=Hair-apy=

I remember when I used to go get my hair done by my Uncle Luis in his L.A. salon I asked him,

"Tio, do you like what you do?"

He responded with a smirk, looked at me and said,

"Yes of course, although today, I have the world in my head!"

I always wondered what he meant by that, and now, years later, I know exactly what he meant!

When it comes to doing hair and make-up, it's not only having your client there sitting in front of you and doing what they want, it's getting to know who they are and where they come from and what they're all about.

I have clients who have been with me my whole career, and I've had some that have come and gone. The one denominator they all have in common is that they've ALL laid down their stories for me to hear and talk them through EVERY difficult situation I can think of. The funny thing about this is that I have never minded, I like listening to others.

I am human though, so there are times where I myself am preoccupied with my own situations and feel like my world is upside down. Although now with 2011 being my 10 year hair anniversary, I've learned to set my feelings and personal life aside for the sake of being there for my clients when they need an ear to listen to them, a shoulder to cry on. When my Uncle Luis found out I was going to be a hairstylist, he asked if I knew what I wanted out of life, especially because the life of a hairstylist, as he already knew, was a difficult one both personally and professionally. I told him that I felt like this was more my calling if anything, I wasn't doing it for money, I wanted to help others and make a difference and also prove to myself that I could do it, that I could be a Hairstylist.

As I get to listen to others everyday, I make sure to have a clear mind when I go in and make sure I clear my mind when I get home. It's the only way I'm able to keep doing what I do day after day. These days for some reason, in my chair, tears stroll down my clients faces about 50% of the time, especially now with this economy. It is so hard to see and hear clients pour their hearts out and have their tears hit the cape and hearing them having to deal with bankruptcies, infidelities, divorces, losing their houses, custody battles, strained relationships etc. I think to myself, "My goodness! You need to let it out!" Yet, I've been able to hold it together, and if anything just get the opportunity to give them a strong hug and let them know everything's going to be O.K.

Don't get me wrong, there are lots of laughs, smiles, frustrations and other emotions as well, but the main importance of my job is for my clients to have a pleasurable time and leave with a smile and uplifted from the inside out. I make sure that at least "HOPE" is given a second chance, it's important to me as a person and as a stylist.

I feel very lucky and fortunate to be in this position. I get the opportunity to make a difference and make people believe in themselves and allow them to recognize how special they are! Yes it can be rough at times because I too have to deal with my own life and issues and feel as my Uncle once said,  "Have the world in my head", at the same time, I make sure I deal with them at the appropriate times, meaning, I too get help.

I always WELCOME everyone who needs to take a second glance at themselves, whether you're young, middle aged, and/or a senior citizen, come on in not just for your hair, let's have as they call it a  "Hair-apy" session!! 

Much LOVE to all of you!! <3 <3 <3