Career

Do you LOVE your job? You’re in charge of that, too.

I’d like to introduce you to my beautiful friend Lauren. Lauren inspires me because she walked away from a job she’d been in for over 20 years to pursue an entirely different dream, in a different field, acquiring a brand new education and ending up as an entrepreneur rather than an employee. And here’s the thing: the job she walked away from wasn’t an awful job. I know, because that’s how I met her – we worked together. In fact, I still enjoy working there. Lauren wanted something different, and in spite of any fear or doubt, she left behind something steady, “safe” and not at all terrible, made a big leap toward joy, and got there. If she has a “hell yeah” calendar, I bet going to work every day is on it.

laurenWhat was the big change you made?

I quit a job I had been at for twenty-plus years to be a full time student to become a cosmetologist.

What led you to make this change?

It was time to move on and do something I knew I’d be passionate about the rest of my working years.

What was the most challenging aspect of making this change?

Getting over being scared to go back to school after thirty years and leaving a job of twenty-plus years. Being in my late 40’s I was concerned that I would not fit in with the majority of the younger students. Not only did I make some great friends, but I  was able to communicate with and respect the instructors on a different level than I  would have 30 years prior!

How long did it take you to get from where you were to where you wanted to be?

I’m still building my clientele after being in a salon for almost a year and prior to that, the cosmetology program was fourteen months.

What turned out the way you expected?
That I’d be in a perfect salon with a great owner and fellow stylists.

What didn’t?
I can’t say anything hasn’t turned out. From the time I made the decision to pursue this career everything has fallen into place.

What is the most rewarding thing about all of it?
How good I feel when I’m doing hair and seeing people are happy because of what I did.

What challenges do you face now?
Building my clientele.

What would you have done differently if you had known what you know now?
Honestly, not a thing.

What’s next?
Continuing education and making people feel beautiful!

How can you be reached by people needing your fabulous service?
Being an independent stylist, I can be reached on my cell at 209.869.4954 to book an appointment.
I’m in a salon in Meridian, Idaho called Urban Roots Salon
4795 N. Summit Way, between Linder and Meridian Roads, off of McMillian Rd.

career

Posted by Tracy in Career, Do it now

Permission

permission

 

You don’t need someone else’s. You have yours, right?

Get your hand out of the air and onto whatever wonderful creation you’re thinking about. Maybe it won’t work. Maybe nobody will like it. So what? Maybe it will be the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen. Most likely it will at least be a great first step toward something even better. How will you ever know if you don’t do it?

I have a hard time with this one sometimes. Giving myself permission. I’m pretty good at a lot of creative-type things, and yet it’s SO HARD to just smile and take a compliment. I have a great horror of the thought that people might think I’m stuck-up. And I’m afraid to stand up and shine because other people might feel bad if they’re not being as shiny at the moment.

I cringe at how incredibly silly and self-absorbed that sounds. I don’t feel bad when other people are awesome. I feel pretty great about it, actually. And I don’t think people are conceited just because they know what they’re good at. Actually, it’s WAY MORE CONCEITED to hold yourself down for fear of outshining other people. Why not give everyone else the same credit? We all get to be shiny. We’re all good at different things, and we are ALL powerfully creative even if some of us don’t always realize it. The more we let ourselves shine, grow, and excel, the happier the world becomes.

So say it with me, my lovely: Today, I am allowed to shine. Today, if someone compliments something I’ve done, I’ll share in the delight. With a huge, goofy grin on my face, I’ll hug her and say “I know, right?”  Today, nobody needs me to be small.

Posted by Tracy in Career, Do it now, Mindset