How I learned to slow down and be more in the moment with my work to achieve success in the hair extension industry
In 2023 (as some of you know), I made the decision to move to Kansas City to be closer to my family and grandson. To balance the move, I created a hybrid schedule to spend a week every two months at my salon in Long Beach, and the rest in Kansas City to grow my brand out here.
When I create my client schedule for my Long Beach salon, I schedule in three 5-hour increments and I don’t do in-between appointments EVER. Even with these boundaries set, I felt like I was running around with my head cut off. As I always say to my team, “I feel like a bird in Costco frantically trying to get out”!
My brain has run the show for over 30 years in the business, and it has a constant story it yells at me on repeat: that every minute spent not working, is a minute wasted and unworthy of success. I used to pass that chaos down to my team and expect them to work like me. After a salon turnover and asking some hard questions, I was lucky that some amazing members of my team gave me grace to learn from them, and I became the student to their more laid back approach to slow my roll and take it down a notch (or three) as they would tell me!
What I’ve learned is this: Clients don’t want to feel you rushing, nor do they want to pay for that experience. If you’re going to charge luxury prices, then they deserve a luxury experience! So if you see yourself from an outside view running yourself crazy and feeling that angst that you can't put your finger on, first WALK AWAY- second BREATHE IN & BREATHE OUT for one minute- and third COME BACK AND BE INTENTIONAL WITH YOUR WORK, with every brush stroke, with every stitch, with keeping your work station orderly and clean. Clients don't want to pay to sit in a station full of hair or chaos of you being an ‘artist". Exceptional artistry takes time. When you focus on perfecting every detail, it'll show in the end result. And that's when client loyalty will show up, and that's when your books will fill up! Being a stylist doesn’t have to be hectic and overwhelming. Don't forget you got into the hair industry because you LOVE what you do! So always have integrity with your work. When you work with that intention and are present and in the moment, clients will notice it and won't forget the experience they have.
So take a breath and remember why you do what you love for a living. That reason is the same one as to why your clients come to you! Commit to creating an amazing experience for them and yourself, every single time. You got this! 💪🏼✂️ 🖌️❤️ And most of all, remember that no matter how busy life gets or how long the to-do list grows — you have an option to slow down and take a moment for yourself. Remember: you can't pour from an empty cup, so enjoy the ride, and SLOW YOUR ROLL.
XOXO
Rachelle Daniels
Polished Mane KC
Stylist/Owner - Long Beach, CA. & Kansas City, MO.