Mentor

In 2006 I wrote this article when I began consulting with Durocher Enterprises, who had recently started working with the medical spa field. Bryan Durocher asked me to write this article for his monthly newsletter, and when I recently found it in some files I thought it would be great to post on my blog. 

Today, I am an Independent Business Consultant and this article reminds me of the importance of having personal and professional cheerleaders as we navigate our busy, busy lives.

Mentor - a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

One who advises another, especially officially or professionally?

To give recommendations to (someone) about a decision or course of action.

Men-tee one who is mentored.

"It takes a village to raise a child," this popular phrase reminds us that we are all part of a larger community.

The salon and spa industry is a worldwide community full of dedicated professionals who nurture people from all walks of life.  Whether you are a cosmetologist or a medical spa practitioner your hands have transformed your clients time and time again.  It takes passion, education, and inspiration to maintain continuous dedication to the ever-changing field of beauty.

Once in a while an individual appears in the form of a mentor to guide us as we navigate a myriad of decisions – "when the student is ready the teacher appears."  By the power of example a mentor can make a huge difference in the life of a struggling salon owner, entry-level stylist or a spa director merging the medical and salon worlds.  Through consistent advice an individual at any stage of their career can benefit from the support of a veteran who loves what they do, makes it appear effortless and is willing to share their wisdom with their men-tee.

When I moved to this country from my birth city of London, England to Omaha, Nebraska in the Midwest, I was a long way from home.  A long way from the land of Carnaby Street, Piccadilly Circus, the fashion forward capital of the world.  How would I learn to be a high-level stylist away from my roots?  To my amazement the late owner of the cosmetology school I attended showed an endless capacity to mentor each and every one of his students. He brought to his corner of the world the latest in hair, skin, and nail trends.  We were immersed in the latest fashion crazes far from the big city runways.

Who have you mentored?  Who mentored you?  Our medical schools and cosmetology schools are full of fearless souls clamoring to enter our industry.  With our help their path could be a little smoother.

A doctor takes the Hippocratic oath to heal all.  Today, as we merge the salon and medical spa world we find there are many similarities and many differences as we strive in our endeavor to nurture people and transform their appearance.  As one young woman told me,  "after visiting my dermatologist and getting my skin cleared up I was able to confidently attend my senior prom." 

I recently had the privilege to mentor a young woman from an impoverished background.  Her mother was unable to care for her, her father managed to provide a home in an undesirable neighborhood for her and her siblings.  After spending some time with this young women I asked her what she would like to be when she grew up and she told me a doctor.

If a low-income child can aspire to be a doctor, a cosmetologist, a salon owner; and a dermatologist a medical spa owner – there will be endless opportunities to be a mentor and to be mentored.

We are all members of a larger community – and we can give recommendations to (each other) about a decision or a course of action.