re - NEW YEAR - 2013

Re-NEW Year.  Do you see what I did there?  2013 is THE year to renew! Back to basics. I know, I know, you're thinking resolutions, shmesolutions.  Reality is, most people don't even make New Year resolutions anymore. And so what? It's not about a resolve, it's more about reflection! Take a look at yourself, your work, your style, your business, your health, your family. Every day. Not just because it's January. A friend of mine said it perfectly when she asked, "Doesn't every day deserve the same excitement as New Year's Day?" ABSOLUTELY!

That's what this first blog of 2013 is designed to do! Jump start that renewal process! 
We are in the business of Beauty. Every day there is something new and exciting to discover & explore. Technology advances at lightning speed, products and techniques are developed, discovered, diluted and discarded within a matter of minutes. But the basics are what holds true. The foundations that were proven to sustain are what we sometimes fail to focus on and then we wonder why we fall off track.

I think GOAL SETTING  is a GREAT place to start!  When you have a plan put in place that makes sense you will have little trouble reaching your goals. And if you fall off track, at least you'll know exactly where to pick up where you left off. Without goal setting, you're basically just winging it. And I don't know about you, but I've got a bit of a control freak streak! I like to know exactly when I'll be able to purchase my next pair of ridiculously expensive, impractical, yet superbly stylish pair of stilletto's that I'll never actually wear. And without a plan I'm just leaving that up to chance!
Allow me to assist you in achieving your dreams! Follow these simple rules to get your Goals in place. Then watch as the magic unfolds!

BE SMART! S-M-A-R-T  / S-M-A-R-T-E-R  These mneumonic terms first appeared in the early 1980's in business management and have withstood the test of time. It's a popular arrangement of strategies used in goal-setting, as described below.

s - Specific. BE SPECIFIC. This in not the time to be vague! Instead of saying "My goal is to  be a better Hair Colorist in 2013", which is quite vague, be more clear by saying "My goal is to attend 5 Master Colorist Classes this year to become a Certified Master Colorist" See the specifics there? Define your specific by asking if the goal answers the questions that begin with the letter "W"  Who, What, Where, When, Why, Which.

M - Measurable. How will you measure your progress? If a method to determine if you are moving toward your goal is not in place, you may very well end up giving up just moments before attaining your goal! Very common mistake! So if your Goal, specifically, is to Attend 5 Master Colorist Classes to become a Certified Master Colorist, then you know that when you are at class number 4 that you only have one more to complete before your goal is achieved! That's measurable!

*Did you know that goal achievement INCREASES our Self-Esteem? Setting goals not ONLY moves you forward but it gives you confidence! A goal oriented, confident stylist is a SUCCESSFUL Stylist! *

A - Attainable. In order for a goal to be achieved, it must be attainable and realistic.  Ask yourself  "How can this goal be accomplished?"  Can 5 Master Colorist Classes get you Certified? Or will certification require even more training? An attainable goal might make you consider previously overlooked opportunities to bring you closer to the achievement of your goals. Be open to those possibilities! And remember when you set a goal, you are likely going to stretch yourself to achieve it. If it were simple to achieve, setting the goal wouldn't be necessary in the first place, right? So don't expect a walk in the park!

R - Relevant. Choose goals that matter!  A goal that supports or is in alignment with other goals would be considered a relevant goal. If you are working to improve your professional business,setting a goal such as making 50 Nutella & Banana sandwiches by noon, is definitely NOT a relevant goal even though it is Specific, Measurable & Attainable.

T -Time sensitive! Ground your goal by giving it a time frame or target date. When you commit to a time period it allows you to stay on track when life happens! Rarely is a path to goal reaching paved with pansies! There's bound to be some poison oak along the way, something that throws you for a loop and sets you off course. Knowing that time is of the essence with give you that urgency to re-group and re-commit.

* Why stop at SMART when you can be SMARTER! READ ON!

E - Evaluate. How's your plan working for you? Are you on track? How did you overcome your obstacles? How much further do you have to go?

R - Re-evaluate. Are you ahead of the game or have you fallen behind? Do you have any unexpected events that you need to prepare for? Should you reach out for help to achieve your goals? Do you need some extra support as you navigate through reaching your goal?

S - SUCCESS! There it is! You set a goal, charted your course, survived the storms and reached your destination of BLISS and doesn't it feel good!!!! There it is! That increased self-esteem and it comes with a bonus called confidence, which inevitably convinces you that this goal-setting thing is easy once you get the ball rolling. So, before you know it you're on to your NEXT goal and you are achieving the success you so very much deserve for all your hard work!

Stay tuned for next week's topic! The focus will continue on with getting back to basics for 2013 in the business of Beauty!

Till then! ~ Celina   HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Seasons Change

To everything turn, turn, turn. There is a season.

It's funny how, when you take the time to pay attention, you realize that the forces that be are working on your behalf, and the truth is, you have very little control over what each day will bring.
I've seen myself, (more than once) set out on a path - not because I wanted to, but because in order to do what it was that I wanted to do, I first had to do something else. That path (those paths) led me in the right direction, but in every occurrence, slightly veered into another direction. One that I definitely needed to go in, that I wasn't even aware of. These detours are meant to be. The are unplanned opportunities for growth. They are necessary lessons you must learn to be better prepared to reach your ultimate goal. And they are placed in your plan without you knowing or expecting. When your ultimate goal is finally within reach (after a longer path than you had anticipated) you approach it with the required wisdom to succeed.
And there it is. Success. At your feet. The secret is really no secret at all. It requires no more than the awareness that is consciousness. See the doors open. Step through to the other side. Open your mind. Open your eyes. Look to the positivity of each experience. Do not dwell on the failures, but celebrate each success. For failures are not failures at all, but signs to move toward a more prosperous road.
As seasons change, so does our purposes in life. And yes, there's more than one great thing we are meant to achieve in our lives. There are many moments. Insignificant to some, significant to another.
But each moment is there for us to take what we need and go forward. A gift. Treat it as such. And roll with it.

The seasons are changing. Everything I needed to do to prepare me for this very moment has been done, or this moment could not be. The clarity of tomorrow fills me with excitement and I know I'm ready for it!

Seasons change. People change.

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.