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With my hair stylist, Stephanie, at home enjoying her two precious little ones, it was time to set aside the "woe is me" attitude and take the positive step of finding someone new.
My search began in Plymouth ... a small town with a colonial feel, located 20 minutes from home. For me, time spent there is like a mini vacation. I love to window shop, sit by the fountain in the town square park, or enjoy a beverage, sandwich or sweet treat from one of the many coffee shops and eateries. Why not get my hair cut in a place that energizes my mind and spirit.
I visited and picked up a price list from several salons. I'm someone who can get a pretty good feel for an establishment within seconds of stepping through the door. After covering the downtown area I headed into "Old Village". A part of town where older stately homes, from a bygone era, grace tree lined neighborhood streets. Yards are uniquely landscaped with proper gardens that entice birds and butterflies. On a corner lot, in the midst of all this peaceful beauty, is Susan's Styling Center. I had driven by it countless times, but never had a reason to inquire. Upon entering the enclosed all season porch I found a waiting area filled with wicker furniture, giving the room a cozy feel. Wicker always brings to mind thoughts of Summer, ocean side cottages and lemonade. The salon was empty except for one stylist, Ray. I learned at one time he was the owner, but had sold the shop, a while back, to Susan. He and Susan are the only stylists who work there. Ray was an older gentleman, nice, but for some reason I felt he wouldn't be right for me. We chatted a bit and I thanked him for his time and headed out. On the way out I met Susan, who was returning with some lunch. She was very friendly so I took her card and, after some thought, decided to give her a try.
While she snipped we chatted and I found out Susan has been a stylist for over 20 years. Her stepdaughter was to be married the coming weekend so she had lots to do in preparation for that. Being older she won't be getting pregnant so that's a plus. She told me she thinks it's unique and cute that her mom and father-in-law are dating. After Susan's dad died her mom didn't date for years, resigning herself to a life lived alone. Over the years Susan has owned several larger salons, but was ready for something smaller. She fell in love with the cottage feel of this salon and enjoys working with just one other person. Of course she wanted to use all kinds of products, so I had to explain that I'm very sensitive to gels, sprays, etc. I'm not sure she believed me. I also never use a hair dryer as it dries out my scalp, but she would have none of that and insisted that I not leave with wet hair. These are minor things that I will have to work out with her. Part of the training process I go through with every new stylist. If after several cuts she continues to be stubborn about "her ways" then she's not the stylist for me. I was not thrilled to learn that credit cards are not accepted, only cash or checks. I had a feeling that might be the case, being the salon is small in nature, so I tucked enough cash in my purse before leaving home. I never carry my checkbook and find it easier to use credit, but with some planning not a huge crisis. I'm happy to report that I love the haircut. It feels thick and falls right into place with no fuss. Of course she's not Stephanie, but it would be unrealistic to feel the same level of comfort that knowing someone for a long time brings. I definitely will give her another try.
I also found a salon that uses color with a yogurt base, which is supposed to be excellent for sensitive types. So I think I will give that a try when the time comes. I love having fresh shiny color for the Summer months, June-August. At times being forced to find something new allows for improvement. If Susan ends up not working out I found another salon, in my travels, that I had a good feeling about and might try sometime in the future as well. It's amazing the countless choices available when you rub the negativity out of your eyes. English writer, GK Chesterton says, "an adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered." Even if it takes awhile to find Stephanie's replacement, with a few bad haircuts along the way, so what! The journey, not the destination, is what's most precious and where growth occurs.
I'm not a person who likes change. I would love it if the same people were always available for me. That's not the way life is and it would be selfish, on my part, to expect or want another to limit themselves in that way. I believe when God closes a door He opens a window. With things "rightly considered" I can step out, in faith, knowing that my every need will be provided for.
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I loved this, not only because I have a similiar story, but I love the way you spin a story!
It really doesnt matter what you say, I always love the way you say it. I always feel like Ive gone on a little journey.
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Posted by roe
on 2008-04-24 13:11:11
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always
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Posted by roe
on 2008-04-24 13:12:03
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I enjoy your post, glad you found someone new.
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Posted by prelude2it
on 2008-04-24 23:26:45
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:) I admire ur courage for doing this. going for a haircut, for me, is worse that going to a dentist's!! I keep wondering what'll happen if they mess up! :D Never had the guts to try out someone new...I mean i've had to at times, but unless its a do or die situation, i'd rather not! So I salute you! :D
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Posted by angelwings
on 2008-04-25 01:55:52
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Enjoyed your little journay with a new stylist, as I am a hairstylist for 20 plus years....I have found that I always hate my hair cut for about a week no matter who cuts it....Our moto is "the difference between a bad haircut and a good one is about two weeks"...haha
The salon sounds nice. Hope your new gal treats you right...
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Posted by Hollis
on 2008-04-27 07:45:44
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So true, Hollis! Happy you found a new stylist, happy cuts!
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Posted by Ellie2008
on 2008-04-28 18:16:29
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| Views: 85
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