An interesting incident happened to me today, a perfect segue for a piece I’ve been contemplating for some time now.
A client waltzed into the salon at 3:00, feeling on top of her game for her dinner party this evening. The dinner party, a very special occasion, commemorating her Dad’s eightieth. Twenty five of his favorite people in the world including family and friends. Everything was set, down to the last detail. With the exception of one minor glitch. Her appointment with me, for her “fabulously coiffed hair” was at 2:00, not 3:00.
If you know me, you already know what ensued. You know that I put her at ease so as not to humiliate her for having missed her scheduled appointment with me. You also know that I promptly had her shampoo’d, fabulously coiffed, walking out feeling very much… still on top of her game. All of that, in spite of your appointment to which you arrived promptly, on schedule!
She felt terrible about the debacle and grateful that I accommodated her. I reassured her and said, “there is a way in which you can reciprocate. Kindly remember when I am running late, is possible that something similar came up with another client?”The truth is, that I am accountable for running late. I’m notorious for it.
For the most part, I am on time for my first appointment of the day. (Best appointment/ 8:30am!)
I’ve been accused of talking too much, paying too much attention to things like, my lip gloss, the music… and going over & over my work seeking perfection. And if you know me, you know that rarely, am I ever done with your haircut. I just recognize that its time to “let go!”
I don’t consider what I do, “work” per se. And… It’s much more than a “haircut”. I love and look forward to my time with you. Sometimes I can snap it out in 45 min, sometimes longer. Sometimes your color artist is running smoothly on time and other times, perhaps there was a necessary adjustment, a redo/ something that wasn’t quite right. And suddenly I’m 20 minutes behind! Occasionally, someone just needs a little extra time for personal reasons? Add that to the mix, tac on another 20 minutes! Oy! And one day that someone may be you. And if you know me, I’m there.
What I do and how I work does not always sync with “linear time”. I admit it! I work with real people, real life obstacles. People who have new new born babies or sick and ailing parents. People who have high power positions who are making a difference in the world. People who don’t even work, yet are still trying to navigate their way through some of life’s ups and downs. A lot transpires in that hot seat of mine.
There’s inclement weather, baby sitters that don’t show up on time, work schedules that inhibit a timely appointment arrival. So many variables and behind the scene incidentals!
I do value your time, contrary to what you may be thinking… very much.
Just know, like you, I am doing the best I can, and I’m still working on it, all ways. No matter what the circumstances, I have this on my mind; how did you find out about me? What can I do for you. How can I help to facilitate the most optimum self confidence, and best scenario/ look for you? Who are you? What can we learn from each other? How fortunate am I that we have crossed each other’s path? Instant gratification is what we both get from the whole experience.
It has been suggested to me that I keep an hour glass close by to gauge my time with you. Yet I’m torn. That’s it! I’m just going to stick with the real me. I will do my best and leave the rest. And sometimes the compromise may be that what happens in that hour glass just doesn’t factor in.
So, while I will continue to strive to be punctual, sit back and relax. Enjoy a cup of that special J･stranD coffee.
Take a moment. There’s a great energy at J･stranD. Soak it in, let’s keep it positive.
Have fun!
Xo Jac
