As a cosmetologist, many things run through my mind throughout the day of providing cosmetology (hair, skin, and nails) services to my clients. Of all the things I think about the most, hairstyling is not one of them. Nope, I rarely think about styling hair. Nor do I think about skin care, makeup application, nail art or providing soothing pedicures. Why? Well, that is because I honestly am not the greatest at any of those services. Yet, I do put forth a gallant effort to do my best at whatever service I am providing to my clients and they sincerely appreciate my honesty and determination.
So exactly what are they paying me for? Excellence! As a matter of fact, excellence would be what is on my mind as an African American licensed cosmetologist. Excellence in education, training, skill, and creativity are what consumes my thoughts before, during and after work. I also find that excellence is what overcompensates for my lack of creativity as a cosmetologist.
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| Ladosha Wright! |
Prior to becoming a cosmetologist I was a social worker. I had no concept of styling or caring for anyone's hair, skin, and nails; except my own. Which by the way, I never thought any of them looked all that great in the first place. So the thought of having to do it for a living was very scary. I did not understand what was it about my hair that intrigued and caught the eye of so many people of varying races and walks of life. I did eventually begin to do my own little semi study of why people were so intrigued about hair. After about 4 or 5 years of doing my own research, I concluded that poor self-esteem was a contributing factor. The contributing factor to their poor self-esteem was a direct result of self-neglect, physical abuse, mental abuse, self-hatred that stemmed from slavery. And as well as carrying out the acts of enslaving people are what was and still is impacting people's dysfunctional behaviors.
Yes. It appears that 397 years later, slavery continues to have an impact on African Americans perception of themselves as individuals who are worthy of giving major attention to their intentions (whatever they may be).
Upon discovering that heartbreaking reality, I began to look at myself and dissect my behaviors that led to me improving my self-esteem and break what Naim Akabar calls the "psycho-social chains of slavery." I decided to share my own behavior modification practices with the families who I could relate to from personal trials and tribulations.
I shared with the families I serviced as a social worker how I broke those chains by reaping the benefits and beauty of a family. Be it blood relatives or a made up family, I told them how a supportive and responsible family is key to self-esteem. Then I shared with them that exposure in any positive form would also increase self-esteem. In addition, I shared with them the benefits of education in or out of a formal setting is beneficial. Lastly, I shared with them the many benefits of spirituality and spending time with self as great coping mechanisms. I emphasized how spending time with self and on themselves are excellent alternatives to the dysfunctional behaviors that were contributing to their demise. They were so open to trying something new. And the rest they say is history. My approach to social work caught on so fast, that soon my boss was encouraging me to do it for a living!
In the end, I used the concept of caring for hair as the ultimate coping mechanism. I made it my job to demonstrate how coping was excellent and could help lead them to a better life for themselves and their children. Combining the concepts of education and demonstration are the foundation of excellence for the salon that I opened 16 years ago.
It is with excellence that I work. It is excellence that stays on my mind as an African American licensed cosmetologist. I am always mindful of my African heritage. In my opinion, African heritage is excellence. And, "As Africans, we don't see bad in people. We only see the potential to be good." so says Dr. Booker T. Coleman. Thus; that explains and defines my choice in both careers. Love, happiness, and excellence are the motivating force of every aspect in every way that I welcome customers into the salon. I appreciate and adore everyone who enters as they sit in the salon chair and graciously allows me and my colleagues to care for and style their hair.
Thank you for taking the time to allow me into your mind as I share what's on mine. My goal is to inspire, expose and expand the motivating force of all cosmetologists, potential cosmetologists, and interested cosmetologists by sharing, what's on the mind of a professional cosmetologist.
I invite you to ask questions and share my blog.
