Beauty, Business, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, writing

A brand new key

January 26, 2015 That Girl in the Red Coat 3 Comments

For those of you familiar with my Salon Tales, you know that yours truly has fine hair. Lots of it, but fine. I am also bottle blonde who adores her flat iron, so my tresses are delicate and need tender loving care. For those of you with hair like mine, I feel your pain. You find a volumizing shampoo that gives you body and lift, but it leaves your hair looking and feeling like straw. You find a conditioning treatment to restore the life and softness to your tired tresses only to be left with lifeless and greasy strands. Well beauties, are you in for a treat! Let me introduce you to a hair care line that offers volume and repairs damaged hair and helps to prevent further damage. The following products have been tried and tested by yours truly over the past weeks. Meet sarynaKEY.

The main ingredient that sets sarynaKEY apart from the rest is Pure African Shea Butter. It is naturally made up of 70% natural keratin and 30% amino acid – so it replenishes the hair with the protein it is made of. The sarynaKEY line offers 8 different product lines for all hair types and hair and scalp conditions. Today’s tale is focusing on their volumizing line – Volume Lift. The Volume Lift line contains a protein found in wheat which builds upon fine and fragile hair. Unlike other volumizing products, sarynaKEY Volume Lift offers a low PH factor that in turn seals the hair cuticle and helps to repair the fragile strands. It offers volume and it repairs your hair. …and no, you aren’t dreaming…it really does. It is also color safe. I have a swoop of blue through my hair and the color did not fade and my blonde did not get brassy.

Volume Lift Shampoo and Conditioner

– the shampoo lathers well, leaves the hair feeling clean without any feeling of product build up and less tangles than with other volumizing shampoo’s I have used in the past.

– the conditioner is a daily conditioner that is thick and creamy yet not heavy. It works through the hair with ease, without a greasy residue feeling afterward. It left my hair soft and tangle free. It contains vitamin E and UV filters to protect and nourish the hair. *the amino acids activate an internal repair process at the root and the low PH ensures the hair shaft stays sealed = prevents the loss of the active ingredients from the shampoo.

Pure African Shea Butter Treatment

– a conditioning treatment that strengthens, nourishes and give the hair a thicker look and feel. It contains a combo of shea butter, wheat protein, natural keratins and vitamins that add an external layer of protection while softening the hair. This treatment is meant to be used once a week, focusing on the ends of the hair. Leave in for 2 -5 minutes then rinse with cool water. I used this treatment twice in one week just to see if it would weigh down my hair. It did not. It left my hair soft and full – not weighed down or lifeless.

Pure African Shea Oil – Volume Lift

– a lightweight oil that offers shine without making the hair look or feel greasy, all the while adding volume and giving your hair a thicker look and feel. Apply to damp hair before blow drying, or can be applied to dry hair after thermal styling is completed – to eliminate frizz or flyaways. * a little styling tip – I use this oil and cocktail it with my pomade for extra shine and pliability to my pomade.

Pure African Shea Gloss – Volume Lift

– a weightless shine spray. Adds brilliant shine without looking greasy and does not weigh down your achieved style or texture. It is color safe and color safe for blondes = no brassy tone or residue. * this shine gloss can also be used in a product cocktail with other products such as pastes and clay to make them more pliable and user friendly.

For all the fine hair, fine/damaged hair Beauties out there looking for an answer to their hair woes, look no further than the Volume Lift line from sarynaKEY.

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women

The Color Therapist is in

January 20, 2015 That Girl in the Red Coat 1 Comment

We’ve all been there. We have all been standing in our bathroom, looking in the mirror, brush in hand or caught in hair thinking “What happened to my hair?”. In the age of color, chemical straightening and flat irons, our poor tresses are over worked, stressed and damaged. Before you make a call to the nearest Salon and ask if they offer a bereavement rate for the loss of your beloved locks, take a breath. Another. The Color Therapist is in and it’s name is Joico Kpak Color Therapy.

Many people are familiar with Joico Kpak – a FAB! product in it’s own right. Let me introduce you to Joico Kpak Color Therapy. The magic behind Kpak Color Therapy is the Quadrabond Peptide Complex. This complex acts as a multi-tasker – attaches to damaged strands, repelling external moisture that robs the hair of color all the while rebuilding the hair from the inside out. The line is formulated for all hair types – from fine to coarse, straight to curly. The line consists of four products – shampoo, conditioner, oil and the newest addition, dry oil spray.

Kpak Color Therapy Shampoo – a gentle, lightweight formula that doubles the life of hair color vibrancy and longevity. It preserves and protects your hair from further damage. * GREAT for stressed hair -double processed or lifted more than 2 levels.

Kpak Color Therapy Conditioner – a lightweight conditioner that really packs a punch. It hydrates and repairs. Keratin and silicone lock in moisture and balance the moisture level while sealing the hair’s cuticle and adds shine.

Kpak Color Therapy Restorative Oil – I have to admit, one of my favorites. A lightweight oil that heals damaged strands while adding moisture, strength, shine and softness. It can be applied to damp or dry hair. *No brassy effect – perfect for blondes

Kpak Color Therapy Dry Oil Spray – the newest addition to the Kpak Color Therapy family. This gem seals the hair’s outer layer to create a protective shield against color fade and moisture loss and can tame flyaways. Formulated for all hair types, color safe, color safe for blondes *no brassy residue. To be used on dry hair once your style is achieved.

Kpak Revitaluxe – although this product is not part of the Kpak Color Therapy family – it is a welcome addition. This conditioning treatment instantly repairs years of damage, doubles resistance to future breakage and protects against color fade by 94%! It is formulated for all hair types and should be applied to freshly washed hair and left on for a full 5 minutes for best results.

Yes, Ladies and Gents, the Color Therapist is in.

Beauty, Business, communication, Hair Care, health and wellness, parenting, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women, writing

Year End Review

December 30, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat 2 Comments

As the end of 2014 creeps forward and the glimpse of 2015 is on the horizon, my Facebook news feed is flooded with everyone’s “year review” and my Twitter feed is flooded with everyone’s “New Years Resolutweet” …(my word…I like it.). I have women coming in the shop proclaiming their resolution to be a better friend, to be a better parent, to be a better wife, to make more time for others. I have yet to hear anyone tell me what they are going to do for themselves. Yeah, I said it, for themselves. It may seem like the above resolutions are for ourselves, depending on the intention, most of the time, they are not. Becoming a better friend for your friend’s sake, becoming a better parent like Susie’s mom or becoming a better wife – a wife you think your spouse wants is not making a resolution for yourself. Ladies and Gents, if you do not make yourself priority #1, no matter what you may resolve to do in 2015 and the years there after, it will never seem like enough, you will always feel like you came up short. For those of you familiar with my Salon Tales, you know I know of what I speak. I was that woman. The woman who put everyone and everything ahead of herself. The woman who made everyone’s problems and woes her own – be it her husband’s issues with his boss to her child’s issues with the mean girls, if a problem arose, yours truly would swoop in, take it on and fix it…and I was empty and exhausted.

Now, I am not an expert by any means. I am not a prophet nor the guru on the mount. I am a woman who has struggled with self image and self esteem. I have been a woman who tried to live up to the Norman Rockwell images only to end up feeling like I had more in common with Norman Bates. I have been the woman who truly believed Martha Stewart, that if I had the right flatware that all would be right in the world. I was the woman who bought every exercise VHS tape and DVD proclaiming “I will be one of their success stories!” only to be sitting in front of the TV screen, winded and giving the chipper barbie instructor the finger. A few years ago, after getting the stupid cut out (hysterectomy) and removing my head from my ass, I realized that resolutions are stupid and instead of making a resolution, I would make a change.

Making a change can be scary, down right terrifying actually. I remember one early morning, my hubby and girl were still asleep. I was sipping my morning coffee and thinking of the petty remarks about my weight loss, like “Oh…trying to become a cougar?”, my blog “what a cute hobby for you” and my professional achievements “she’s just the manager” when I came across this quote “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It is lethal”. – Paulo Coelho. I realized that all the changes I had made for myself – be it my weight loss, chasing my dream of blogging and consulting and taking pride in my position at the shop were the right changes to make. I realized that I was receiving more positive feed back and support than negative. I was surrounded by those who wanted to see me thrive and I them. I realized that those who made me feel selfish for making myself a priority were upset because they were no longer my first priority.

A little proof that making yourself a priority is worth it…since making myself a priority I have been featured on http://www.salonmagazine.ca – my most viewed article to date

http://www.salonmagazine.ca/en/news/1282-3-salon-fails-sales-rep-sees-don-t-tell-you-about.html

and have been fortunate enough to be featured in their magazine

I have been featured in Piidea’s September/October buyers guide

I was invited to the Contessa’s once again by the Beauties at Piidea

My pictures have been featured on Joico’s Instagram feed

…not to mention some pretty FAB! connections and followers on Twitter – check it out @grlintheredcoat

Now, before you think that there is no way you can make yourself a priority and be a good mother, wife, friend, employee – take your pick…give your head a shake. It is possible. If you want it all RIGHT NOW! – give your head another shake. It’s going to take some time. The events mentioned above took over 2 years. Be patient. Make a plan and stick to it. Let your loved ones know, keep them in the loop – not doing so is mean and unthoughtful – plain and simple. Think about it – how can they support you if they do not know what they are supporting? Remember that others are trying to make themselves a priority too and, it is not all about you. Just because you didn’t get a text back 2 seconds after you sent it doesn’t mean you are unloved. Having dinner plans cancelled or altered doesn’t mean you are getting the brush off – sometimes life really does get in the way.

Be kind. Be thoughtful. Take a minute for yourself. Make a change.

Beauty, Business, communication, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women, writing

Tales of Truth – The Christmas Edition – Part 2

December 12, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat 2 Comments

So it has been exactly 10 days since my last installment of my Tales of Truth – the Christmas edition. With all the goings on in the shop over the past 10 days, I haven’t decided if Jolly ‘ol St. Nick has me on the nice list or the naughty list.

– We have Christmas displays throughout the shop. Some are mini evergreens, some are boxes wrapped in shiny paper and some are snowmen. A woman came into the shop and exclaimed “I LOVE YOUR SNOWMAN!”. I thanked her for the compliment. “Sell him to me! How much is he? Is he for sale?”. I explained that “he” was part of our Christmas decor and was not for sale. “…but I collect snowmen. I need him!”. Again, I apologized that he was not for sale and asked her what else I could help her with. We found her shampoo and hairspray. As she was leaving, she took one the candies I keep at the front desk for our customers, scowled at me and said “I can’t believe you won’t sell me your snowman!”. …then stood there and pouted, for over 2 minutes….even after I came from behind the counter to help another customer.

– We sell the Wet Brush at our shop. It is an awesome brush for anyone dealing with tangles, no ripping at the hair, no more dialing 911 with one hand as your other hand is stuck in your hair along with your brush, no more children running away from you screaming as they see you coming at them, brush in hand. I had a woman ask me why it was called the Wet Brush. I explained to her that is meant to be used in wet hair to help get through tough tangles. She asked if it can be used on dry hair, and I told her yes – it gets out tangles on dry hair too. “So why is it called the WET Brush? Not the WET/DRY brush?”. …I told her the company’s website was on the packaging if she wanted to ask them.

– On more than one occasion I have been asked the following questions;

“What’s the difference between a 1″ curling iron and a 1 1/4″ curling iron?”

“Can I use nail polish on my toe nails?”

“What’s the difference between medium hold hairspray and firm hold hairspray?”

“Can my husband use my gel even if it isn’t from a men’s line?”

“Can anyone use the hand lotion tester?”

– a woman came in the shop looking for wax for hair removal. I led her over to our selection and asked if she used hard wax (no strips) or cream wax (strips). She told me she used the strips, so I showed her our selection of cream waxes. As I was explaining the differences between each one, she asked me which ones won’t burn her skin. I told her none of them should burn her skin. If her skin is being burned, she has her wax pot temperature too high. “I was wondering why it was burning my lips” she said. I let her know that when she waxes her upper lip she should keep the wax away from her lips, to which she told me “those aren’t the lips I am talking about.”, just as her husband approached us. Seems she has taught her husband to wax her unmentionables and tends to burn her “down there”. ….I need a raise.

Beauty, Business, communication, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women

Mint flavoured shoes

November 4, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

At our shop, we retail over 25 professional hair care lines, so it is no surprise to me when I have a client or customer tell me they have never heard of the particular product I am telling them about. What does surprise me is when I introduce a product or product line to a client and they respond with “They still make that? I used to love using it but…that’s an old product line, isn’t it? My stylist said it’s old and no good.”. A phrase I hear often, and quiet frankly, a phrase that baffles me. Stylists – here’s a little tip for you – if your client loves a product – NEVER tell them it’s old and no good. First of all – it’s not professional. Second, you have just insulted your client. Yes, insulted them. You have just made them feel old and stupid for using a product that they love. I am telling you this because your clients will not, they do not want to offend you or hurt your feelings. They may however, book their next appointment elsewhere.

For those familiar with my Salon Tales, you know that I take the business of beauty and customer service seriously. I believe that customer service is the cornerstone of our industry. Yeah…I said it. When proper and professional customer service is not being provided, it does not matter that you are an expert colorist and cutting expert or how many products you retail at your Salon – if your client’s opinions are being neglected or pushed aside, the only person filling your chair will be you, wondering where your clients have gone.

Everyday I have customers or clients from the Salon purchasing products. Many of the products they purchase, they purchase because they love them. They like the hold, or the shine, or sometimes they love the smell of the product. I may not think the product is the best selection for their hair care needs, but they like it. They are able to achieve the look they want at home and like the way their hair looks and feels, so I keep my mouth shut. When I am asked if there is another product I would suggest, then I offer my opinion on another product. I never, I mean never, down play their beloved product. Being me, I have compiled a little list, a “how to suggest another product without putting your foot in your mouth” list, if you will. (fitting title for today’s tale…don’t you think?…wait for it…there you go).

– when a client is looking for a new hairspray, first things first. Ask them what it is about their current hairspray they aren’t happy with. Ask them what hold factor they are looking for, if they want a little shine or frizz control. Telling them “it’s about time you changed hairspray!” – not a good idea

– when a client comes in asking for a product from a line that you deem “dated”, do not judge. It may be an old line to you, your client may have just learned about it, so it is new to her.

– when a client comes in looking for the latest and greatest product, before you sell it to them, be sure it is meant for their hair type. Selling a woman the newest curl defining cream when her hair is poker straight is unprofessional, plain and simple. Think about it, she will get home with dreams of curls just to end up locked in her bathroom with a matted mess. Trust me, I am all for making the sale – when it is done the correct way.

– if your client is misinformed about a product, take a minute to explain the proper use of the product, educate them. Flip the bottle over and show them the product description, and the directions on how to use the product, and how much to use. Take an extra minute to explain what the icons mean… the little open jar = shelf life, the bunny = cruelty free, the arrows in a circle = the packaging is recyclable. Again, telling them “you don’t know what you are doing, do you?” – not your best option.

– when a client comes in looking for a product you do not sell, DO NOT say “Oh, we don’t carry that, heard it’s crap.”. Yes, ladies and gents, many of my customers had been told that exact thing, at the Salon they used to shop at. Find out what product they are looking for, ask them what they liked about it. You would be surprised how many times a product you have on your shelves will fit the bill. …I do it everyday.

At the Salon, we help men and women look and feel better. We give them a fresh look or help them find themselves once more. We help to prepare them for their life events – graduations, weddings, births and sadly, deaths. Yes, we are in the Beauty Industry. Yes, we work in Salons. Yes, we are in the service industry, and yes, we are in the customer service industry – something we must all remember. Our customers and clients may forget the color line we use or the hairspray we suggest. They will always remember how they were treated, how they were spoken to and listened to, and how they felt. You may be an expert colorist, you may offer the greatest cut and style in town – no one will remember that if your manners and demeanor do not match your talent. Be kind. Be courteous. Our clients and customers have given us their time, the least we can do is give them and extra minute or two.

Beauty, Business, communication, Hair Care, parenting, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, writing

Tales of Truth Part…oh I give up

October 18, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat 3 Comments

Gather ’round ladies and gents, boys and girls, it’s that time once again! Time for That Girl in the Red Coat’s Tales of Truth. Now, I don’t know if the planets are misaligned, or if their is a glitch in the Matrix, lately, I have been privy to some interesting events and antics. Maybe the public at large has gotten wind of my Tales of Truth series and is hoping to be mentioned…sweet baby Jesus, I hope so.

– I heard a bang on the front window of the shop. As I looked over to see what it was, I saw a Mother applying hand sanitizer after touching the trash can lid outside the neighboring shop, all the while her toddler was banging her fists on the window as she was licking it. ….wait for it…there you go.

– A woman came in for some hairspray. As I was ringing through her purchase, she farted. Then farted again. Then again. She just stared at me, didn’t even blink. No “excuse me”. No “too much Sushi I guess”. Nothing, Just stared at me.

– I had a woman ask me if I sold a “less toxic” hairspray. So I asked her if she meant a more environmentally friendly or vegan hairspray. She answered “I just need a hairspray that will stop my son from growing breasts.”. Before I spoke, I silently told myself “don’t show it on your face” and said “Pardon me?” to which she said, “Yes, he is a teen boy getting breasts.”. I asked her if she had seen his doctor and she told me she had taken him and the doctor thought her son should become more active and cut out the junk food, but she wanted to be on the safe side and make sure his hair product wasn’t adding to the problem. …sigh

– at our shop we focus our retail on hair products and nail products. We do not carry cosmetics. I had a woman come in looking for lipstick, I let her know I do not sell lipstick or any cosmetics and gave her the name of a few shops where she could find what she was looking for. She asked me if she gave me a list, could I call around to those shops for her and find out if they had what she wanted. I politely told her I could not, but offered to find the phone numbers for her and she could call. I was told I offered poor customer service and she left.

– We sell human hair extensions. The brand we sell has pictures of women on the package that are of mixed descent – Asian, African, Indian, you name it. I had a woman ask me why I didn’t sell hair for white people. I shit you not – it’s 2014 and people like this still exist. After I checked for the hooded white sheet (yeah, I said it), I let her know that the hair I sell is for every woman, of every color and creed.

– A woman asked if she could put her toddler on the back counter as she shopped. I told her no, and that it wasn’t store policy. She tried to assure me he would sit still if I was worried he’d fall off the counter. ….double sigh.

That’s it Beauties…that’s all I got for today…makes me tired 😉

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women

Have you been DevaCurled?

October 14, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

Everyday I meet a woman, or a man who is frustrated with their hair. Their curly hair. They have tried every product. They have a closet full of creams, lotions, serums and sprays that had promised them manageable curls and all they delivered was a frizzy uncontrollable mess. Many of my customers resorted to chemical straightening – *a great alternative, when done in a Salon, by a stylist who is trained. Buyer beware of the “at home” straightening products – another tale for another time. The one thing all these customers have in common? Not one person, sales person or stylist had ever asked them what they were looking for from their product, how the envisioned their hair to be, what issues they were currently having with their hair, or even asking them what products they were currently using. You see, not all curl products are for all curl types. Yes, there are different curl types, from fine to thick, from wavy to corkscrew. Some corkscrew curls are fine, others are thick and coarse. Some have coarse wave mid shaft that gradually becomes a fine Botticelli style curl at the ends. Using the correct curl product for the curl type is key.

There are many Professional Salon Curl products on the market. Today’s tale is focused on DevaCurl – in a word, Miraculous.

This is a line that we brought into the shop over 3 months ago. Our owner/head stylist has curly hair, so she was our test subject. She understood the struggles and the frustrations of having curly hair. The results were outstanding. Soft, frizz free, shiny defined curls. The key to achieving these curls – using the DevaCurl Deva 3-step system. Now before you get all “I don’t have time for 3 more steps everyday!” – take a breath. Another. It takes all of 10 minutes. It is as easy as 1-2-3. It truly is. DevaCurl offers a 100% sulfate free, paraben free and silicone free shampoo – No Poo and conditioner – One Condition. *there will be no lather with the shampoo – sulfate free = no lather. No need to add more shampoo while cleansing – just add more water. The third step to the DevaCurl Deva 3-step system is the Light Defining Gel (for flexible styling/natural hold) or the Ultra Defining Gel(for ultimate curl retention/long lasting hold) – also 100% sulfate, paraben and silicone free.

Step 1 – cleanse your hair with No Poo (shampoo)

Step 2 – condition with One Condition and rinse. * a perk to this conditioner – it can be used as a leave in for extra hydration.

Step 3 – apply the Light Defining Gel or Ultra Defining Gel. * for best results apply to wet hair. Yes. Wet hair. Tilt head forward and scrunch the gel into wet curls in an upwards motion. Then apply gel between your palms, emulsify and glide your palms over the hair.

* DevaCurl offers an array of online tutorials and tips – check out http://www.mydevacurl.com

DevaCurl offers an array of styling products for all curl types and all styles, a few of the big movers have been;

Mist-er Right – a curl refresher to deodorize and refresh curls – infused with Lavender

Styling Cream – defines curls with a soft natural hold that is humidity resistant = no frizz

Flexible Hold Hair Spray – offers soft, touchable curls. Adds shine, helps curl retention and adds to all day conditioning.

Set Up & Above – a pomade style product that offers maximum hold, texture and volume. Great styling control without a sticky mess. * Great results for short styles too – curly or straight.

The DevaTowel – a microfiber towel that provides a smooth surface for curls – to set curls while keeping them defined and frizz free.

The DevaCurl DevaFuser – meet your new best friend. Offers great volume and definition. This diffuser is a universal fit = fits most blow dryers. It offers 360 degree airflow = gently dries the hair from the inside and out for soft, frizz free curls.

DevaCurl is a beautiful line for anyone who has curly hair – from loose waves to tight corkscrew curls. When applied properly, the curls are beautifully defined and frizz free – so much so, when you have seen the DevaCurl results, you can spot a DevaCurl curl in a crowd. It is a company that offers terrific support for it’s customers and clients – from styling techniques to cutting techniques. DevaCurl is a 100% sulfate, paraben and silicone free line, and is a cruelty free line – they do not test on animals. Once you have been “DevaCurled” as I like to call it – you will no longer envy your friend with straight hair, you will find yourself embracing your curls and smiling at your reflection, in the mirror, in the windows…where ever you may find it.

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Women

…I thought it was my Ab’s

October 6, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

“I thought it was my Ab’s!”. A phrase exclaimed, in a morphine induced haze, by yours truly while laying on an exam table in the E.R. of my local hospital. Long story short, I had been working out, trying to lose weight and tone up and was so excited that my tummy was feeling firm. I hadn’t been feeling well, been feeling discomfort that I was putting down to being 37 and working too much and working out too hard. I was having trouble with stomach pains when I ate certain foods, again, put it down to age. Little did I know that in the course of 13 months, (I know it was 13 months because during my physical the year before – no abnormalities were present) my body had decided to grow a fibroid on top of my uterus. A fibroid measuring 20cm x 11cm x 14cm – hence the pain – this little devil was pushing all my internal organs up and over to my right side. Long story short – a hysterectomy soon followed, no cancer present and yes, I still weep a little that it wasn’t my Ab’s….I had never had a firm stomach.

The point to today’s tale? To make yourself a priority. To keep yourself off the back burner. I had been feeling “unwell” for months, chalking it up to working too much, eating the wrong food, pushing 40, you name it. I should have called my Doctor. To be completely honest – I was hoping it was my Ab’s, but something in me thought it felt weird, but was too fearful to find out what it may be. In my case, I was damn lucky that it wasn’t cancer, that the fibroid hadn’t attached itself to my intestines, kidneys or any other internal organ.

Everyday at the shop I hear women make little comments about their health like “It’s probably nothing”, “I’ll call the doctor if it doesn’t get better in a few weeks”, “It’s probably normal”, or like yours truly, ” I think I’m getting Ab’s!”. For some reason, as women, we put ourselves last. We put work, our friends, our lovers, our kids ahead of ourselves. I see women buy a flat iron for their daughter before buying one for themselves, buying their mother the newest flavor of OPI Avojuice hand cream even though they love the scent, or buying Gehwol MedSalve for cracked skin foot cream for their friend who suffers from painful heel cracks as she is need of the same cream. We are so busy concerned with others that we forget about ourselves. Sure, we say our husband’s need us, that our kid’s need us and that’s why we put ourselves last. Well ladies, the jig is up – those are excuses and you know it. If we truly mean that they need us – we would be taking care of ourselves to the best of our abilities so we can be there for them. Ladies, it’s time to take care of ourselves. Plain and simple.

Here’s the deal. If something seems strange, or something just feels off – call your doctor. If it’s nothing – great! If it is something – the sooner it is dealt with, the better. I know it’s a scary thought. No one likes waiting for test results. No woman enjoys a pap smear. Stool samples are messy and hospital gowns are not becoming, no matter their color. Dealing with a health issue as soon as it pops up also ensures less trauma to you, your family, your physical health and your emotional health – if I had gone to my Doctor as soon the question “what’s that?” popped into my head, I would have had a laparoscopic surgery to remove my uterus – instead I had to have it removed the old fashioned way with a 6 inch scar to prove it. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t care about the scar – my recovery would have been easier and less days spent in the hospital, and less worry for my hubby and my girl.

When our loved ones are under the weather or in pain, we get them and give them all the love, attention and help they need. You are worthy of the same love and attention and help. You are. …You are.

Beauty, communication, Hair Care, health and wellness, parenting, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women, writing

Breathe

August 18, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

breathe – (verb) – to take air, oxygen into the lungs and expel it; inhale and exhale; respire. – to pause, as for breath; take rest.

Breathing. Something we do everyday. We inhale. We exhale. … but what about that pause and take rest part? From what I am seeing and hearing everyday, many of us, including yours truly, remember to breathe in and out but forget about pausing, and taking rest.

The shop opened at 9:30 a.m.. By 10 a.m. I had 6 phone calls, all of which were women looking for a certain product and before I could answer their questions all of them were either panicking, yelling at their kids in the background or speaking over me and telling me;

– why they couldn’t get in today because they had to get their kids to camp, the groceries, the dentist appointments…you name it.

– why they didn’t come by on the weekend – too busy, too much to do.

– that they were too busy to call any other time – too busy, too many other calls to make.

– that their family was over for a vacation and they had been too busy taking care of everyone else and forgot about their hairspray

– that they were too stupid to notice they were out of shampoo – yes…a woman with a shaky voice actually said those words to me.

My rep. was in the shop as all these calls were coming in. In between each ring of the phone, I would put my hand up, tell my rep.”Excuse me for a minute” and take a deep breath, in and out, and would tell myself, “Breathe Sara…it’s not about you.”. – a hard learned lesson for yours truly. Learning that it is not all about you may be the hardest lesson to learn – with the greatest reward. This past week was a hard one. Not going to get into the details for it is not all about me. I thought I was present, thought I was hearing what was being said, thought I had removed my head from my ass, seems I hadn’t. It is safe to say that it is now completely removed, and I learned a hard lesson – I may have been listening to those around me, but I wasn’t hearing them. I was too busy thinking of the next task at hand, or what my opinion was about what they were saying. I wasn’t completely present. I wasn’t taking a moment to pause.

“…the world went and got itself in a big damn hurry.” – Brooks Hatlen, The Shawshank Redemption. I am not sure when it happened, all of a sudden every moment became so dire. Everyday I meet women who are in a hurry. In a panic. I can’t tell you how many times their purchases, their keys or their kids are left at the front desk, or how many times I see;

– Sighing at the debit machine because it is too slow.

– Yelling at their child because they want to take a moment and look at the pretty nail polishes.

– Almost yanking their child’s arm out of it’s socket because they stopped to look at the candies in the candy dish and asked if they could please have one.

– Their lip starting to tremble as they are texting with one hand and entering their PIN with the other.

– Watching their worry about getting home in time for their favorite T.V. show.

– Demanding I tell them why their favorite product was discontinued and told “I don’t know why you are doing this to me! What am I going to do?”.

Ladies and gents…it’s time to take a breath. It’s time to take a moment to pause, to rest.

– When the debit machine is slow, take it as permission to take a little break in your day.

– When your child is looking at the pretty nail polishes, look with them. Ask them what they think is the prettiest color.

– When your child spies a candy dish and asks politely if they may have one – do not yank their little arm. Thank them for using their manners.

– When paying for a purchase, put down your phone. If the call cannot wait, ask the cashier if you could have a moment. Trying to do these two things at once, in my experience, in front of the counter and behind it…it never ends well.

– Worried about missing the next episode of The Real Housewives of where ever? – that is what on demand, PVR and Netflix is for.

– We all feel cheated when our favorite products are discontinued. Try to remember that stylists and sales people are only the messenger’s. Tell us what you liked about your beloved product and we may be able to find you a suitable replacement. … and trust me, it may feel personal – the company did not discontinue the product to ruin your life. They didn’t.

Take a breath. Take rest. Pay attention to those around you. Pay attention to your surroundings. Set your PVR and take a look at the pretty polishes. Take the time to really listen…it’s amazing what you will hear.

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat

…it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

August 10, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

You read the title of today’s tale correctly. Yes, I know the calender states it is Sunday, August 1oth. No, I am not one of those people who begin their annual Christmas countdown on December 26th. As you know, I manage a Salon/Retail shop and although the sun is shining and others are making their trek to the beach and planning their strategy to avoid tan lines, your truly is sitting at the shop, planning her retail strategy for the holiday season. If you are a Salon owner or Salon manager, you should be as well. We all know, times flies when you are having fun. Before you know it, it will be November 1st. and your clients will be looking for gift idea’s and will be prepared to buy. Why not be sure they are buying from you.

When it comes to holiday retail, and retail in general, the following seem to be the most popular statements;

“That is a big investment.”.

“I can’t afford a big invoice all at once.”.

“I don’t like those products, so I know my clients won’t either.”.

“Why should I sell it if the other Salons in town sell it?”.

“Why would I spend the money to have something sit on my shelves?”.

For some, the above statements may hold some validity. In my experience, these statements and others are made out of fear and worry – two emotions that can prevent a Salon from the benefit of the additional revenue of retail and all around success. Before you allow the fear and all the what if’s to creep into your mind, take a breath. Another. Being me, I have compiled a little list, a how to for holiday retail if you will;

– Yes, purchasing for the holiday season is a big investment. A big investment with even bigger rewards. Your salon revenue will increase, which in turn will increase profits and ease the financial strain you may be feeling. Retail sales can cover expenses, can cover payroll, even cover rent and utilities.

– As for the ever present invoice – speak to your Rep., many distributor’s can ship your order in two separate shipments, with two separate invoices. This will ease the financial strain and also helps keep your shelves from looking cluttered with product. *By the time the second shipment arrives, you will have sold out of your first shipment = no frantic calls to your accountant.

– Only selling/stocking the product you like is a mistake, plain and simple. Thinking for your client/customer is the biggest sales mistake anyone can make. You may not agree that a firm hold hairspray is what your client needs …if your client wants a firm hold – that is what matters.

– It does not matter that other Salons in town may sell what you sell – your client is not at their Salon, they are at your Salon – that is why you need to retail product. If you do not sell to your client, trust me, another Salon will.

– As for the ever present “why would I spend the money to have something sit on my shelves?”. Your clients will be looking to purchase gifts for their loved ones, for their child’s teacher, for their co workers, even for their mailman. Your clients will buy their products from you…if you sell them the products. It really is that simple. Your client is already in your chair or they have driven over to your Salon. Your client likes you and trusts you and your opinion. Your client likes the way their hair feels and looks when they leave your Salon and wants to feel like that everyday, so help them to feel that way until they see you next. Sell them the product you use, and stock the products they like. Trust me, if you don’t do it, some other Salon will…it happens at least five times a week at our shop. I gain a new customer in the shop and many times, our Salon gains a new client.

Planning your retail strategy, not only for the holiday season, but for the whole year is the best gift you could give to your clients, your customers, your stylists and your Salon.