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Years ago, as a 15 year old, I started what I call my "hobbyist health journey." I was an active kid, participating in dance, theatre, and cheerleading. I took elective strength training class in high school. And yet as an active 15 year old I was still overweight. Knowing that the active part was not the issue, I started looking into foods that could be a contributing factor and man oh man were my eyes opened. Since then I've learned a lot about nutrition, and as I got older and left the organized sports of my youth, I began searching for new ways to stay active. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, I struggled with anxiety for the first time in my adult life and as a result became a certified meditation teacher. This was probably the best move I could have made and it really began to pull all the health pieces I had gathered over the years together into one cohesive picture. I don't want that decades long journey for you, so keep reading to get the breakdown of what I now call my Pillars of Health: Movement, Nutrition, and Mindfulness. I love using the house metaphor because we all know the basic structures of a house and how each plays its role in making sure the house stays standing. First up, the foundation. For me, the foundation of health is the last piece that I discovered, and that's mindfulness. This encompasses awareness, meditation, goal-setting, reflection, sleep, and balance. Mindfulness is being aware of that new fad diet, thinking about all the information surrounding it, setting the goal to research it, and balancing it out with both sides of what works and what doesn't. It's using your breath when you exercise, setting realistic goals for yourself in all aspects of your life, and reflecting on how it fits in every part of your day to day life. This is the piece that holds all the other pieces together, hence, the foundation. Then we have to build the structure itself. To me, that's the nutrition piece. Can you build muscles with poor nutrition, yes...but it will take a while and it will be so much more difficult to maintain. What you put in your body is the fuel for all of your systems, much like how a furnace heats your house. To lose weight, build and maintain muscle, and have energy to accomplish all your goals every day, you need proper nutrition. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Lean meats that aren't processed or fried. Staying away from trans and saturated fats. All of it plays an important role in your health journey. And finally, we come to movement. What fun would it be to build a house and not decorate it? Well, movement is the fun part of these pillars. It's the "decoration" that we show to the world, and it's essential for cardiovascular health. The movement pillar involves not just planned exercise, but day to day movement as well. This day to day movement actually accounts for most of our burned calories in a day. If you're looking for a little support and motivation, join me on my private instagram group @rebelhealthandwellness. I designed this coaching group especially for women to build healthy habits in each of these pillars. Or, take it a step further with some personalized coaching (all found on my website using the menu above).

It's no secret that we as stylists get to know a LOT of people during our careers. I expected, and hoped, for that when I decided to do hair for a living. What I didn't expect were all the life lessons I would learn from my clients, some of them inadvertently. In a previous post I talked about how the relationship between client and stylist is a unique one (read that post here), and it was one of my most popular posts ever. So I thought I'd dive deeper into the complexities surrounding the relationships that a stylist builds with her clients, this time from my own very personal perspective. In the last few years our political climate has gotten so extremely polarized. It's easy to take "sides." I've seen friends no longer be friends due to differing political views. Throughout all of this I kept thinking to myself, what is it I'm not getting? Why am I different? How can I continue to be friends with people I disagree with when others are struggling with this concept? I honestly think the whole thing is so silly, because I know that we can be friends, or at least friendly, with those who have different views. But how did I come to know this when so many of my peers have not? It hit me one day that it's because I'm a hairstylist. I have people from all walks of life sit in my chair. Republican & Democrat, male & female, straight & gay, black & white & brown. My youngest client was probably about 2 months old with his first haircut, and the oldest was in her 90s, and every age in between. I have clients that will sit down and talk my ear off, whereas others prefer to sit quietly. Some ask questions, some just let me do my thing. Some stay the same and some change every time. I've certainly had those in my chair who I disagree with fundamentally, but I don't refuse to do their hair because of it. I generally don't even offer my opinion in return, I just listen. Sometimes I ask questions. And if it's a subject that I know might offend someone I work with or their client I'll simply steer the subject in another direction. Not ever have I yelled, accused, or condemned anyone who has an opposing view to my own. Actually, it's often the opposite! I tend to have the most interesting conversations with those who have another viewpoint. Honestly, I LOVE our differences. Really! Life would be so boring if we were all the same. What I don't love is that somehow, somewhere along the line we've forgotten how to listen and understand one another. What I've learned from my clients is that even if there is something we fundamentally disagree on, there's something else that unifies us. Being a parent, going to school, hobbies...there's always something. I tend to try to figure out what that might be during my first visit with a guest, and it's the one thing that keeps them coming back for more. The lesson is this: if you find yourself in a situation in which you don't agree with someone ASK QUESTIONS. Those questions can be to understand their opposing view, or they can be questions to try to find out what you do have in common. Now, I'm not saying you have to become best buds or anything (but you might!), just be understanding. Have an open mind and you'll be surprised where it can take you.

Wow...I just love looking back at old posts to see where my head was at that time. The original post below was in January of 2020. Full of optimism, goals, and plans for the future. Here's what I would say to past me, 4 years later: Hey there past me, First of all...YOU GO, GIRL!! I mean, look at what you've accomplished in one short year. You are tenacious and full of will to survive. I'm so proud of you and what you've managed to overcome. Speaking of overcoming obstacles...strap in sis because 2020 is gonna be a bumpy ride. That little virus overtaking Asia at the time you wrote this is going to make its way here and shut down everything (yes, even the salon). You're going to be stressed, you'll cry, you'll get angry, and you'll wonder what on earth you're going to do next. The plans you've put in motion are going to come to an abrupt halt. BUT you will pivot and end up doing something you hadn't even thought of yet. Over the next four years you'll have Covid twice, with some really interesting long covid symptoms. You'll survive this and more. Better still, you will have opportunities presented to you that you never dreamed possible. You'll work for the top scissor company in the country. Your educator status will change from independent educator to National Educator. And you'll go back to school to finally pursue something you have been thinking about for decades now. The future may not work out as you thought it would, but it will be so much better than you could have imagined. So, take a breath, buckle up, and get ready for a wild ride. You don't want to miss this. Sincerely, Future You ---------- Originally published 1/21/2020 As 2019 ended and 2020 began I noticed so many lamenting about the year behind them and looking forward to the year ahead. I'll admit, I was excited to get on to another year, mostly because I know I have some exciting things coming up this year (more on that in another post). However, I'm not the kind to live with regret. I do firmly believe all things happen for a reason, even the not so fun things. So, rather than dreading my past events, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on all of the amazing things that happened. January 2019 marked the beginning of my first FULL year back behind the chair. And that, to me, meant possibility. I set some giant goals for myself, both professionally and personally, and I'm proud to say I accomplished most of them! For starters, my financial goal. This industry allows endless income potential - one of the reasons I love it. I set out to nearly double my salon income from the previous year (which was only a partial year). I didn't make it, but I was really damn close, and I am so proud of myself for making that happen. I also focused on building my clientele the way that I wanted. To have guests in my chair that I genuinely love seeing, both for their personality and the services they get. When I left the industry a few years ago, some of that was because I didn't feel inspired or challenged with the services I was providing. Today, I can confidently say that when I see the names and services on my book, I look forward to my day. In January I started the journey to becoming a Master Color Expert. And in June, I got that official certification. It was so much more challenging than I could have ever anticipated. I am so proud of myself for leveling up and making it through with the help of my amazing mentor and incredible group of hairstylists taking the course alongside me. Extensions were always on my radar. I struggled with finding the right brand, the right method, and affording the education to get certified. Well, in October I officially crossed that off my list!! Speaking of education....in the late summer of 2019 I officially launched Hair Rebel Academy. As an educator who previously taught for a brand, I felt it was time to get back into the game, except this time as an independent educator. While I didn't book any classes for 2019, the efforts I put forth have paid off and I will be teaching in salons again this year. I can't wait!! Some say that while your professional life succeeds, your personal life will take a hit. I went into my goal-filled 2019 prepared for this challenge. I started reading and listening to books that inspire me, help me, coach me, and challenge me. I shared my feelings with my husband. I introduced techniques to my son for dealing with his emotions. It's taking some time, but I can see how we are starting to shift and grow as a family. That, to me, is priceless. And how about that Hurricane Honeymoon?!? If you follow me on IG, then you saw it unfold in my stories. My husband and I were headed to Vero Beach, FL - the exact week that Hurricane Dorian was churning and growing....and headed right smack towards Vero Beach. We had to reroute ourselves 3 times to get away from the storm, and landed in Ocean City, MD (our home state). It wasn't what we planned, but we made it work. Onward to 2020!!

2024 UPDATE: For anyone that knows me you know that I am an ingredient SNOB. The personal care industry has very little government regulations, allowing the major businesses in the industry to essentially police themselves (and it's not the only industry like that, but that's another tangent for another day). Over the years mass manufacturers of personal products such as shampoos, conditioners, skincare, and the like went the way of using cheap synthetic ingredients in the name of profit. These ingredients wreak havoc on the environment and on our bodies. The U.S. is among the worst in the world when it comes to harmful product usage, unfortunately. Years ago, I made a decision to only use products that are tested and formulated to standards set in the EU knowing that they carry much stricter regulations than here. And while I do still stand by that, I also recognize that boutique brands have made every effort to mimic those standards here in the U.S. and some are actually really really good. Over the years I've changed my products many times because I'm always looking at what's new and how it pushes us forward in a healthy way. Sometimes that is environmental and sometimes it's for the health of our hair, skin, and overall body system. Did you know it takes less than 30 seconds for things you put on your skin to absorb into your bloodstream? Studies have shown harmful ingredients from cleaning supplies in breastmilk, and have linked many of these ingredients to various forms of cancer. I don't know about you, but I'll pass on that. During the start of the Covid pandemic I did a deep dive into cleaning products that are better for bodies but still get the job done of disinfecting (hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid among the best). I also became a certified green salon during that time. Now, I'm at it again. For years I've known that fragrance is the top allergen in personal care products, with added fragrance having the added bonus of also being the top carcinogenic ingredient in most products (insert sarcastic eye roll). However, the hair industry hadn't caught up with products that were fragrance free and also performed, so I did the best I could with minimizing added fragrance. Enter 2024: the amount of quality products on the market for professionals has drastically increased and I've spent the last few months testing them out. Over the next few months I'm going to be transitioning to an entirely fragrance free salon. Shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and even the hair color I use will be changing. I will no longer be burning candles in the salon, and with my travel schedule I aim to pop up in salons that have a similar belief in the product world. Here's the new product line up: SEEN hair care was formulated by a local dermatologist in Bethesda, MD. It's won all kinds of awards from top beauty and medical magazines and is finally a fragrance free product that offers a sense of luxury. With products ranging from shampoo & conditioner to scalp care and an amazing blow out cream, I'm positive this line is going to be a hit with clients. It's already becoming my own personal go-to in the shower. Look for this to become available mid-2024. With as much as I love SEEN, it is a relatively small line so I began a search for a line that had a more inclusive line up akin to what you would traditionally find in a salon. Four Reasons No Nothing is that product line. It has the most amazing dry shampoo as well as sub-lines for targeting common hair problems like volume and moisture. It was created by stylists, which I love, and has a super affordable price tag. Look for Four Reasons No Nothing to launch Spring 20204. And last but not least, the hair color product makeover goes to Duomo Pro. Made in Italy and named after the Italian Duomo this line is luxurious and so beautiful both in packaging and on the hair. Created and formulated by one of the top colorists in the industry, Wendy Bond, this color is not only fragrance free but it's also ammonia free, phthalate free, and adheres to strict European health guidelines. I began the transition of my color in December, so if you see me for color you'll probably have this on your head! Here's to a healthy 2024. Look forward to seeing you soon! ---- Original Post 7/14/2020 Choosing products can be incredibly overwhelming. There are SO MANY brands to choose from, and there isn't just one "right" answer. So how does one go about choosing brands for their salon? BRANDING When searching for products to carry in my salon, the first narrowing down factor was what does it look like? Will the products look good on the shelf? I know that this seems like an insignificant feature, but it's really the most important marketing feature. Think about how many times you've chosen a hair product, makeup, clothing, food brands, etc. just for how the packaging looks. I'd be willing to bet it's a lot! SALON & STYLIST SUPPORT The next thing I looked for was my "WIIFM" (what's in it for me). Is there education, referral programs, rewards, affiliate programs? How is it purchased - online? direct? sales rep? distributor? How long does it take to get to me? Is the shipping cost high or low? Minimum purchases? Where else is it available? This is a lengthy list to be sure, and a very important one. I would never choose a brand that didn't want to tell me how it works; after all, I am my client's educator when it comes to hair care so I have to know what I'm talking about. INGREDIENT POLICY Many of my clients know that I'm an ingredient snob. I am so invested in reading ingredients, labels, and knowing what's inside the bottle. Sometimes it's more important to know what's not inside the bottle - like harsh sulfates, carcinogenic parabens, allergens, or animal tested ingredients. DOES IT PERFORM? Naturally, whether or not a product works is critical to any stylist. However, it doesn't rank as number one simply because there are so many fantastic products on the market these days. That said, the three brands I've chosen for my suite have literally blown me away with how well they work...and that isn't an easy feat. HOW DOES IT SMELL? And of course, the all important smell factor! The way a product smells is more than just the experience; odors can stay in hair for several hours, and no one wants to be stuck with a smell they don't like. MEET THE PRODUCTS LEAF & FLOWER The exclusive LEAF & FLOWER™ CBD Corrective Complex elicits an entourage effect by combining key cannabinoids under high pressure and extremely low temperatures to preserve efficacy and deliver instant results for all hair types- making hair stronger and more predictable with continued use. IN COMMON IN COMMON is an INclusive luxury hair care treatment brand that’s undeniably shareable. Rooted in common ground, truth and free spirit, our formulations are derived from a place of authenticity and innovation to create better-for-you products that instantly transform hair and magnify your natural glow. Because you're more than just a hair type. ​ Purchase In Common online & support Hair Rebel Salon! ALURAM Worry free hair care. Gluten, sulfate, paraben, and cruelty free, our vegan formulations start in a base of coconut water. We’ve “cleaned” up haircare. Unconditional & uncomplicated, Aluram is the new norm for beauty.

Anyone who works out knows that you should have a post workout recovery drink (or something). But what about your hair? Just like workouts & recovery drinks vary, so, too will your post-workout hair routine. Below are some guidelines to help keep your hair and scalp just as healthy as the rest of you. What is the difference between sweat and oil? Sebum, or "oil", is what helps keep our skin moisturized. It's often confused with sweat, but the two are not the same. Sweat is what happens when our body exerts itself. Sweat contains salt, which can be dehydrating. Just like you wouldn't bathe in salt water, it's equally as important to remove sweat from your body after a workout. How to remove it can depend on how much you sweat; so let's get into it! If you sweat a lot I mean like dripping, soaked through sweat. You will HAVE to shampoo your hair. It's worse for your hair and scalp to leave the sweat than it is to remove it. However, over washing can cause hair to then overproduce sebum, so if you're reaching this level of sweaty workout every single day choosing the right shampoo & conditioner system is incredibly important. My favorite shampoo & conditioner system for every day, or even every other day, shampooing is SEEN Fragrance Free Shampoo & Conditioner. If you only sweat a little bit Not doing a heavy cardio day and going with some weights instead? You still have to do something to clean your hair. I have two options for you: Option one: Rinse with water, then use a leave-in pH balancing spray. When you rinse just with water you remove the sweat, but you also can raise your cuticle due to the pH of the water. This is why a post-rinse spray is super important. I like Four Reasons No Nothing Sensitive Moisture Mist. Option two: Co-Wash A Co-wash is a cleansing conditioner that's more gentle than a traditional shampoo by removing dirt & product buildup without raising the cuticle and removing much needed moisture, protein, and even color. This my personal favorite method, and I use Sachajuan Hair Cleansing Cream. If you don't sweat This is most likely your rest days, or easy stretch days. If you don't sweat, you don't have to wash (hooray!)! The best thing to do is to take your hair down and use a dry shampoo. My favorite right now is Four Reasons No Nothing Sensitive Dry Shampoo, which is a spray version. They also make a dry shampoo foam if that's more your thing. If you've tried dry shampoo in the past and are sitting there saying to yourself "dry shampoo isn't for me" or some version thereof, try a different one! There are soooo many on the market, and they aren't all created equally. The most important thing to look for is that it's talc-free. Talc can clog pores, which can lead to break outs or worse - hair loss. For everyone You'll also want to be sure to do a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove sweat, dirt, oil, and product buildup. If you color or highlight your hair, or even if you don't, I would suggest R+Co Acid Wash - which is pH balancing and won't strip color. After every clarifying shampoo I always recommend a deep conditioning treatment. A favorite of mine is SEEN Deeper Conditioner. Whoever you are, whatever kind of workout you have, and however much sweat you produce, I hope this helps keep your hair just as healthy as your body!

2024 UPDATE: Wow if this post wasn't full of ups and downs. Sometimes I surprise myself with how wise I can be. I'm reading the last post, originally published in 2020, at another full circle moment. This time I didn't leave the industry, I pivoted to do something else within in. It was an opportunity to learn and grow, and now I find myself back in training in an industry that runs parallel to the hair industry - health & wellness. I always had an interest in nutrition from the time I was about 15 years old, and for one reason or another I kept putting it on the back burner. Now, at 40+ and having gone through years of health struggles, I've made a decision to finally go all in. This year I will become a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach. Hair is still in my future, but it's going to be so much more holistic than it ever has been for me. I'm excited for what's to come, and I stand by the last line of my original post. Let's do this! Original Post 6/15/2020 I've often heard that there are things in life that come "full circle," but I'm convinced that it's not just one circle. It's a chain of circles that intersect and when we come back around in one of those circles we are wiser and more confident than we were when that circle began due to the other circles it intersects. In January 2015 I left the salon where I had worked for over 5 years to open a salon suite for the first time. Midway through 2016 I left the salon industry entirely. In doing so I felt that I had failed myself, I wasn't happy doing hair, and I had a new baby at home that I needed to provide stability for. Fast forward to March 2018 - I was ready to make my reentry into the salon world. The salon owner I had worked for prior to going solo had just opened a brand new space, with a business partner, more chairs, and a new game plan. It was the perfect time to head back, and I am grateful that I was able to do so with someone who I knew and felt comfortable with. I also knew in coming back that I needed it to be different to be successful. I did some soul searching, and a whole heck of a lot of education - including business coaching. Working at Scene North Salon was the best decision I could have made in my career - and just one of those Full Circle moments. I was able to change my mindset, and truly grow as a stylist and as a person and I'll forever be grateful for that opportunity. But, there was another circle nagging me - that kept telling me it needed to be completed, too. The circle I started in 2015 with my own salon suite, and my subsequent departure has stayed in my mind for years. I have big dreams and goals, and the suite was supposed to be my jumping off point for them. Unfortunately, I got in my own way and none of them happened. I let my negative voice take over and convinced myself I wasn't cut out for ownership, for working by myself, for balancing my life...you name it, I had an excuse. Now, I know better. I know that I'm worth my dreams, and I know that if I set my mind to it I can make them happen. I have so much more knowledge and experience now. So, it's with great excitement I am happy to announce that it's the SUITE LIFE once again for me!! This full circle moment is just a stepping stone to something so much more. Watch me grow.

Growing up "Cancer" was an all too familiar word in our family. My grandfather passed away when I was just two years old from cancer that had ravaged his body. I don't remember much from that time, but I remember family being in and out of the house, him laying in bed, and the one magical time he managed to wake up to eat breakfast with me. It's the sole memory I have of him - laughing and eating and even him teasing my mom a bit. I know my mom adored him, and she was noticeably sad the last days he was alive, and never stopped talking about him throughout my childhood. Years later, I watched as the same fate betook an aunt. At first she fought, going through rounds of treatment. I was still fairly young with this happened, so I don't remember much other than she had to keep candy with her at all times because treatment caused her to develop diabetes. When I was in my young twenties, after years of her battling cancer on and off, she finally gave in and refused any more treatments or surgeries. I remember visiting her in the hospital, her legs swollen to beyond recognition. I remember her talking with the nurses, some of whom she worked with when she was a still a nurse herself. Discussing pain management, listening to music, while I sat quietly on the couch reading or finding anything that would keep my hands busy. I remember when I was 17 my uncle being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor - a glioblastoma - that took his life in a matter of months. I remember my mom sitting me down and telling me she had a rare blood cancer. I remember donating time during cosmetology school to the Look Good, Feel Better cause that helped women in treatment learn how to wear wigs, scarves, and false eyelashes for some semblance of normal. I remember the time I shaved my client's hair, as well as his young son's hair because he wanted to support his dad. I remember the time I cried when one of my favorite clients told me her cancer was back. And I remember the phone call from another client's husband telling me his wife had passed, days later coming in for his own haircut and I could barely cut his hair through the tears in my eyes. It was the last time I saw him; I assume the memory was too painful being in the same place his wife used to come for her own hair needs. It's always been important to me to support cancer research. It's a word that no family should have to hear, and when they do they shouldn't be alone. By now you've probably seen the social media posts, stories, and emails for BeYOUtiful Day. To me, this isn't just a marketing ploy. This is a cause that I feel so deeply in my heart, and it is a day I've been looking forward to participating in for years. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment, a cancer survivor, or wish to donate your hair to the BeYOUtiful Foundation, your haircut is absolutely free during BeYOUtiful Day. All others are welcome to participate with $75 donation haircut. In addition to haircuts, I am also donating 10% of all retail sales 8/18-8/22. Sign up here.

When I first started writing my business plan for Hair Rebel Salon I wanted to ensure that I had something different; my unique motivating factor for getting guests to visit. I also knew it was important to me as a stylist to maintain the best experience for my guests. Earlier this year I enrolled in a Luxury Hair Stylist program with Lo Wheeler, a mega influencer and super successful hair stylist. Through her program I've been able to start streamlining my processes, figure out my brand, and combine my client's wants with my own. Part of the branding was in redesigning my service menu. The "a la carte" model of modern salons has never made sense to me. After all, I am the professional, so shouldn't I be able to do whatever the client needs to make their hair goals a reality?? Why should I have my hands tied with labels? And why should the client have to make the decision on whether or not they want that bond builder for the extra $XX?? To me, it makes sense for my guests to pay for a slot of time and be able to get what they need, at a set price for that time. Enter: All Inclusive Luxury Color Packages. 3 hours, $300, customized just for you. Each package has a different service, depending on the desired result, and each is valued at more than the cost of what it would be if charged a la carte. It makes sense to do it like this, right?? Take a look: Over the next few months you'll likely start to notice some tweaks to the service menu, as well as throughout the salon. This is just the beginning of the journey. I can't wait for you to experience a truly luxurious experience! ReadY to schedule? Head to the Appointments tab above!

When I was about 8 years old I remember learning about the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Specifically, I remember learning that Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed on April 4, 1968; April 4 is also my birthday. It stuck with me. I went home that day, opened my text book, and reread everything from class that day. And I cried. I couldn't believe that someone could be shot dead simply because of what they looked like. It is my first memory of recognizing racism, but at such a young age I was still so far from understanding. As a pre-teen I managed to convince my parents to let me have a television in my room. At some point I came across reruns of "Roots," a miniseries from the 1970s (I think) that depicts slave life. I remember watching in disbelief, horror, sadness, anger, fear, confusion...to name a few. I would watch it whenever it was on, trying to understand how slavery happened, why it happened, why it continued, just trying to find answers. I couldn't understand. As a teenager I dated one of the few black guys in my school. He was a basketball player, I was a cheerleader. It made sense to us. I was met with questions like, "are you still dating that black kid?" and, "why don't you date a white guy?" from those I loved and looked up to on an almost daily basis. Most of the time I replied with a simple, "yes." But it was frustrating. Finally I'd had enough and I pushed back wanting to know why it was such a big deal. The response has stuck with me for many many years. "Black people are trying to take over the world and make everyone look like them," I was told. I was shocked, and hurt deeply by this influential person in my life. But still, I didn't understand. As an adult I've had friends of every color, gender, age, and sexuality. I love that my friends are all unique. I love that we can support each other as humans no matter what. I love that we appreciate each other for who we are as people. But having friends of color is not enough to understand. Five years ago I lived in Baltimore City during the riots as a result of Freddie Gray's death while in police custody. It was the first time the Black Lives Matter movement came onto my radar. At first I was a little surprised. Of course Black Lives Matter....all lives matter, I thought. We are all human. We are all equal. I didn't get it yet. I've spent the last five years taking the blinders off. I've started paying attention, reading, listening, learning, and looking beyond myself. It took time for me to understand what the BLM movement really means. All lives do matter, that's a given, and no one ever said they didn't. But black lives have been targeted, marginalized, and kept suppressed in ways I was never taught. I WAS WRONG five years ago when I didn't get it. I WAS WRONG my entire adult life in thinking I was not racist simply because I didn't "see color." I WAS WRONG every time I heard a racist comment and didn't say something. I WAS WRONG every time I turned a blind eye. I WAS WRONG when I didn't try harder to understand. Over the last two weeks I have cried nearly every single day processing what is happening in our world and just beginning to understand. I don't know that I ever will, but I know I can try. It's okay to admit you are wrong. It's okay to admit you failed. It's okay, as long as you learn and grow and do better. I am committed to being more than just "not racist." It is not enough, it has never been enough. I am so deeply remorseful that I didn't see it before; that I didn't start trying harder sooner. Today, I am actively anti-racist. I still believe all lives matter, but I also understand that Black Lives Matter needs my help to get the rest of the world to view non-white people as truly equal. I understand that major change and reform is necessary to make it happen. It isn't going to be easy. It's going to be uncomfortable. It's going to hurt. But I'm not going to give up. Ever.

I don't drink alcohol. Not because I am an alcoholic, but because I know too many who are. I stopped drinking alcohol the day it almost ruined my relationship with my husband. The day he gave up alcohol was the I day I did, too. And it's been the best decision we've made. Since we have quit, it has opened my eyes to the heavy drinking culture that exists, especially amongst women. Now that you know why I stopped drinking, here are just a few reasons why I continue to make that choice. I don't drink because of each client who has sat in my chair and shared their struggle with alcohol; how it ruined their life, their relationships, their health. I work with predominantly women, and most of my clients are women, too. When I share with them that I don't drink, I open the door for them to share their experiences with me. We talk about the pressure put on us to drink, and how we can change the dialogue. I walk away from each of these conversations with tears in my eyes, grateful for these women who trust me enough to share their stories. I don't drink because I watched my own family fall apart because of alcohol. I watched family, friends, and neighbors would drink every summer night on our front porch. How a beer or glass of wine with dinner turned into two or three or more. How bottles piled up in our recycling bin. I watched as social drinking turned into name calling, throwing things, and screaming matches. I watched as marriage ended in divorce. And I watched as family became an addicted. I don't drink because I don't like the feeling of being sick because of it. I know I am not the only one who has been sick from alcohol, felt the hangover, wretched over the toilet praying that it would soon end. The day I ended up in the hospital for alcohol poisoning wasn't even enough to stop me. I didn't NEED to drink, but I felt like I HAD to because all of my friends did. I didn't want to be left out. I don't drink because it saddens me that we, as mothers, are told we need our "mommy juice" to deal with our children. Being a parent is the hardest thing I've ever done. But it's also the most rewarding. To think that I might miss something wonderful through a cloud of alcoholic haze is enough to keep me sober. I don't drink because I don't believe that it's necessary to have a good time, as marketers will have us believe. I can't even count how many times I've mentioned that I don't drink and heard, "Don't you like to have fun?" Or been left out from invitations because I'm perceived as a "party pooper" or "too conservative." I used to grab just one or two drinks when I went out just because I liked the taste, but now, I don't even want to. And I hate that because I don't, I am judged. Drinking has become so steeped in our culture that we've turned a blind eye to the problems it can cause. If you are one who can enjoy a drink, responsibly, on occasion, then I support your decision. All I ask is that, for those of us who choose not to drink, we are offered the same support and respect in return. I love the evolution of Mocktail Bars, and non-alcoholic mixers. If you see me out and about with a beverage in my hand, you can bet it's one of those. I recently found this blog post, from a woman who is way more eloquent than myself. Worth the read for sure.

When I started doing hair it was long enough ago that social media wasn't even a factor. I handed out business cards at the mall, the bar, and everywhere I went to try to get clients to sit in my chair. Now, there are a multitude of ways to get your name out there as a stylist. And it's not just available, it's a necessity. Over the last two years, I've spent a lot of time and money on educating myself on how to work this new world of branding. Here are just a few of the things I've implemented into my business as a stylist. 1. Perfecting the Layout By this I mean Instagram Layout specifically. The other thing I keep in mind, is that once you choose a layout it doesn't mean you have to stay that way forever! Following the influencers in your industry can help keep you on the forefront of trends when it comes to layout, color schemes, and photography angles. 2. Smart Hashtagging Oh, hashtags.... I remember first getting into these, typing out the # and then just staring blankly at my screen waiting for inspiration to strike. Then, I figured out a formula. I pick two or three words/phrases from the following categories and then hashtag away: What is it? (i.e. #blondebalayage, #dimensionalcolor, #layeredhaircut) Where is my business? (i.e. #blondeinbaltimore, #baltimorehaircolorist, #bestofbaltimore) What repost accounts should I consider? (i.e. #modernsalon, #saloncentric, #wellaprofessional) When I get stuck, or am just looking for more inspiration, I use the TagO'Matic app on my phone, which lets you search which other hashtags people are using. One thing to keep in mind with hashtags - if you're trying to grow your business, be careful of tagging too much. Each time a follower/potential follower clicks a hashtag, it takes them away from your page. Staying between 5-15 hashtags is a good rule of thumb to follow. 3. Cross-promoting You may think I mean cross-promoting with others here, but I actually mean cross promoting yourself! It works like this - in your IG caption, write something about checking out your stories for that day. In your stories (if you're capable), link to your blog or website or latest YouTube/IGTV video. On your Facebook page, share a page or blog post from your website. Just keep redirecting your followers to a different social profile! It may sound silly, but most people use at least two social media accounts, so get them following you everywhere, and provide them with unique content on all of them. 4. Photo Tagging When you're really new on IG, the algorithm can work against you. So how do you beat it? Photo tagging! Each photo you post is allowed up to 20 tags. Who should you tag, you ask? Repost Accounts in your industry. For me, it's the brands that I use (Wella, R+Co, Unite, etc.) People who you think might be interested in your services. Random tagging is a little intimidating, but you can do it smartly by using the search tool ahead of time to scope out some potential customers. Your friends and family! When you're just starting out, they may not even know you have an account, so tag them and get them in on the love. Bloggers and brand influencers. I will say this one can be tricky, as I'm sure they have plenty of people doing this. But, I have had it work in my favor, and even ended up with some as clients in my chair! Photo tagging also has the added benefit of showing up on your friend's IG page almost like a page within a page! If you go look at my page now, you'll see who my social butterflies are who tag me constantly....and I love it!! 5. Share the Love! This one should go without saying, but if all you do is post and expect people to engage in your posts but don't share likes or comments back, then you're doing it wrong. Social media is just that - social. So get out there and do it! That double tap = heart is great, but actually comment on posts. For one, it will make that person you follow aware of who you are, which is great. But it will also make their followers aware of you, which is even better! It expands your visual awareness, so the more you comment, the better visuality you have! I love that I don't have to actually go anywhere to get clients anymore, other than the comfort of my own home. If I want to, I can engage with potential clients a midnight one day, 8am the next, and then 5pm the day after that. It's an amazing tool we have at our disposal, and it can be used to our advantage. If you are a hairstylist or salon professional feeling lost with all this, click over to my academy page and request some social media coaching. I got you!

As the year 2020 began, the only thing I could think about were eyeglasses. Yep, the eye doctor, glasses, contacts, and that never ending strive for 20/20 vision. It was humorous to me, and I couldn't get past it! And then something happened. That word "VISION" started to transform in my mind. No longer was it vision, as in eyesight, it was a more powerful form of vision - the kind that looks forward into the future. As I was reflecting on the past year, I realized that this kind of vision is powerful beyond measure. It goes beyond simply setting goals and planning for your future, but it allows you to actually see it come alive in your mind. I've heard it said that when you can visualize your future, it's more likely that your dreams will come true and your goals will be accomplished. So, what are these visions exactly? For starters, it's teaching in salons again. I mentioned in my last post that I started Hair Rebel Academy in 2019. I have a couple of classes lined up for this year already, and I am so excited to get more! Becoming a true extension specialist. In October last year I became certified in Hand Tied Weft extensions, but I want more. In May I will be attending a master class to be certified in ALL methods of extensions. Growing my business. I spent most of 2019 with hair stylist coach Britt Seva. After finishing the year long program, I made the decision to continue with her alumni program. Instead, I am now training as part of Lo Wheeler's Luxury Hairstylist program. For those who don't know who she is - well, she's a blonding mega star in the hair industry! Her program will not only teach her magical blonding ways, but soooo much more about business and providing the luxury experience that I want to provide to my guests. Working on myself. Last year I started working towards what Rachel Hollis calls her "5 to Thrive" - wake up an hour early and use the time for yourself, drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day, workout at least 30 minutes three times a week, give up one category of food you know you shouldn't eat, and write down 10 things that you're grateful for each day. I've done 2 of the 5 of these so far, and am about half way to 2 others. This is my year to change those habits and make it happen. There will be more... You'll have to stay tuned to see what's going on. I may not have figured it all out yet, but rest assured that I will. My 2020 vision is strong, and that's how I know I will succeed. What's your vision? Share it with me in the comments!!!