David Archuleta at Hill Auditorium

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the David Archuleta performing along with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra concert. Archuleta was amazingly charismatic and charming! His rendition of Ave Marie brought the house to a standing ovation.

We sat in the first row of the Mezzanine, which I am convinced are the best seats in the house. The acoustics and the view, along with the spirit of Christmas, were outstanding.

I couldn't help but notice a little girl in the front row. She was about 13 years old, and she was obviously extremely sick. She wore a facemask and rubber gloves the entire night. She also looked very weak. It looked to me like it could have been a "Make A Wish" evening. She was really excited to be there right in the front row.

It was a giant reminder as I looked down the row of my best girls and my stepdad, all healthy and happy to be there, how fortunate we are. And it reminded me to live each day to its fullest. Because you just never know what the future holds.

Make it a great day!

Support Local Business!

I have had the pleasure of doing business with Desiree Watson, creator and manufacturer of Bella Des Natural Beauty products for the last year. She is a dynamic, intelligent, caring woman. As a former Pfizer employee, she has certainly made lemonade from lemons!

Her product line is made right her in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We support this local business by selling Bella Des products at Brown and DeLine. Visit Desiree's website to learn more about her fabulous line of products.

When you are out there shopping for that perfect holiday gift, keep your local retailers in mind.

Remember that buying local supports your commnity!

For more information on the positive impact we have with shopping local, visit the350project.net .

Be a Coach/Mentor!

Being a salon owner for the last fifteen years has been rewarding. I provide and teach an apprenticeship program that has given almost 50 people a career at no expense to them. When you obtain a job at Brown @ Deline salon, you have just won the lottery! Our new talent receives the best training, the best systems, and is surrounded by the most seasoned professionals.

I think working at Brown@Deline compares to going to empowerment school. Most people who start with me usually come straight from school, and this is their first job. Or their only experience is an entry level position at a K-mart where they have no skills or sense of professionalism. But with my "anything is possible" attitude, we have grown many, many successful people.

We have recently incorporated a coaching/mentoring program. This program has created immediate positive results. I have teamed new stylists with senior stylists. Together they set goals, strategize, monitor sales, and simply become their role model. New talent is accountable to their coach who is accountable to me.

The program has inspired friendship, happiness, caring, team success, laughter, connection, a sense of belonging, commitment, loyalty, and more. My amazing team has stepped up to the plate and slammed this out of the ballpark! Like they always do!

So, be a coach to someone. It makes you better at what you do. And it helps someone who needs it. After all, couldn't we all use a little help every now and then?

Make it a great day!

Cultivate Big Picture Thinking!

I was recently inspired by John C Maxwell's book "How Successful People Think". I am a huge advocate of filling your brain with positive thoughts and words. This helps you rise above the daily crap that tries to drag you down.

Big Picture Thinking--
-- allows you to lead.
-- keeps you on target.
-- allows you to see what others see.
-- promotes teamwork.
-- keeps you from being mundane.
-- helps you chart uncharted territory.

Who inspires your Big Picture Thinking?
What does your Big Picture look like?

Go Sarah Palin!

I get so sick of listening to people shred Sarah Palin. Observing from a non-partisan angle, I think she is an extraordinary woman, to say the least! Do I think she'll make a great president? Who knows. Is Obama? Everyone has an opinion.

But as a fellow American woman, her integrity, commitment to serve, and her thick skin is admirable. I am a huge advocate of no complaining. If you see a problem, find a solution! And she has certainly stood up for the challenge.

So for all you out there, looking down your noses in judgement of Sarah Palin, take a look in your mirror and ask yourself what are you doing to make the U.S. a better place? Or even your township?

And finally, above all else, I commend her for balancing a family and work, being fit, and always having terrific hair! A perfect example of having it all!

Reflections of 2009

What a year!

First and foremost-Thank You-to all of our loyal clients and employees! You have stuck with us through peaks and valleys. Thank you.

At the close of another year, I sit back and reflect on the successes of my business.

In 2009--
--we successfully merged our 2 locations without a single person losing their job.
--we are surviving the most painful ecomony I have seen.
--we have gone 'green'.
--one of our Senior Stylists won 2nd place Avante Guard at the Michigan Hairdresser of the year awards.

I am looking forward to 2010.

I love New Year's Eve and the fresh outlook the New Year brings.

I am eternally optimistic that we will make great things happen again in the new year.

-Cathy