We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darlene Palkovic. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darlene below.

Alright, Darlene thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Absolutely the biggest risk was leaving a guaranteed paycheck & hours behind the chair to start my business working for myself full time. When I started I only had a handful clients. I invested so much into my business knowing that God was leading me in the right direction for my life. It was a big risk but I knew I would be so much happier & be able to offer my clients such a better experience running the show myself. It was stressful so many times and I didn’t know how I was going to do it from day to day but I never gave up. To say I did it alone would be wrong, the love and support I’ve received has truly gotten me to where I am today. I give thanks to Christ Ahnsahnghong and heavenly Mother for guiding me every step of the way.

Darlene, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

It’s such a great story because I didn’t go to school for my profession until I was 25! I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and was a little lost. My mom, who passed away when I was 20, was actually a stylist in the 90s. Her dad was a barber as well as two of her brothers. At some point it just felt meant to be. It’s not something I ever dreamed of or even thought I would be any good at but I was a fork in the road and had to choose a path. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, I’m so thankful every day for my career that literally blood sweat and tears went in to.
I love all of my clients and strive to give them an experience they’ll love and keep coming back for, I feel like something that sets me apart is my talent to listen. Clients often express their past appointments were disappointing because the stylist did what they wanted and not what the client asked for. It means a lot to me to listen to all my clients needs and desires and fulfill them to the best of my abilities.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My current clients! They are all absolutely amazing. Every time they refer a new client to me I make sure to thank them by discounting their next appointment & the referral client as well. Word of mouth and of course the hair! There is no better tip than a referral.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I don’t think most people realize how much mental and emotional work go into being a hair stylist. Besides the actual hands on work (which takes years to master by the way) the other side of this job truly tests your resilience and strength. I love that I’ve created great relationships with all of my clients and they trust me to open up with so much about themselves and their lives. I’ve heard some of the saddest stories, been with them through difficult times in their lives and shared so many happy times as well. It can be very mentally exhausting a but also fulfilling, you have to have thick skin to do this job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Monarchbeautysalon.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: @mustbedari