Well, guys, today marks my last day at Bristles and Shears. After eight and a half years, I’m embarking on my own adventures. My incredibly generous, happy and amazing boss, Dianne… *sigh*- *choke up* -*regroup* Words cannot describe my loyalty to her. Sadly, this past December she was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and had to make the decision to go into early retirement and focus on her health. Understandably, Dianne sold the salon to new owners.
*Pursing my lips to avoid saying too much. Square Piece is a happy place.*
Uhhh, let’s just say that their model… is… not… working. Trust me. It’s like witnessing the Titanic sink in the form of a salon. It’ll be at the bottom of the ocean next week.
So, long story short, I’ve reached out to all the right people to pursue my options (lawyers, accountants, bookkeepers, business experts, my HUSBAND, family, etc). We’re beginning to renovate our garage into a hair studio, Glass Door Salon (thanks to your overwhelming, “hypothetical” input). The existing garage door actually will be swapped out for an entirely obscure glass door, providing privacy and complete natural light (along with the eight other windows that currently exist there).
There’s room for two stations, a shampoo bowl, a back room for mixing color, a heated dryer station, a reception area & waiting area. It’s going to take a few months to entirely transition to the garage, but I’ve decided to operate out of my kitchen in the meantime for a few reasons:
- My utmost priority is to continue caring for my clients and part of that means to protect them from the stress and discomfort of experiencing the new environment at Bristles and Shears. It’s like a ghost town, depressing and eerie. I believe that while my kitchen might not have as many perceived luxuries, my capacity to create a nice experience is now greater from my home than from the salon.
- When clients come to my house, they’ll get to witness the garage transformation with their own eyes. This is not a pie-in-the-sky dream. I’m not stringing anyone along. This. Is. Happening.
- And I need to get Corinne out of there.
Wait… Who’s Corinne?
Great question. Personally, one of the most exciting aspects of this new journey is that I’ll be getting to mentor a licensed hairstylist and grow her into a true, confident, thoughtful and skilled hair artist. She’s been let down by empty promises in other establishments and now she’s taking a huge leap of faith following me into the promises of a garage renovation. (Just imagine how that must sound to her family!) She’s gonna be my righthand girl, helping with my schedule, my shampoos, my organization and sanity during this transition; and I’m going to pour all of my knowledge and experience into her, training her to be just as sure behind the chair as I am. I’ve always known that if I wasn’t a stylist, I have a heart for teaching. This seriously combines two of my greatest loves and I could NOT be more thrilled! Corinne reminds me a lot of myself ten years ago. There’s a lot of potential there.
If you guys wouldn’t mind, take a minute to encourage Corinne on this pivotal decision she’s made to follow me into my kitchen, into my garage and into… well… infinity and BEYOND! *giggle*
The existing schedule or hair appointments from April through August is not changing. I’ve got it, I’ve got client phone numbers, I’ve got formulas. We’re literally lifting the whole thing out and plopping it right back down into my home to avoid making anyone else have to inconvenience themselves by shuffling appointments around. If you’re on my books, you will be hearing from me. Today is the last day to call the salon and make any changes (and I’ll take those changes with me). Otherwise, if you need to be in touch… *holding my breath now* …you can email glassdoorsalon@gmail.com.
Here. We. Grow.
I am sooooooo happy for you!
You GO GIRL!! (For lack of a more dignified exclamation, haha). Suzy you are so brave for taking this leap but if anyone could do it, and I mean anyone, it’s you! With your brilliance for planning, organizing, forethought, and, well lets just say it, magician like powers wielding a pair of scissors, you will absolutely be successful in this new venture. And, if all of your other clients are like me (which I believe they are with 100% certainty because you are so amazing), we’ll be right there with you. Here we come, glass door salon! Although I did like Suzy’s shears. Haha. And now, depending on how you do things, we may be able to meet good ol’ Benny Boo!!!
*whooping it up in the cheering section*
I’m looking forward to helping you on this amazing adventure. Praying for a smooth road and for abounding grace to cover your transition and transformation.
Hugs/love
Praying for you through this transition. My mom said home renovations take more time, more money, and a very strong imagination. I can only imagine adding on a new business venture will be stressful, yet still exciting.
This sounds amazing!
Congrats! That’s awesome. My step mother in law has a garage hair studio but she just does it on the side.
Once the garage is done what will your rates and hours be?
I know you can do it. If there is anyone on this planet that can do this and make it all work for your family too it is you!!! You know you have my family’s support. We will follow you wherever you go! We love you!We are praying for you as you make this transition.
I am with you ALL the way! I know you and you can and will make it happen big time! Sometimes blessings come in the midst of disappointment and even tragedy. This is sure to be one of those blessings you will look back upon. Yes, we are praying for you……I look forward to hearing from you.
I’m so pleased that this is going to work out for you! Also, very thankful that I do not need to find a new hair stylist during the transition. As for Corrine…..you are in good hands, my dear! Breath deeply and take comfort an know that you are in the hands of a dedicated, honest, hard working and blessed mentor!
How exciting for you!! You will do great! 🙂
What a great opportunity! Corrine I believe you are in good hands!
I pray patience for everyone involved as you step into the world of renovations!
So, so very excited for you!
I’m so happy you are out of the dark space I visited Tuesday. Was genuinely worried about your psyche. If I was depressed for the rest of the day, what could you be feeling! Welcome to peace and light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck my darling. I know you have the faith to see this to a simply great conclusion. Corinne, never waiver. You are in charmed hands. ❤
first off–prayers going out for Dianne–that she will provided with whatever she needs, physically and spiritually, to get through this time
and as for you? CONGRATULATIONS!!!
your clients will be so blessed to be able to come to your home and be cared for as only you can care for them
praying that God use this new venture of yours to further His kingdom and bless you, Corinne, your clients (new and old) and whoever else is touched by it
Wooooooooo!!!!!!! Awesome!!! Count me in! And Gilles, and Mom too!!!!
Praying for you, Diane and Corinne
Your Great Grandparents would be proud of you. Since I have moved around a lot I know how trying it can be to have someone who can please me in the hair department and then have them leave. Your clients are lucky to have you caring for them.
I’m super excited for you! Oh and we definitely need to get you some new business cards because I just handed out an old one from the salon to one of Rachael’s regulars last night. I jotted your number on the back though. Told her about your new changes coming up. She’s got hair down to her waist and may donate it when she turns 4o. 🙂
Corinne, I’m looking forward to meeting you Monday! I know that the Lord will bless you and Sue in her endeavors and it’s going to come together wonderfully.
Congratulations to all of you on this new venture!
You are going to be very, very successful and I cannot tell you how happy I am for you!
I was worried about new ownership. I loved going to Bristles. It had such a positive atmosphere. I just made an appointment with you for June 3 at 4:15 PM. I think I’ll be coming to your new location, right?
Emily N. just filled me in. Sorry to hear about all of this stress… I’ll wait to hear from you as I know you are probably very busy handling all of the changes right now.
I’m so excited about this! I figured all of the ‘teaser’ posts had to do with the conversation we’d had when I saw you last, and I’m glad it’s all working out!
Corinne – I’m sure this will be a great opportunity for you. You are in great hands. If Suzy asked me to meet her at a bus stop for my haircut, I would just ask her which one 🙂
Amazing!! Congratulations!
I am SOOOO excited for you and Corrine! What a fantastic opportunity! I am praying for a smooth transition. I will definitely not forgot to make my next appointment–I will be too curious! 🙂
whoot!! whoot. congrats, you deserve your own place anyway! Corrine this is one awesome girl so hang on tight and absorb all you can. Brian. dear brian. you are a wonderful man and stop holding your breath. and breathe. 1…2…3.. wow cool neat
I am so, so happy for you as you make this transition! You are such an encouragement to me. I’ll be praying.
“Here We Grow’? Kind of LOVE that name for a new salon! I might need to drive from Ohio to support your new venture. Or maybe not because you are amazing at what you do. I pray for only the best for you and Diane.
Sooo very excited for you! Hopefully your stress levels will decrease in the next few months once everything is straightened out.. Congrats!!
SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!! Next time I need something done, I’m calling! 🙂
Clapping!!!! Good for you! Yes the titanic is the best way to describe what I witnessed… I am so proud of you,for going out there and doing your own thing. About time! You are going to do great I know it! Hugs.
Thank you. It definitely did not feel the same. Looking forward to following you on your next adventure.
That’s awesome news!! So happy for you. Congratulations!!
So excited for you!
Will you be taking back former clients?
Absolutely.
Your heart and mind must be swirling right now with all sorts of emotions…both positive and negative. A huge adventure awaits and I am thrilled to be a part of it. (I can’t tell you how psyched I am to be back as your client. I’ve missed our chats and your hair magic.)
I could write pages, but instead, I will leave you with two verses: Philippians 4: 8 (my favorite as well!!) and Romans 8: 28.
Hugs
a very exciting leap! praying you land this
strong and run for miles and miles and miles.
The varndells r not theoretical we’re committed customers – we’re unanimous that we gave no doubt you’ll do great & make Diane very proud !
Oh my goodness, Suzy! I’m thrilled for you! I’ve got an apt with you in 10 days…I’ll plan to see you in your garage! How exciting! This will be fantastic for your family!
I’m happy for you. When you did that post about names for a salon, I thought you might be opening your own place, but didn’t know the specifics. Life is too short to be miserable, so I’m over the moon for you and will pray hard for you and this opportunity. Hopefully, once I transition from teaching to accounting, I’ll be able to move back home.
I have an appointment the last Friday of July. I will also be home Wednesday – Saturday this week, but don’t have an appointment. If you have a moment, I would love to come by and see the plans.
Also, my mom wants to know if you have time for a cut and style Thursday or Friday.
How did I not see this yesterday?! Hurray and I love the name and I’m so glad it’s happening and it’s so awesome and you’re so awesome and I wish I lived close to you to get to be in your kitchen and then your garage but will experience it via the wonders of FB. I’m so excited. So excited. Love you and so very happy for you! God is good all the time and this is just one way that His face is totally shining down on you as you take a HUGE leap. EEK. Ok. Done. Love you.
Suzanna and Corinne – I am SOOO excited for you! I can’t wait to see the new renovations!! I just KNOW it is going to be successful – just a feeling I have. I know Suzanna’s faith is as strong as her work ethic! I am praying for God to pave the way for you! Blessings for your new path!
YAY!!! Congratulations on your decision to “cut” your association with B&S. By the way, when can I make an appointment??
I pulled up yesterday for my appointment and was shocked. Thank goodness I found your blog. I am so very sad to hear about Dianne. Her laugh was so honest and could brighten up any room. She always made me smile. Please let me know when you are ready, and I will happily trek out to where you are. All the best on your new salon and short commute!
Hi Suzanna,
Best luck to you in opening your new salon!! I know you will do very well and all your clients will follow you to continue having great hair cuts done by you!! 🙂
I’ve just sent you an email on the email address you’ve provided: glassdoorsalon@gmail.com.
I’m anxiously awaiting your reply or call to get my hair appointment since on May 16 when I came to Bristles and Shears the door was just closed… 🙁
Best Regards,
Dorothy