients for referrals. This is the way to keep building. Follow your heart and dreams.
Cindy Farr Hester co-moderator
G ~~~~~mc~~~~~
I googled "individual insurance" and other phrases (with my state) and came up with 4 companies that offer insurance to independent people. Check out what's available in your state, your city. If nothing else, you can get major medical for not much (for the big things that go wrong). You might just find something affordable...
Dear Char-
Sounds like you have a great attitude. I am sure you will build in no time. And you are young :) All you must do is stay positive. People gravitate towards a smiling helpful face. Spend your time while building doing killer consultations, and you will reap the rewards with referrals. Good luck to you.
Cindy Farr Hester moderator
I don't know what to do!
I love my job, I just graduated from my salon's training program and have been a stylist (cutter) for 4 months now. It has been going good and my business has been building slowly but surely.
On the otherhand, my boss feels that I am not doing well at all --and it has nothing to do w/ my technical ability. He feels that the reason why my business is building so slowly is that I don't promote myself enough when I'm not at work (I've gotten friends and some people I've met to come in, but not many because my prices at the salon are too expensive for them) and he feels that I have poor client interaction skills(I love people, I love getting to know people, I'm positive and friendly, but I'm not at the point where I can talk through the entire service, I still need to concentrate a little too). I love what I do and I have agreed w/ my boss to take somekind of class like improv or acting to help w/ client interaction skills and I have been passing out business cards but that still doesn't guarantee that these people will come in for a haircut. There is a coupon on our salon's website for me and that has drawn a lot of business for me, but he says I am relying on it too heavily.
If anyone has any ideas of how I can get more business I would greatly appreciate it. My boss has hinted that if I don't improve in the next 2 months I could lose my job. I am trying to stay positive, strong, and focused but it is hard, I am sooo depressed and I don't know what to do. I feel like my boss has already written me off. I am new to the industry as well, only being a stylist for 4 months. How long does it normally take to build a strong clientle?
Pleasehelp!
At 27 you still have time, to build a great career. I came into this in my late 30's. I'll be 40 next month:). I'm divorced with two children entering H.S. This is a tough business, but then again what business isn't. I worked about 15 years in corporate America, I loved the the steady pay. But, the constant down sizing that started in the 90's got to be too much.
I'm now 3 years in this career/business, At times (many many) I wish for that steady pay check. But this business is like Mcdonalds, we have to contantly advertise. They make millions and everyone knows their name, and still they advertise. Macy's every week advertising a sale, and still making millions
I am not comfortable appoaching people with my cards(That is a big minus against me). To help me build, I have hired a girl to distribute flyers for me. She will be handing out about 200 flyers per day twice a week, 400 flyers weekly. If does nothing for my business, I don't know what will.
Welcome to BTC!
Ok I feel ya! And I have been there! And I have been thru one of these programs and they are tracking your request %. And I know you feel all eyes are on you. All this education is a good thing though. And you have something wonderful going for you that came to easy that doesn't always for some.......you have great technical skills. So what I want you to do, is keep telling yourself this over and over again in your mind. Because this is what you are going to do to build your self esteem - OK?
One of the hardest things for us all to learn is consulting skills. And I am sure many will post to verify this. It can take YEARS, we work on it our career. So what I would like to suggest, is when you are not busy and not handing out cards, I want you to find someone you really, really admire in that salon - a cutter (someone booked) and ask him/her if they do not mind if you hang around when they are working (most will not) because you would like to learn from them because you admire their people skills and cutting skills. See what they are doing right. You will see it comes very easy to them, they are having fun, they are not trying too hard. They are making a connection with their clients and building trust. You are not going to build hanging in the break room with people waiting on the next walk-in.
Ok, now for you. Here is just a little pep talk and hopefully others will add more to this. When you get a new client. Make eye contact. Smile. Shake their hand. Introduce yourself. Walk them with you to your station. Consult with them. Make sure you know where you are going before you begin. If they say I just want you take off the split ends, don't just say ok - you can say, ok I can do that - but have you thought of just a few face framing layers. Nothing major. Just a little something. You have to build trust in a new client. Show them that you will do what they want and suggest a little "something" so when they leave there they look even better, and someone at work tomorrow says "oh did you get your haircut?" it looks good. This will make them want to come back to you.........Do you see where I am going with this??? You have the ability. You have the skills. They would not have walked in that salon if they were not looking for a hairdresser. Talk to them. Get to know them. When you are drying their hair, teach them about the product and teach them how to dry their hair. Make sure you give them cards and let them know you would like to do their hair again. They need to know this. And watch them start rebooking. When people start complementing them - they will hand those cards out. People want others to go to who they do. It's the ultimate compliment.
So Hang in there..........I have faith. This is only the beginning. BTW I have had bad reviews in beginning too. Get us posted :)
Cindy Farr Hester Moderator
Here's a story that will make the most patient stylist angry...
A woman won a raffle prize which I had donated to a local fund- raiser for Katrina releif. She came in last Saturday for her $50.00 service. The color she chose turned out to be too light for her so I offered to re-do it this Thursday for her. She called me 3 hours before the appointment time to tell me that she couldn't make it. Although I require 24 hours notice on cancellations, I was gracious and offered to do it this Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
Of course you know what happened...she didn't show up. I called her that evening after I had finished work and sure enough she answered the cell phone in her pocket. She began to babble about how her car had broken down and how her father had to come and...blah, blah...
I listened patiently and then asked her why she hadn't simply called me on her personal phone in her pocket. Again she began with excuses which I listened to and she kept saying she was sorry. I told her that I had accommodated her switch from the Thursday appointment with only 3 hours notice in order to help her, and that I had lost a valuable Saturday appointment because by not cancelling it, she hadn't allowed me to sell it to someone else. I told her that I would appreciate it if she would mail me a check for the appointment which I had been deprived of selling if she really was sorry, pointing out that saying sorry wasn't the same as showing it.
She then said, 'well my hair doesn't look the right color'...to which I replied, "well that's why we had the appointment that you didn't come for, it's hard for me to correct hair if the client doesn't show up"...so I'd appreciate the check anyways, I was here ready to make you happy, it was your absence that prevented it"
Then she said...'Well I had a gift certicifate didn't I'?
I replied "yes, but you used up that credit by not coming today, and in addition, for not cancelling you owe me for the lost appointment I would have sold to someone else...get it"?
She said 'well we both lost out'...and I replied,"No, only I lost out, you lost nothing but I lost my ability to sell that time slot to someone else...there was no cost to you, but there was to me"...
I explained that in the small town where I have my salon, which she recently moved to, it's very difficult to be a small business owner and that we will not survive if this type of behavior exists, we expect fair treatment from those who make appointments as do those who come to our businesses and that to be fair and make things square, she should compensate me for my lost time.
She said 'Well, I won't pay for something I didn't get', and I explained that I was asking her to compensate me for what I didn't get, the benefit of a courtesy cancellation...
Finally, seeing that I was getting nowhere and that I didn't want any further conversation, I said "If you don't understand and won't pay me for my time, please don't call me again"...
She turned very nasty and hissed..."I didn't intend to anyway"...
Of course I just hung up the phone without further comment.
Some days you can't win, I'm sure she'll be around town now badmouthing me. At least some Katrina victim got her moneyand some good came out of it?
wow how rude! I have found over the years that people are much more respectful of your time when they are paying for it to begin with. I have also never found that any of the gift certificates that I have donated to any organizations have given me a permanent client. they come to claim their service with me and usually do not return. They also seem to be more difficult when they are in my chair. Just my observation!
i agree!
although they have "paid/donated" towards "winning" the gift certificate it's like you're still 'free' to them. "free" doesn't mean much anymore to people.
Well I came very close to getting that corporate job but they couldn't hire me because my mom works for the same company... Maybe its a sign...
I still would like to do hair. And not untill I talked to my family about leaving this profession did I really get their opinnions about what I do... I guess everyone (4 parents 4 inlaws) think hair is a joke. That I was immature for chosing this career path. I was applying for that corporate job on a whim and I didn't get it, but now my family is actully job searching for me! Its driving me a bit mad, but also driving me to do better and prove them wrong!
I would still like a job that offers benifits, vacation, sick days... that kinda stuff. But there are only two big salons in my area that offer that and I know thoughs places are not for me. I preferr to work in a smaller, friendlier enviroment. I know that the chain salons in my area do have good benifits but would that be heading to far in the other direction? What could I expect from working for a chain? Good and Bad? Anyone?
One of the best things about this industry is the creativity and the freedom of expression. I have found bigger salons or "chains" can hinder this yes benefits are nice and all the rest of it and I have been in that situation, however I like smaller salons better and I have found it easier to keep clients in smaller environments (provided there is a need) the bigger ones can sometimes juggle clients so that they are used to seeing anyone (no knock to anyone that is successful in a chain, this is just my experience) I worked out my bills for teeth, prescriptions and sick days and then doubled it, and then made a goal to have that amount of money per year in the bank(you'd be surprised at how little we actually need), but then again it depends were you live, I am in Canada and we have OHIP coverage that we pay through a certain amount of taxes per year. But see about private insurance or maybe a small salon would do group benefits look at all the options. Then decide. And as far as your family goes remind them of their comments and feeling towards your choice when they want their hair done. No one has the right to make you feel inadequate for pursuing your dreams, some people change their profession 5 times in their life and how many people have you met that 20 years later are sad and wished that they did what they wanted to do in the first place only to realize that the can't take a pay cut to do what they want because of family and responsibility. I don't know, I am not so sure that job security exists any more. Good luck!
patience in one minute of anger can prevent one hundred days of sorrow!
Dear runwithscissors-
OK- now for the pep talk. You have a conscience. Which I hope we all do. And that is a good thing. We have all gone somewhere where we wish we have not. You had a plan you thought it out. You had good intentions. Now.....you are going to have to stop beating yourself up. Think of how many years you have been in this business and how many happy customers you have had. Think of how many people call in the salon and ask for you by name and just breathe in and breate out. We have all make a bad judgement call from time to time throught our entire career. Now what I want you to do is to learn from this one. What could you have done different to keep this from happening? This is how you are going to heal. This experience is going to make you better. Be thankful that he was not a jerk. If you would like, we could talk about the experience, and your application and how you did it and offer suggestions on how it could of been done different after you explain it better and you break it down a different way so we could all learn together. You just learned what not to do today.........so you will grow. Chin up..move forward :)
Cindy Farr Hester Asst Moderator
That is one thing that you will remember and never do again. We often pay much more attention to the one that we were not happy with instead of the hundreds that turned out amazing. Your sleeplessness will pass I have in the past realized right in the middle of applying a color that it was not the best choice at that point what do you do. Let it process as you pray to the color gods and see if it works. Figure out were you went wrong and understand why this will make you feel better.
Hi Everyone! I wanted to let you know the guy who's hair I fried called on Saturday. He said his hair didn't break and he likes his color. He loves the products I gave him and I think he'll even be back to the shop. I can't believe I lost so much sleep and not to mention sanity over this!
Now I have a question, suppose his hair totally broke off and he was completely unhappy. Could he sue me? How can I legally protect myself in these cases? I know how important a strand test is and also I need to tell some people "no its just not going to work". But mistakes happen. What happens to a stylist who's client is interested in taking legal action??
this is for runswithscissors, I don't get it, how are your clients legally the salons clients? I don't get it, they are your clients and if you ever left that salon you should tell your clients where you are going, because I'm sure you'd have clients who wouldn't want to give you up. I'm sorry, clients belong to whomever they want to belong and about 98 percent or more would say they belong to the stylist not the salon.
As for the can a client sue you? oh sure they can. I have read many stories about people in the US and Canada who are suing their TR technicians because their hair broke off and because their lack of knowledge or proper testing resulted in hair loss. Here's the thing, if you did not perform a strand test it can possibly be thought of as negligence, you neglected to do something you were supposed to do and because you did not do that x happened. The TR examples are great to explain this, many newbie tech's don't test the hair at all, just look and say "yup it's do-able" and many have not asked the client about chemical services in the past. Improper strand test and none at all can totally cause breakage to the hair, again tech's fault for not doing it though supposed to, same with not asking about previous services, some relaxers and Tr formula's don't mix and cause the hair to break, don't ask the client again tech's fault. It's kinda like a doctor, you the stylist/tech are supposed to be the expert and has the upper hand and knowledge. THe hard part can sometimes be telling a client something won't work, especially if their hair fails the test, sometimes clients don't get it that it can't be done because of the likelyhood of the hair breaking due to it being extremely weak for example. You have to stick to your guns and tell them no...if they go elsewhere and someone messes it up and does the service after you said no, then trust me they will kick themselves for not listening to you.....
On the topic of stylists and what clients look for check out this site.....you will have to scroll to the bottom to read some of the great articles, the "what clients look for in a stylist" is awesome but wayyyyyy at the bottom, but worth the read.
www.tigigirl.blogspot.com
I'm a fan of the site!
I am just going to throw my 2 cents in here in regards to putting chems on damaged hair for whatever it is worth. And this is only my opinion. But I do feel very strongly about this. If I have a client that requests a chemical service that is new to me, because none of my existing clientele would have hair in this shape (remember I have been doing this a long time) and their hair is questionable - and I felt their hair could not handle a chem, and their was any risk of further damage, I would refuse the service. Period. If there was any chance of a chemical service doing breakage to a clients hair, I would during the consultation simply explain this too them, and tell them I am sorry I am not willing to cause any further damage to your hair. I am in the business of doing healthy haircolor and no further chemical services can be done to your hair at this point and explain what can be done at this point......cuts, maybe conditioner, demi toner, at home maintenance at let them choose if I am for them. If I am not the professional for them, they are free to leave and seek someone else. I have no problem with this. You can and probably will be sued. It is not like the days of the past. It is sad, but we live in a sue happy society. You are a professional, and clients are coming to you hoping for the best - expecting the best case scenario even if you lay out the worst. Even in corrective situations. Even a release form does not help you. In their mind, they still expect the best. I don't care how many times you verbally go over it with them. I am more of a colorist so I speak in color terms here so you can roll it over to any chem service that might cause more damage - but when speak of breakage I say NO WAY touch the hair! It is more than that - it is your reputation. I realized a long time ago, being good at what you do is not being able to produce what they wanted no matter what, it is being able to know you limits of your products. Think about that one. Again this is only advice. You can be sued.........and this business is about ethics and laying our head down on our pillow at night and feeling good about our days work. Much success to everyone.
Dear pepgirl-
Welcome to the BTC Talk Back Boards! Please take a few moments to read over the board rules in the green box above. Listen, we all have these days. You are correct there are always people we get a bad feeling about, and sometimes you just have to draw the line. Everything happens for a reason. It is a learning experience to make you grow stronger. If you ever feel uncomfortable during a consultation and you do not feel as if you are on the same page as you customer - try asking this question: what do you think I could do that you other colorist have not been able to do to make you happy? Put the ball in their court. When they have listed a list of some of the best colorist it is usually a sign that it is internal. It is completely acceptable to tell the client I think you color is beautiful I would not change a thing. Do not feel pressured. Please do not beat yourself up over this. Lay your head down in peace.........knowing that you have learned something so great and the next time you will approach the situation differently. It is ok sometimes to say I do not think we are a great match. And don't you worry, we will all have days like this throughout our career. Don't you give up. Chin up :)
schwartzkopf color ? have you used it
I agree, what exactly does that mean?
I would try to sell before I liquidate. After all is said, YOU bought it and thought it would work. What about the other two, were they even offered to buy the business before you? Is the 53 year old retiring because she's made enough money, or is she just tired of doing hair? Is it making any money now? Is there a good environment outside your shop, locally?
If you look at this with fresh thoughts you may find out the real problem that is causing your despair!
Dear lennychka -
Welcome to the BTC Talk Back Boards! Please take a few moments to read over the board rules in the green box above. We look forward to your continued support.
When I said bad lease I meant it's up in 2008, costing 1/4 of what i bring in a month gross, with 2 sinks not being able to be used at the same time, no updating on plumbing or alike in 20 years. The other two girls (the 53) year old doesn't want to own she likes to work 3 days a week and take what she can, the other is a single mom with NO $ or respect for herself or others or her image or reputation. The business is worth what i payed but has not done wellin the last year due to adopting a 5 year old child and getting married. It boils down to if i don't put in 55 hours behind the chair and 20 at the desk the business doesn't make enough to pay the bills. As far as new Employess I can't get a school to let me in the door to do a class or anything to meet budding stylists. And like i said the newspaper and other adds at the beauty supply and school get me people with drug problems. I just can't find anyone who want's to work ina small soalon. I really am a great boss- Education you got it- Time off if you need it, A ride to work, sure, want me to grab lunch ok.... What can i do to intise stylists where are they???
As far as a dream Salon, I just wanted to survive above average and give women a good place to work and raise a family, and my clients a fun place to get their hair done with some one they would want to hang out with while also looking and feeling their best. I have my dream I just need two more girls so it pays the bills the clients are there i just need the stylists, and the area is changing, it is going mostly to the mexican imigrants slowly but it is still on the way. We have a lot of great mom's, teachers, women in the work place and all of that even a few dads we are located near a local and very large hospital and we are convient and affordable. I am 5 min from home, I kind of pick my own hours. I guess what i need to know is if i can cut my over head- by getting a smaller and better place only 2 miles away do you think I would have a better chance of attracting new stylist and clients, What do stylist want in a salon? What other advice do you have?
When she shows up with improper attire, send her home to change immediately. Tell her clients she will be back soon, she is running late. Let her mistakes reflect on her , not the salon. if she yells at you, she is fired.
I agree about fully stocked color. product lines can be few but complete. There should be staff meetings to boost morale and coach about duties and behavior. Education is important. Even if you can only afford a video and work together on manniquins at the meetings. stay excited about hair and beauty.
Take your place as manager. don't try to be friends. Praise good work publicly, and discuss problems in private in a timely manner.
We all are lucky to be part of this exciting field. Sometimes stylists forget that. A suggestion box is good to let them share their ideas about improving the salon.
Good luck. You can do it.
I agree, take your position back and let her know you've seen enough, heard enough and this is the final straw, do it right; or break it and LEAVE!
Her clients, and others too, probably feel the tension there between you two. It's not worth having someone wreck your career for her pleasure! This is your living too!!! I agree with doinghairagain...Be a manager to her, not a friend.
She will not like it at first but you have to lay down the rules and enforce them, for the sake of your other staff too.
Maybe then you can have some peace in your head/heart/life too!
Being as young as you are in a salon of older women is certainly a challange. You might ask the owner if you could give away some services just to get your work out there. Hand out cards at a local shopping center with a free service offered. I know of a young lady that did this for one week and had 90% of the people return. If you want to do chemical services offer to pay for the product. The more people you can do the more your work will be seen and then the cliental grows.
As far as the vocatioal school vs beauty school is concerned I believe you have recieved a better complete education than most beauty school grads. At least for the programs I know about around here the vocational training is superior.
Keep pushing and you will suceed
Dear TracyG
Welcome to the BTC Talk Back Boards! Please take a few moments to read over the board rules in the green box above. Nice to have you with us. Where are you from?
TracyG ...Good answer ... I hadn't thought of that as a reason, since, in my opinion, salons that do only booth renting, are poor places to assist. Ideally, you should "put you time" into a salon where the exposure can help yo ustart your clientelle. I think every salon owner, should have the option of commission, so a young stylist can get going.
Right on, russnyc!Life is TOO SHORT to fight this type battle. Plenty of good clients out there!
Dear valley31
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Before you leave this business completely, have you considered just changing salons. Why don't you discuss your issues a little more and we will try and give you some advice. I am sorry you are having trouble.
Today was just an awful day for me. It all started out with this guy who told me he wanted a bald fade but actually meant a high & tight. He went to another shop to get it fixed and the manager of that shop who is a complete jerk called to say I did very bad hair. Because of my lack of experience, I tend to think that a bald fade and a high & tight are 2 different haircuts. Please correct me if i'm wrong. What made the whole situation bad was that 2 of the ladies I work with said I should have asked them if I needed their help. I know I haven't been out of beauty school for long but really, how hard is it to do a bald fade when that's what they ask for?
There is a big difference between a bald fade and a high and tight. The problem I find is that it seems to depend if they go to a barber or a hairdresser. They were started by military, so by military standards and barberstylists, a bald fade is a zero blade on the bottom and sides that slowly works up. A high and tight is a zero - 1 blade straight up the sides to the temple.
It seems alot of hairdressers are using a #3 up the sides and calling this a fade. IT IS NOT! If you are unsure of any cut, you should always ask the client to explain in detail what he wants.
It's a lesson learned. Don't sweat it.
Hello barbergirl!
Great explaination of the differences between cuts on guys - SO tough to learn - when a millimeter makes a huge mistake if in the wrong place, or looks unfinished! Most military men will tell you exactly WHAT THEY NEED, if they are getting a haircut for a reason - I might add that this is the same with all types of hair: straight/overcurly/asian. Ask them what they want and repeat it back to them, and then cut...you only get one chance, as you've learned -
da_luckiest_one, I feel your pain!
We have all had bad experiences, move on and learn from it, and ignore the phone call, a real professional helps you, not slams you!
Thanks for responding. I guess it is the economy. We are one of the busiest salons in town and this whole quarter cannot compare to last year. Hopefully 2008 will be better. All we can do is hang in there and keep doing our best! Good Luck to all!
Dear salowner
This is just my way of trying to get over my anxiety attack. I know everyone has bad days... have had them myself, but what about one that lasts for a couple weeks. I am the owner of a newer salon, I work hard and have been doing hair for 23 years. All of a sudden everything I do is wrong ! the straw that broke the back..... a color, nothing like she wanted, I was totally lost. Yes alot going on but no excuse, I can't seem to shake this one . The feeling of dreed, knowing someone is out there probly getting it fixed ( since there was no call yet). I am mortified and even took the night off. I just feel so stressed, if it's not hard enough making it in this economy this is all I need. How do you out there that own salons and work 50 - 60 hrs. week do it. I don't have the money yet to pay for a manager so I do all of it and am having a hard time switching hats around. I don't know some days I feel like I'm going to beak.
Well Thanks for listening BTC I'll stop boering everyone and continue my panic attack.
Guys, I know this is the place to come and let your hair down and rant about all the bad things that happen in our career, but I wanted to offer some hope. Maybe a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Lord knows I have had my ups and downs over the past 15 years behind the chair of the salon, but for every obstacle there has always been a rainbow. (Geez I sound like Pollyanna) But hang in there and all your dreams will come true. I began in beauty school with nothing in my imagination but finished with the world in my sights. I remember hitching a ride to beauty school each day for a year with this woman that I did not even much like to be with. She drove an ugly old out-of-date car, had a loud screeching voice and looked like a drag queen (a really ugly one cause I know some pretty ones)
I made it through and over a dozen or so years later I have owned two successful salons, written editorial columns in magazines, newspapers, hosted my own live radio show, taught a lecture series at a nearby college and most recently launched a FABULOUS FASHION MAGAZINE.
www.beautifulmagazine.org for details.
So, vent if it helps!!! Then, get back on the horse. I am no different than any of you. Like Tim Gunn on Project Runway says all the time..."Just Make It Work!!!"
Best of luck to you all!!!!
@Elumin
I feel your pain. I hate customers like that and its hard to maintain your patience with people like her that are indecisive. I have a customer like her and I've been doing her hair for over 10 years now and every experience is the same over and over again. She sees a style in a magazine likes and wants it, but doesn't want her hair cut. Well then that means you don't want that style. Our consultations always last at least an hour or better. I always tell her to buy the products that I prescribe for her, she doesn't do it. I tell her how to take care of her hair at home and to wrap her hair up at night, she don't do it. ONe time I got so fed up with her I tactfully inclined her to see another stylist, but she didn't do it. She tells me all the time how she trusts me and I'm the only stylist that keeps her hair growing, but she drives me crazy!!!!!
It never fails. I dread whenever she calls. She pays well and tips beautifully, but damn it if she doesn't pull me through the fire each and every time.
...and we all appreciate that YOU keep her as a client and we don't have her walk through OUR door...THANKS!
Am I right readers?...
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