Create space for communication.

In my early days as a new Hairstylist, I was a people pleaser. I did whatever clients asked me to do, even at the cost of trying to meet unrealistic expectations. I wanted my clients to love their hair and to make them happy. When they weren’t, I took it personally and judged myself and my ability to do my job. I realized if this pattern continued my days behind the chair would be numbered.  

It wasn’t until I took a break from the industry to welcome my first son into the world that I slowed down, got still and started to ask myself some new questions.

I left the fast-paced salon environment to become a mom; three years later, I was ready to return. This time I chose to create the space my way. I set up a home studio in one of our spare bedrooms.

With time on my side and fewer distractions, I could spend more one-on-one time with my clients. I started to listen more deeply to the people in my chair. I asked more questions when I sensed there was something more behind their requests for big changes with their hair. More times than not, they didn’t truly want the bangs they were asking for. The truth had space to emerge.

These deeper conversations gave me the confidence to be more able to serve them through honesty and openness. I told them the truth when I didn’t think they would get the results they were looking for, and together we came up with an alternative option. The results were  always better.

The space I created allowed for patience and honesty and built new levels of trust. It created connections and better relationships. I learned to be brave and kind over needing to please. My clients were happy, and so was I. Nineteen years behind the chair, these are lessons I cherish and credit to my ability to be a strong coach. 

I learned that clear communication requires the space to ask more questions and listen to understand what the other person is saying. It frees us from making assumptions and alleviates the potential for misunderstanding. It takes courage to slow down and be honest, especially with ourselves. And in the end, the world is a better place for it.