 My own journey started in a small town with just my ego and a year of cosmetology school under my belt. I had been working as a stylist for about a year before I moved to the ‘big city’ of Vancouver and got busted back to assistant real quick… I had met Billy Wallace, A Vidal Sassoon educator, a strict Scottish teacher/mentor. who didn’t take any crap. I could barely understand what he was saying for the first month or so, and my ego was hurt but I got over it. I also have no regrets. I can tell you that now I'm one of those six figure stylists, the ones who get talked about on instagram? It's me.
One of the biggest lessons I learned from BIlly?... Clean sectioning. If my lines weren’t straight and precise, he’d make me take it all down and start again. At the time, it felt frustrating — but it taught me discipline, focus, and the importance of respecting the foundations of our craft. Looking back, that lesson shaped everything I became as a stylist. So, if you’re standing behind the chair for the first time, feeling nervous, excited, and maybe a little unsure — know this: every stylist you admire started out as a “baby hairdresser” too. And the way you approach these early days will set the tone for the career you create. Here’s 8 mini lessons that I think are super important, right from the very beginning: 1. Respect the Basics Don’t rush through the foundations. Clean sectioning, a proper consultation, holding your comb correctly — these may feel simple, but they separate a good stylist from a great one. Mastery starts with discipline in the details. 2. Posture Matters — Yours and Your Client’s Stand tall, relax your shoulders, and adjust your client’s chair so you’re not hunching or twisting. Protect your back and hands from the start, because this career is physically demanding. At the same time, make sure your client is sitting comfortably, straight and supported. No Crossed legs…crooked spines means crooked lines. 3. Listen More Than You Talk Clients may come for the cut or color, but they stay because of how you make them feel. Listen carefully, repeat back what you’ve heard, and check in throughout the service. Great communication builds trust faster than any trendy balayage technique. 4. Don’t Chase Perfection — Chase Progress You won’t get it right every single time, and that’s okay. Each head of hair is a chance to grow. Focus on learning, improving, and saying, “I’ll get better every day.” Perfection comes with time and practice. 5. Invest in Education The industry evolves quickly. Stay curious. Take classes, watch tutorials, ask questions. Education is your fuel for growth, and it will set you apart from stylists who stop learning once they graduate. 6. Take Care of Yourself This is a physical, demanding career. Wear good shoes. Stay hydrated. Protect your back and hands. Burnout is real, but so is longevity when you prioritize your health. Set boundries…this is probably one of the hardest lessons, and I'm still practising it today. Clients will test you and some might even try to bully you. Keep it professional, if they want something you know won't work for their hair or their lifestyle. Tell them - be kind but firm. 7. The Power of Presence Show up early. Be prepared. Be present. Energy is contagious, and when clients feel your present, knowing that the time they have booked with you is about them, they’ll remember you — and they’ll rebook. Your presence behind the chair is just as important as your technical skill. 8. Remember Why You Started At the end of the day, hairdressing isn’t just about hair. It’s about people. You’re giving confidence, joy, and sometimes even healing. That’s a gift — never forget it. Final Thoughts - One day, you’ll look back at these early, nerve-wracking days and smile. You’ll realize you’re no longer the “baby hairdresser” — you’re the mentor, the role model, the one guiding someone else through their first shaky haircut. And trust me — that moment will feel even better than your first perfect bob cut. Stay humble, stay curious, and keep moving forward. Your career is just beginning, and it’s going to be beautiful.
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 When you visit a salon or spa, you deserve more than just a service—you deserve an experience that feels personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Behind every appointment, true professionals follow principles that shape how we serve you. Here’s a peek into what happens behind the scenes to ensure you always feel valued and cared for.
1. We Focus on Clarity—About You. Every great experience starts with understanding. We take time to get clear on what you want, how you want to feel, and what will make you happy—because it’s not just about hair or skin, it’s about you. 2. We Stay Business-Savvy So We Can Serve You Better It’s important for us to keep learning and mastering new skills—not just creatively, but in how we run our business. This ensures we’re always improving, innovating, and offering you the best experience possible. 3. We Don’t “Sell”—We Offer Solutions We believe that offering you a product or service should feel as natural as offering a cup of coffee. If we recommend something, it’s because we genuinely believe it will enhance your results or your daily life. 4. We’re Not Just Offering Haircuts or Facials—We’re giving you Confidence and Experiences When you book with us, you’re investing in how you want to feel. Our goal is to create experiences that leave you feeling refreshed, confident, and cared for—not just styled or pampered. 5. We Encourage Pre-Booking So You’re Always Looked After We aim to make it easy for you to stay on top of your self-care. That’s why we encourage booking your next appointment before you leave—so you’re never scrambling for a last-minute spot and always feel your best. 6. We Rely on Relationships, Not Just Advertising Our best clients come from referrals—from people like you who trust us enough to recommend us to friends and family. That’s why we pour our energy into building real relationships and giving you service worth talking about. 7. We Treat Ourselves as a Brand—Because Every Detail Matters Everything we do, from the way we greet you to the products we use, is intentional. We know every interaction creates an impression, and we want yours to be exceptional. 8. We Aim to Inspire and Add Value Every Visit Your time is valuable, so we make sure every visit feels worthwhile. Whether it’s tips for at-home care, new service options, or simply a positive conversation, we want you to leave with more than you expected. 9. We Challenge Limiting Beliefs—Ours and Yours Whether it’s about a style you think you can’t pull off, or habits you think you can’t change, we love helping clients see new possibilities. Growth is a two-way street, and we’re here to support yours. 10. We Push Ourselves to Grow—So You Get Fresh Ideas and Energy Stepping out of our comfort zones keeps us creative and energized. When we grow, you benefit—whether it’s through new techniques, services, or a renewed passion for what we do. Final Thought: When you choose to visit us, you’re not just booking an appointment—you’re investing in an experience crafted with purpose, passion, and professionalism. These are the principles that guide us, every single day |
AuthorLouisa Vukovic MA, RSE stylist, writer and salon expert with over 30yrs in the beauty bussiness Archives
November 2025
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