First off, I need to say that this journal follows my thought process to a tee, so bear with me…
Let’s go back to March 2020-
We get word of the shut down and respond accordingly. Like the rest of the world, I underestimate the impact it would have on my business but also the emotional roller coaster that ensues. Rather than rehash all the political mistakes made to balance the economy, I can attest that the beauty industry took a major hit and I held on for as long as I could. I looked for ways to not only keep our clients safe, but also maintain their hair care needs by developing customized home color kits. I was dismayed when just as we were coming out of the deepest point of Covid, a few staff members opted to stay on unemployment rather than come back to work. Confusion and disappointment overshadowed my excitement for our long awaited comeback.
Being an entrepreneur for almost 30 years has been simultaneously eye-opening and blinding. As an eternal optimist, I can’t shake the perpetual feeling that things are going to take a positive turn. I tend to see and feel everything in balance, therefore my frustrations over the constant uncertainty is offset by a peaceful acceptance that everything will work itself out.
Speed ahead to early 2021-
My mom’s health took an unexpected turn and I started driving to Sacramento every weekend -and sometimes more- to relieve my sister and take care of my mom. The sleepless nights were taking its toll but on the flip side, my mom is still with me. And as torturous as the wee hours are, we shared some great and memorable stories. Even at less capacity, the salon was running smoothly, so I made the conscious choice to scale back on my time and focus on her quality of life.
And here we are-
My son, Max, has joined our workforce; I am so excited to have him as part of the salon! He’s in the training program and it really motivates me to know he will someday cut in a chair next to me. I really love doing hair and have enjoyed making new relationships and maintaining old ones. And as I’ve mentioned many times about how my life tends to maintain a state of balance, the salon culture seems to be fading. Stylists are working less hours with higher demands.
My lease renewal is coming up and I am caught in an ambiguous situation. After long conversations that suggested rebranding and rebuilding, I decided that I am in a different mindset. I want less responsibility and management. I want to return to how it all started: my love of doing hair and providing exceptional service.
It is with mixed emotions that I announce the changes coming ahead: I will be continuing on in half of the current space while others will be moving to salons in Mill Valley. Our contact information will stay the same; I’m not going away, just lightening my load. Between the toll of Covid and caring for my ailing mother, it was time to shift gears. If you are a current client of mine, nothing will change except the entrance has moved 30 feet and I will be upping my game on taking care of you.
We have Max and Stephanie manning the Blowdry Bar, however their schedule is limited. If you have an existing package and the calendar doesn’t work for you, please reach out and we will refund your balance.
The thought of easing my workload has revitalized and reenergized me. The only person left to train is my son. I’ll spend whatever time and cost to train him because he is my son; this is truly a gift!
Now the space: I will be keeping the room I’m currently in, along with the connecting room. I’m excited about redesigning the area and incorporating new amenities to enhance your experience. Let’s have a full beverage bar, including wine and spirits! Maybe light snack offerings to accommodate your lunch hour for pampering. The possibilities are endless!
With the constant talk of inflation and a possible recession coming, I have no idea what the future holds. I do not support the significant increases due to supply chain or bureaucratic decisions, but promise to provide excellent service at a fair price.
As the rumor mill began and word got out, I’ve had some great interactions and appreciate them. I am thankful for the relationships we have built and the support I’ve received. I’ll miss the familiar faces that sat in other chairs, so please stay in touch!. If you are at Piatti or have an appointment in the building, you can always pop in and say hello. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to train and develop the stylists that have come and gone, to see/hear their success stories, and build a reputable business that is respected by the community and within our beauty industry.
Cheers to all who have graced me with their presence as an employee or client; all have become friends. I do need to thank Jason, Donna, Cathy, Stephanie and Dana for staying on as long as they did. Loyalty and friendship are #1 in my life and I will never forget that. Check our website to locate your stylist. I will have their contact information updated once all is confirmed.
If there are lessons I have learned, they are this: we can bend without breaking and together, we can bounce back better. It has been a journey for us all and finding out what is truly important in life is the gift. Time to start living for what is important.
Love, laughter and integrity is my mantra. I am truly blessed to have had such a great run as a small business owner and to now have it morphe into the next chapter.
Love and gratitude to all…