A Lifetime of Every 4 Weeks

We are so lucky to work at the salon and be part of the beauty industry. It is a career that is rewarding on a daily basis. The areas of the salon that 'hustle and bustle' create a lot of high energy that is exciting and contagious, and the more serene areas are calming and relaxing. There is an area to fit every mood.

As a salon professional, there is never a dull moment. Everyday is a new day where we get to meet with clients we haven't seen for a month. Giving them new colour, a new cut, or the latest trend of gel laquers. Catching up on the important events of the last 4 weeks and getting them ready to take on the next 4 weeks.

It is a unique profession. It is a profession where we commit to making clients look and feel beautiful at all times thru major (and not so major) times in their lives. We get to experience all the high points like their 1st haircut, 1st day of school, prom, graduation, weddings-the list goes on. We keep them looking great thru these times.

But we also experience the low points, too. Like getting braces, the break-up, job loss, cancer, even death. We try to keep them feeling great thru these times.

Two long-time clients come to mind...

The first to be celebrated, a young woman, comes to the salon every 4 weeks with her sister for pedicures. Not so long ago she came in, but didn't receive any services because she was undergoing treatment for cancer. She wore a bandanna. She had lost all her hair. She always seemed determined that she would win her battle. And she did win. I even saw her run a women's 5k race for cancer. Now when I see her in the salon with her daughter, I always feel joy for her and her family. The feeling of euphoria they must have to be able to keep her on this earth with them. What a blessing! Something to be celebrated! Definately a high point in our salon world.

Next, there is the long-time client that frequents the salon more often than every 4 weeks. About two months ago her designer gave her a trendy new cut. I saw her shortly after and commented on how cute and sassy she looked with her new short asymetrical look. Her best yet, I thought.

She called me the next week to let me know she had found out she had cancer for the second time. I felt so bad for her. The tone of her voice was so disheartening. No one should get it once, let alone twice. I helped her make arrangements for her designer to assist with her wig and to cut her hair off privately. I let her know if there was anything she needed, we were there for her.
I just saw her in last week in with her daughter. Her daughter was getting her hair done. The mom sat near her. She was wearing her new wig, sitting quietly, engaged in her magazine. Knowing that her petite little body was at that moment fighting the ugly monster of cancer. That is definately a low point in our salon world. I pray for her, her family, and her recovery everyday. She won this battle once; I know she'll do it again. She is strong.

Everyday in the salon and in life there are high points and low points.

We just need to remember to embrace the highs and conquer the lows.

In loving memory of my 4 weekers,

Sharon
Mary Jane
Janet
Diana

Make it a Great Day!

Cathy