All in a days work.

A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of designing & styling the hair for the wedding party of one of my most loyal clients. I also attended the reception, which was off the hook! (the photo booth was sooo much fun!)
I'm truly honored to play such an important role in someone's most special day. The 7am start doesn't even bother me much! Coffee, champagne, juice & pastries mixed with the excitement of new beginnings and lots of love. Dusted with shimmer & hairspray!
I was styling a bridesmaids hair whom I've known for many years & we got to chatting about her hair color. She has light brown hair naturally, which I was able to see because she was due for a color. She was a pale blonde overall, but had progressive bands of dark blonde & brassiness closer to her root area. I asked if she was going darker with her blonde for the Fall Season. As it turned out, she paid a lot of money to have a stylist at the salon she frequents, create a color that looked no more amazing than you would expect from a box done in your kitchen. I was shocked. As she sat getting her hair pinned and placed with perfection, she shared her story. She had been loyal to her stylist for years. After recently having her first child, she found herself unable to keep her scheduled appointment, cancelled it and put herself on the back burner for a short time. When she was able to squeeze in a moment for herself she called to set up an appointment, but was disappointed to find out from the receptionist that her stylist no longer had room for her in his book because too much time had passed since they had last seen each other. She was recommended to another stylist on the team, and not knowing what to do, graciously accepted the offer & booked her haircolor & cut. Long story short, she showed up for her appointment, got a color that looked like she had done it herself (and I'm being generous), had a trim, though she had asked for a dramatic stacked bob, with not a product used or recommended, out she went with wet unstyled hair (which if she had to pay more money to have had done, she gladly would have).
I had brought it to her attention that she was tri-colored & uneven and let her know that the style I was choosing for her would not draw attention to that imbalance. She had no idea!!! We booked a future visit to straighten out her color & give her the cut & style she wished to have.
Today was her day. The fix was a simple one. I gave her exactly what she wanted. We looked at color swatches. We compared them to the colors in her hair. We picked the one she wanted & I did what needed to be done to create it. It took a little time & effort, but the conversation & the coffee made the time fly by. She told me how she wanted her hair cut & I cut it just that way. I showed her how to style it. Gave get some advice about her flat iron. Recommended some products to help keep her looking great at home & sent her on her way to be the superstar momma that she is! I'll see her again 2 weeks before Christmas & make sure she looks get very best in every Holiday photo she is in!
At the end of the day, I was still left dumbfounded. She asked me why the last stylist didn't notice the bands of color in her hair, but I was able to. I can't see how she didn't. I think the stylist was just hoping that the client didn't notice it. That's where customer service comes in. Integrity. Could you walk away from something, knowing that there was a way for you to make it better, but choosing not to bother to try? At the end of the day, it's just hair. Not true. At the end of the day, it's how that client feels about themselves every day after they spent their time & money with you. Did you make it worth it? Did you exceed their expectations? Did you make their day a better one?
Each and every time I make sure that I do. It's the integrity that makes the world a better place. Whether it's your stylist, your bank teller, the doctor or cashier at the grocery store. Integrity. Make it right, even if they didn't notice it was wrong.
Just a reminder of a very important lesson learned and shared. It's all in a days work.

Future Professional Expo : The Future is So BRIGHT!

May 2012

Once again, Empire Beauty School hosted it's annual Future Professionals Expo in Hershey, Pa. Thousands of Empire Education Group students and staff gathered together for 2 full days of Industry Awesomeness!

This year I was nominated by my peers for the Educator of the Year Award. It is an amazing honor to be chosen to represent my Local Campus, Wyoming Valley. At the awards ceremony, I received Regional Educator of the Year (there were 11 other educators in our Region) and  4th runner-up (or 5th place) National Educator of the Year. It was a weekend I'll never forget. I enjoyed every moment, especially the hard work and determination of our student competitors. They are my inspiration. The emerging talent of our Industry never ceases to amaze me. FPE is truly a one of a kind experience. I am thankful to have been able to take part 3 years in a row! I hope that next year I am as lucky!

Back to normal...

After a few months hiatus, I am back in writing mode! I wish I could say that I had experienced "writer's block", but the exact opposite is true! I am so full of amazing ideas and stories that I desparately need to let out of my mind, most of which came from the super awesome experiences I have had over the past couple months! I traveled, met new people, learned about different aspects of the industry, discovered new products & tools & techniques, OH MY!!!  And now finally, I am experiencing a period of calm, where I can sit and write and share, and relax!
I hope you are ready!

INSPIRED.

It's that time of year.
Springtime in New York. Also known as, International Beauty Show week!
In case you don't already know, allow me to share with you a not so little event that is sooo very necessary to your beauty culture. This event covers absolutely EVERYTHING the world needs to continue to be a prettier place day after day! It is a "For Professionals Only" event. So, you need an Industry license (or currently be enrolled in a cosmetology school) to attend. There are more than 100 educational classes,  including cutting, coloring, make-up, nails and business classes. Industry legends grace the MainStage with brilliantly, creative performances. There are miles of exhibits and in-booth education taking place throughout the day, with thousands of products and tools to enhance your creativity! The event is 3 days in total. And attendees can choose to attend all 3, or 2 or 1, depending on what their schedule allows. I can speak with confidence saying that 1 day is NEVER enough! Sadly, I personally was unable to stay and play for all 3 days, as I would like. But I did make sure to squeeze as much as I possibly could out of my Sunday! Enjoy some highlights from my day!

1st stop : Rhythm of Hair, presented by Woody & Amy Michleb: Master Colorists, International Judges & passionate educators!

Next: A visit with Mr. & Mrs. Empire Beauty School, Frank & Karie Schoeneman

I have the pleasure of spending my days  with  Empire Beauty School, creating opportunities for people to improve their lives = BEST part of my every day!

Trend Forecasts in Scissor & Razor Cutting (one of my faves)

Nick Arrojo : Masters of Beauty : Empire Beauty School

always inspiring. always real. beautiful pixi razor crops, texture, full bangs, asymmetry. truly inspiring collection.

the trend? texture and curl revolution - lead by professional stylists! Be part of the "movement"!!

ARROJO introduced the AMERICAN WAVE SYSTEM:

featuring modern ionic technology the American Wave System is an exclusive professional wave and texture enhancing service that stylists can use to create cascading beachy waves to expanded textures to on-cue curls. Texture for our fashion-forward clientele!

Certification is required to offer this exclusive service!

Nick did NOT stop ALL DAY LONG. Hard worker, for sure!

Martin Parsons shared The Beauty of Long Hair

what can i say : genius

he put together beautiful, elegant updo's in under 15 minutes each. great tips & tricks (love his bobbypin tricks)  Favorite piece of advice from Mr. Parsons  was to inspire clients and other stylists by wearing YOUR hair up! DO IT UP!

Other highlights included;

 : KERATIN COMPLEX  Look & Learn Certification Classes :

:Sassoon Academy Hot Rod Collection, Look & Learn Seminar:

:The Art of Highlighting with Adrienne Rogers of Product Club, Owner of HUSH Salon in Philadelphia and Senior Colorist at Cutler Salon in New York City:

:Get ready for your TV Close-up with Noreen Young, make-up artist:

:Bridal Make-up to Perfection = Pinnacle Cosmetics:

So much to see and do, never enough time! If you are a stylist on the East Coast this is the Main Event for you! West Coast, IBS comes to Las Vegas  in June!

Stay in the know and in the game!

There are many hairshows and educational events taking place all year long, all over the world. Trends and techniques are ever changing! Be on top of your craft, strive to be the best, and learn as much as you can, and clients will search for you! Give the people what they want !

Next up, Fashion Focus , Baltimore MD!  Hope to see my fellow stylists there!

And clients, just WAIT til you get in the chair! Inspiration overload!!!!

Have a great hair day

~ Celina

Bianca, Jessika  & Me

takin a minute to take a pic :)

work in progress

So the seasons are changing and it always causes a burst of self-reflection for me. I don't know why exactly but I feel like maybe it has something to do with an end and a beginning. At some point, someone, somewhere has asked you "where do you want to be in 5 years" and most of the time you can answer with a pretty good idea of what you hope to have accomplished over the course of those years. I truly did not see my present day in my future 5 years ago! I had plans to continue my education with Paul Mitchell and work toward educating for the brand. I can't pinpoint when it happened, but I was totally taken off course and in an entirely different direction, and it has really been one of the biggest blessings in my life! In less than 5 years I went from being a freelance writer and 10 year stylist and salon owner, to a student educator, to a salon level educator, to an educator in training instructor, to a student salon team leader as well as a blogger and editor at large for the hottest new industry magazine, teacher of the year, hair removal specialist, and mentor for new stylists. I love the level of involvement I have within our amazing Industry and thank God every day for allowing me to do what comes so naturally to me for a living. I am just beginning to get my feet wet! I cant wait to see what the next 5 years have in store for me! Thanks for being part of my evolution.

BRAIDED!

braided textures are a must have accessory. and with the soon to be released movie The Hunger Games, Katniss' loose side braid is being featured on every morning show and fashion magazine.

a french braid started at the ear on one side, wrapping low to hang over the shoulder on the opposite side is an exact replica of the silver screen creation.

an over the shoulder, to the side fishtail braid is another great option, and easy to do!

both give a similar look. however, the french braid option is a better choice if you have layers cut into your hair. the intertwining helps to keep the strands locked together.

how to's are abundant on the channells of you-tube. tune in and give it a go! if you find it a little difficult to master on your own, make a reservation with your stylist. ask him or her to give you some instruction on how to recreate the looks at home! ask for product recommendations, too! a little "goo" helps to make a braided style last!

rock it out with jeans and a tshirt or glitz it up for the prom! braided styles are an absolute necessity this season. wear one today!!!

as always, have a great hair day! ~ Celina

Go Big or Go Home!
　
Back again and in full force oversized accessories are everywhere you look!

Handbags, jewelry, belts and hair accessories are getting a super-sized makeover!

A new twist on an existing trend!

Hair clips in oversized proportion!

Not just for grade school fashionistas!

Jumbo barrettes and hair ties are a sure statement. Setting you back about $15 a piece, these accessories take you right into trend and out of the pages of a magazine.

　
Take a cue from Runway fashion. A magnificent puff of textured fabric attached to a band creates an eye-catching centerpiece accenting a demure ensemble. A create-your-own head piece is easily achieved! * Start with a headband or two (get a pack of multiples from your local dollar store). * Visit the fabric or craft store & choose a thick ribbon to wrap your headband in for a stylish finish (use a glue gun to secure). * Choose a fabric and creatively gather together to make a shape (use scissors to detail the shape) * Secure with ribbon or fabric scrap and use glue gun to attach to the headband!
If crafting isn’t in your nature, visit etsy.com and browse the selection of handmade goods. Make contact with a crafter and chances are you can have them create a custom piece to match your favorite outfit!
　
　
　
Accessorizing with oversized hair pieces that can be worn both casual and formal allows for options and what girl doesn’t love options! Wear a statement hairpiece with an elegant evening gown or dressed up jeans.

If working this trend of over-sizing into your style is new to you, start off small and work up to bigger and better accessories. Channel your inner-GAGA and give creative license to the possibilities that are before you! There are many options and various price points. Interesting pieces are easily found in the hair accessory section of drugstores, handmade online forums, such as etsy.com, in department stores, and in designer collections across the globe!

Go big or go home! But always be fabulous!
Have a great hair day! ~ Celina