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I want to be very clear...I have made a TON of really bad decisions especially early on in my career but I have to admit, there were a few decisions I made that I feel proud of and am thanking myself for today.
When it comes to success in the hair industry, its a long term play for me. Many of us take things day by day, but if you love this industry and want to be a part of it for the long haul AND you want to be successful in it, there are a few things that you've got to do. Like, now. And, please know, its never EVER too late. Here are a few things I would encourage you to explore, you're future self just might thank you for it.
1. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
I realized very early on that this industry can take its toll on a persons body. Make sure that you are doing everything that you can to ensure you can last working long hours, standing etc... for many years to come. Early on, I alternated weekly appointments with a great chiropractor and a great massage therapist. One-week Chiro, one-week massage, for years and years, and even today I make sure to take care of my body and work out any kinks or tightness. Because, hello hairdressing! Another necessary and honestly quite underrated thing you can do to take care of your body and survive in the industry is to stretch. Every single day. Stretch your arms, shoulders, back, hips and legs. Stretching helps with alleviating tension and creating space so that your body doesn't tighten up throughout the day. Especially after long days, stretch it out. After 20 years of working behind the chair, I promise you, your body will thank you!
2. DO YOUR TAXES
This is such a huge deal with our industry. I know so many people who will go years without filing, and then file some shady shit, youknowwhatimean?! Listen, HOW you do your taxes is on you, but DO them. If you ever want to buy a house, finance a car ANYTHING at all, you'll need to show returns WITH some income. Putting it off is the worse thing you can do. Speak with an accountant or a CPA and stay on top of your finances so that when tax time comes, you're not panicking. Trust me on this one. Seems small, but this is huge.
3. INVEST IN RETIREMENT
OMG! Anyone else thought they had to do hair until the day they die?! Just me? I always thought HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO SAVE UP ENOUGH MONEY TO RETIRE? I can't! UNTIL...I met with a financial advisor. YOU HAVE OPTIONS guys! There are different types of IRA's you can invest your money in to, tax free, that can grow into a nice little retirement. Do your research and speak with an advisor, usually its free and can help you out BIG time in the long run.
4. STAY GREEN
I have always been so drawn to education. Curiosity and drive led me to stay forever green in the industry. Any new class I could take, I would. Whether it was manufacturer, distributor or independent education, I have always LOVED education. There is always something new to learn, and can be taught to you by the people you may least expect it to. In order to stay relevant, on trend and successful, the key is to stay green. Constantly grow and learn and expand your skillsets. When you're ripe, you rot. When you're green, you grow!
5. TAKE RISKS
Do the things that scare you! Take the risks in your business! Trust yourself! There are so many times that I made moves in my career that were considered risky, or scary. Can I just say that every single time I did, I either learned a great lesson OR enjoyed major rewards! Are you ready to move salons but you're scared? Do it! Want to educate but you're too nervous? DO it! Want to own your own salon? Go for it! Life rewards the risk takers, the movers and the shakers. Like I always tell my son, who is 6, DO IT SCARED! Are there some things that are scary? risky? Sure. Have the courage to do it anyways.
Until next time,
Happy Hair Coloring
-Araz
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