I have found myself at a crossroads in job placement in this industry. First off, I am a 33 year old woman with a family. I will graduate in Dec. '06. I would not say that I am great in any area, but I am good in color and perms, a bit weaker in cuts. I understand that school is just a basic education and that I will learn a great deal more when I get out there in the job market. I already have 2 prospects and am not sure which direction to go, the safe and predictable or the more adventurious. I already have a job at SmartStyle (wal-mart) if I want it. I know it is a chop-shop with a heavy turn over, that will build my speed, while giving me a guarenteed paycheck, but will probably be more stifling. I also have an interview for a protege program, where they will pay me to train me for an additional 6 months, before transitioning me into their salon as a junior stylist. Seems to be an easy decision, right? Here is my problem. The second prospect is in an upscale salon, where I am not sure if I would fit in. All their stylists seem so stylish and confident. They seems to have a good mix of edgy stylists and classic stylists. I am a simple girl from the back woods of Louisiana, now living outside Pensacola, Florida. I like living in my small town and enjoy a more laid back lifestyle. I am a bit trendier, or more out there than most of the people here. I absolutely love fashion, hair and avent guarde style. I like the more edgy styles, hair cuts and colors. I watch fashion shows religiously and am always looking for something new to emerge. I guess I am a bit of a paradox. I love my more simple lifestyle, but still want more out of life. I love going to hair show and attending seminars to learn about the newest ideas coming out of the industry. On one hand, I can go with SmartStyle and know what is going to happen, or I can go with this more demanding salon and fear of failure. I guess that is what it boils down to. The fear of going more upscale and not being able to accomplish what they will expect of me. Can anyone give me some advice??

Simi32583

Do you want to be doing the same old $10 dollar haircuts for the all of your career, or do you want to love what you do and be great at it at the same time?
When you go to this up scale salon they will work with you untill you are much more confident than you are now. You have the oppurtunity to learn great things
from great people, so don't be chicken (haha) just stick your neck out there and things will be great. Didn't you say that they will pay you to go through this program for 6 months? There's your answer right there, I promise you will make a great deal more money if you take a risk in the begining, AND be much happier that you did. Im very interested in what your decision will be, so could you keep us posted?!!!!!?


Best Wishes, I'll be praying for you.

Gurl you know what i think u need to bluid ur clients up and then go to a place like that. And i would not be signing a 2 yr. contract. love ya gurl Sasha

The last message was from my best friend, so by that you know I have made a decision. The upscale salon wants me to sign a 2 year contact and I am just not comfortable with that. I didn't feel comfortable when I went in to shadow them and then I found out about the contact it kind of settled it for me. I am still looking at Smart Style and will probably accept the offer they have made. The bonus is that they currently have a large African-American clientle and I have not worked on many African-Americans, so it will be a learning experience for me. I truly believe that hair is hair, no matter skin color, so I want to learn as much as I can. I want to be able to say " yes, I can do your hair" no matter who it is in my chair. I am not very comfortable doing relaxers and curl reformation and hopefully watching and learning from these ladies will help me be more confident in these areas. Thanks to all who reponded. I will let you know how things go.



Simi32583

I think you are limiting yourself, I know you will get a steady paycheck but you will be doing slave labor and not learning too much except doing "12 minute" haircuts........

Break out of the mold and get your butt to that upscale place........ YOU cannot use any talents in a chop-shop.......... all they end up doing in the end is sucking you dry and making you feel like you should leave the industry!!!!!!!

Try the good shop first, and then after an honest go at it and you feel its not for you I am sure there will be many chairs available at the local HACK & WHACKS..................

Love , Peace and Mousse


Me

.......ah excuse me........ but those people that are paying 2.95 for haircuts will NOT be following her to a place that will be charging THE BIG BUCKS.

All of them are going to think...............

Why should I pay $35, $50 or $67 for a haircut when I was gettiing the same for the $2.95


I know / 18 years in the biz!

I understand what you are saying and I thank you for the advice. Even if I do not go to Smart Style, I cannot go to the upscale one. Not only do they want me to sign a 2 yr contract ( and if I should break my contract I would have to pay them back), plus I would have to work 6 days a week, but only get paid for 5 of them. It is quite a drive to get there and with gas prices the way they are, I just cannot afford to drive there 6 days a week. After reading your post I am just wondering where you are seeing a $2.95 haircut?? I know that when my stylist left Smart Style and went to a more advanced salon, I followed her even though the price jumped quite a bit. I din't care about price, I cared about her ability to do my hair. Thanks everyone who posted. I still have not made a definite decision, but I will let ya'll know.


Simi

I'm still in school but i've talked to a few people about what route to go. One person told me that if you are looking for that steady check, then go to Smart Style (i'm choosing that route considering the fucking hurricanes messed me up.) But, considering that you said you didn't feel comfortable, I would keep looking. You wouldn't want to go into a situation that isn't good for you. I wish you luck on your decision.

♥ Sarah!

This will be the last update from me. I passed my state board exam and graduated yesterday. I have decided to go to Smart Style. I start next week. The steady paycheck and the benefits are what really sold me on them. I like the manager and was a student of her mother's during cosmo school. I need that cushion of a steady paycheck, with my 2 kids. While the other places where a bit more upscale, this place is where I will feel at home. Thanks everyone


Simi

Check out JC Penney's. Pay is better than Smart Style, & very similar pay structure. Higher price points, more money for you for less work. Awesome benefits, because they are larger, & more diverse workforce. They are focused on you building a clientelle, & they take appointments! Good Luck!