Runs Businesses With Scissors

Hairqueen News: I had this blog written and then it got lost. When I originally wrote it I was in Santa Cruz trying to escape the 100 degree Bay Area weather.  It was in the evening, I was listening to the sound of the surf and the screams of delight and fear from the Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk.  I felt happy to be so close to the ocean and delighted that in the spirit of the life of the entrepreneur, I could mix business and pleasure, because when you are self-employed sometimes that's just the way it is. And then sometimes opportunities present themselves and even though your plate is full you are compelled to say, "yes".  I recently did that and now I am in a program for entrepreneurs called Inner City Capital Connection.  I'm about half way through and I'm not sure where it will lead.  If you would like to find out more about ICCC, check out this link, http://icic.org/inner-city-capital-connections/  and of course ask me about it next tim...

Hairqueen News:   My birthday is in August and this year I turn 57.  I was 22 when I started in the salon industry so this is my 35th year! I cannot believe how fast the years have flown by. When I started nobody sold products, clients smoked in the salon as did the stylists.  There were no computers, no social media, just magazines, paper appointment books, pencils, erasers, telephones and as always the aroma of hairspray and styling gel in the air.  I loved the salon environment then and I do today with all the modern technology, the retail products, the social media and the sweet smell of good old hairspray or gel. I will retire as a career stylist someday.  In the meantime you will find me at Swans Studios, cutting and styling away, as I adjust with the times, utilizing online booking, social media and the latest trends and techniques. Although in the end it is the trust my clients place in me that makes my vocation a career.  Thanks for the t...

Hairqueen News: Gosh the year is flying by!   And, as probably can be predicted life for me is the same and different.   For the first half of this past year I was swept up in wedding fever, my daughter was married on June 3, yippee!  My daughter the bride It was a new experience for me to be the mother of the bride and a member of the wedding party, rather than one of the hair stylists busily preparing the bride and the wedding party for the big day. Me mother of the bride Speaking of Summer:  Are you ready for a summer cut and color?  Is it time to go short and sassy for the long summer days?   How about a few highlights or lowlights, or a splash of bold color just for fun?  Did you hear that the perm is back?    I did loads of perms in the 80’s; so I’m your girl if you need a curl or two!   And, I can offer the opposite, how about smoothing out those natural waves for a smoother less bulky h...

HairQueen News: Should I, a hairstylist and small business owner of over thirty years, "do" social media? "They" say we should, but quite honestly with my hours behind the chair, the time it takes to run my businesses, and the desire to have a decent work, life balance I question the if, what, how, why and when of social media. If I post, or Madison, my marketing assistant posts a picture, a quote, an article, are we helping anyone?  I'd like to think we are. What should we post? Before and after pictures, hairstyling and/or business tips, product news...or do people already have enough resources for this information? How should I post, how often, where...Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn? Why should I post? For me, for you, for the public? When should I post? Does the time of day, the day of the week matter? This is what I am thinking about as Winter winds down and Spring begins..... I'd love your feedback on th...

The New Year is finally here! A New Year is like having a fresh start and a chance for change! It’s always important to continually improve and become even better than before! I definitely believe in continuous improvement! Stalemate is NOT where you want to be. Work toward progression! Work toward success!  Everyone knows that it’s tradition to create new goals for yourself for the upcoming year. Take some time to reflect on this past year. What have been the ups and downs? What were your accomplishments and what goals to you still want to work toward? This is a perfect time to evaluate what areas you feel you need/want to work on most and make a plan for yourself! A plan provides a chance of success! For my hair clients and friends:   How would it feel if you started this year with a new, strong, BOLD look! Everyone considers a change in their “look” occasionally. How would it feel if you actually took the chance to go through with it! You may provide yo...

Wishing you a Happy Holiday and a joyful New Year!  Let us all be prepared for this New Year and grab a hold for the ride! Make 2017 a fulfilling year. During this Holiday Season, as you dash back and forth from party to party and getting all of your shopping and preparations done, it can be hard coming up with an easy quick hairstyle that isn't a boring ponytail. Here are some ideas of what other's are doing as shown on Yahoo.  Maybe you'll like to have a short hairstyle with parted hair slicked to the side as seen above. Or, maybe you prefer a more wavy, low-key look as shown below. You'll just keep twisting and add bobby pins where needed. Don't want your hair up? Then just leave it down and add your favorite hair accessories to amp up your everyday style.  Getting frustrated with your curls? Try wrapping a few face-framing pieces of hair around a curling iron to define your beautiful curls! Want your hair off the back of ...

HairQueen News Gosh, it has been a while since I have written a blog. In fact it was in the Summer, in July. Now it is Autumn, and so much has happened. Happily, my lovely daughter got engaged, so I get to be the mother-of-the bride! No, I’m not doing the hair for the wedding day. I am going to get my hair done, and I’m so excited.  Stay tuned for wedding updates. Sadly, my dearest brother passed away.  His name was Kevin and I was very fond of him.  The good news about being self-employed is one must carry on. The bad news about being self-employed is one must carry on.   Last, but not least, because of changes in the crew at Swans Studios, we did a little construction and Swans Studios is even better than before. What a whirlwind summer in the wheel of my personal and professional life.  I am humbled by the wonderful support of my family, friends, and you my clients, as I've celebrated and mourned and managed and struggled and carried...