If you are a hairstylist, then you know about stereotypes. We (hairstylists) are often seen as less-ambitious vagabonds that don't take life seriously. Creative types in general are often judged for being too "free spirited." However, I would argue that a free spirit is better than a repressed one!
For all my creative followers, here are a few stereotypes that will work to your advantage:
Intimidating
Creative people can be viewed as intimidating because they are not afraid to do what they love. They know how to follow their heart and develop a strong work ethic to meet their goals. Their ultimate goal may not equate to the typical 9-5 job, but as a creative individual, I work 24/7! Seriously, I work around the clock, but I absolutely love what I do, so it doesn't feel like work. It is a lifestyle worth living for!
Emotional
We can be regarded as emotional and unsteady. However, isn't being emotional better than being a robot? When you put emotion into your work, you are available to achieve your dreams at a higher standard. Use your emotions to create positive energy around you and put heart & soul into all you do.
Dreamer
We can be seen as dreamers rather than realists. It's so important to keep your dreams on the horizon. Making your dreams a reality is better than settling for less than what you deserve. It is one thing to dream about your goals (& do nothing about them). You have to make a genuine effort to convert those dreams into actuality.
So, readers...
If you're the hairstylist- Forget the stereotypes and continue pursuing your dreams. You are making a difference, and if you are happy, that is what is important. Only you are in charge of your own happiness.
If you're the one in the chair- Allow your hairstylist's creativity to influence you to express yourself throughout your daily routine. Your hairstyle is an important representation of your inner personality--let it highlight your best characteristics!
How do these stereotypes tie to fashion? The fashion industry consists of creative individuals. We focus on the details to make the bigger picture. Stereotypes will hinder you. Don't be afraid to let your creative flag fly! This month ("Fashionable February") I've covered various aspects of fashion from clothes to hair. What I want you to know is that you are a blank canvas and so is your world; pay attention to the minor details, and the world around you will majorly change. Consider the number of creative people in the fashion industry: They have struggled--and I've shared my struggles in previous posts--but they are making dreams come true in their own lives as well as in others.
Be intimidating because it demonstrates confidence, be emotional because it shows you care, and be a dreamer because it proves that you'll never give up.
What stereotypes are you determined to prove wrong?
PLEASE SHARE AND COMMENT BELOW ♡
My responses to three of your "Ask Larisa" questions:
1) Nicole B. asked: "When you first started in a private studio what were some of your favorite ways of building your clientele?”
LL: Social media is the best way to build a clientele! The whole world is on the internet now in days. So post up your work and show the world your talent. Xo
2) Claudia B. asked: "Why aren't you taking new clients?!!! Don't you ever have cancelations?! Love your work! Would love to be a new client !"
LL: I'm not taking new clients due to being booked till 2016, and I need to accommodate to my loyal clients. Yes, I do get cancellations from time to time, but those openings get taken by my loyal clients. Hopefully I'll slowly start booking new clients again soon. Thank you for your patience. Xo
3) Stephanie G. asked: "How do you hold conversations and maintain positive energy when you're with a negative, energy-sucking client who treats each service like a therapy session------you know those clients, who are always talking down on themselves and others and fishing for compliments. I genuinely want to keep them comfortable but sometimes it seems like they WANT to complain! How do you keep the conversation light and positive, and keep the client positive and happy, while also maintaining your own happy, positive energy? Thank you for your time Larisa you are a true inspiration."
LL: You can't expect everyone that will be sitting in your chair to be in the best mood or positive at all times. We are all human with emotions, and at times they have no one else to show them to but to us hairdressers because we have no choice but to listen and sometimes all we need is to listen to them and give them positive feedback and bring positive energy back into their lives. We are not only hairstylists but at times therapists. So make your client happy not only looks wise but emotionally as well. Our job is to create awesome positivity. Good luck. Xo
“People are much deeper than stereotypes. That’s the first place our minds go. Then you get to know them and you hear their stories, and you say, ‘I’d have never guessed.’”