Bio Image from WhittemoreHouseSalon.com

This week marks one month at my new job, so I thought I’d talk about what motivated me to change.

When Piper Jane was 5 months old, Jake started suggesting I look for a part time job. I was feeling a little depressed and isolated in my world of the NICU and postpartum, and he thought it would be a good way for me to get out and shake off some of my depression. I had worked in NYC salons and I knew how crazy the industry is here, and I just didn’t think I’d be able to find a place that would be ok with my situation. At the time, it really wasn’t uncommon for Piper Jane to have dangerous episodes, and I knew I’d be a pain to my future boss. So I wandered the Upper West Side looking for small salons that would be more likely to hire me even though I had a million demands, and I surprisingly found something quickly. It was never my ideal location, price range or atmosphere, but it gave me the freedom that I needed to be there for Piper Jane. I picked my own schedule and I was never given any grief if I was out for anything Piper related. Again, it wasn’t my ideal place, but it worked for me at the time.

I never really planned to stay there very long, because I really thought Piper Jane would come home eventually. I never would have guessed I’d stay there for over three years. I started to feel too comfortable there. I started to feel like I was losing inspiration. I started to miss having co-workers my own age that I would want to chat with or go out for a tea. I started feeling a little trapped in a situation that would always be mediocre. Most importantly, there were often things that my former boss would do that would make me and my clients feel uncomfortable. I really did not want to work in an unprofessional environment any more, and with Pip being so healthy and happy, it seemed like the right time to change.

I got really nervous about looking for a job. I wondered how I would ever explain my family situation. A hairstylist not willing to work weekends is basically unhirable to most places. I really feel very lucky to have found such a great salon to work at. I had an interview, an audition where I brought in two models and a second interview after that where I finally told them the tricky schedule I needed and why. I almost covered my eyes because I was sure they would laugh at me, but instead the owners and manager looked at each other, thought about it, and suggested a different schedule that would work perfectly for me. It has been really hard to switch, but I have never felt like it wasn’t right. I didn’t feel sad at all to leave my old salon, and I am really so incredibly happy with the new place. I feel the professionalism, the creativity, the challange and the inspiration that was all held back before. What a blessing and relief.

Thanks to my loyal clients who have followed me, and for all the support throughout the big change!

PS. The hair industry is incredibly competetive and difficult to become successful in. I seriously do not recommend going into the business unless you are completely in love with hair. You would never believe it, I swear! Good thing it’s basically the most fun job ever because it would never be worth it otherwise.