Over the past few years I’ve grown much closer with my clients. I would say we bonded over uncertain times and in a way became more committed to the choice of choosing one another. Unfortunately, I have had several clients be diagnosed with various forms of cancer in the past two years as well. I wanted to show up for them so I hand knit blankets for a few of them, did some home visits, helped pick out wigs, and stayed connected through their treatments. On a personal level, it can be hard to allow someone to help but when you choose to allow someone to be there for you, you allow for a deeper bond to be made. I may have been there for them in a time of great need but the gift is in the “I love you” that we now exchange when we see each other. These past couple of years have given us all plenty to ponder but conversations with those who have faced cancer on top of it all, they really are a special invitation to appreciate everything in a new and better way.

I’ve pretty much always been in the beauty industry, or at least I can say I grew up in it. I started as a shampoo assistant at the age of 15 and I’ve been hustling hair ever since. I am grateful for the incredible mentors I’ve had along the way starting with my very first employer who told me from the age of 16 that I would own a business and lead others. He showed me so much and planted the seeds. Over the past 28 years I’ve had the honor of doing lots of hair, keeping lots of secrets and spending lots of time building the confidence of those who sat in my chair. I’ve spent time not only building my personal clientele, but also training other stylists on both technical and business skills. I’ve had assistants working with me while I service multiple guests at a time so that they could learn simultaneously. I recently pivoted my focus so that I could be more involved in all aspects of my guest experience. Perhaps it is the season of life I am in, but I felt called to connect deeper with my clients and spend more time one on one with them. And, so I am! I have relocated to a private suite (Amaretto Suite Co) where my guest experience is 100% created and fulfilled by me, without the help of an assistant. This new season allows me to slow down and connect fully. There is a reason for every season in life and this one feeds my soul.

Yes, I sold a salon that I poured my all into after 12+ years of ownership. I learned so much in that time but ultimately I feel blessed to have been able to sell it, especially during 2021. The beauty industry is changing so rapidly right now but if a salon owner was wanting to sell their business in the future I’d tell them to focus on a few things: brand recognition, reputation, and your numbers. Most salons sell as an asset sale, if they sell at all. Focus on your culture, your point of difference, your uniqueness and then you’ll have a brand to sell when the time is right and the next season is calling you.

Referrals continue to be my favorite source of new clients! I moved to San Diego from Chicago in 2004 and built my clientele mostly on referrals over the years. It is always the best compliment to have a client send another amazing client to me. I’ve also had a few hairstylist friends move out of state and send their clients to me. It is always a major compliment to have another stylist send you their best and most beloved clients.