If You're Not Part of the Solution. Then You Are Part of the Problem

Now, exactly what does the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology do with the money?

 

 

 

 

I can recall the day and time in my life when the decision came for me to make the transition from a Social Worker to a Cosmetologist. I was working at Youth Re-Entry. I was complaining about the lack of funding, funding cuts and just plain old craziness that was taking place in the field. I remember thinking, "I can't stand this job because the powers that be just don't care. They are stupid." I don't know, but for some reason a little voice in my head responded, " Well if they are ALL stupid, what does that make you?" I was as perplexed as a baby looking at Aunt Bunny making goo goo faces by my inner me. Then the "ah-ha" response hit me and I didn't like what my inner me said; you guessed it...."stupid too." So then I did what everybody else does when they get in a pickle, I prayed to God. "God what do you want me to do? I don't want to be disgruntled. Forgive me for calling folk stupid and God you know I don't wanna be stupid. So God what do you want me to do. What ever it is. I will do it. I won't complain and I won't call people stupid. Put me where you want me and I will be your faithful servant and do excellent work."

Well as you guessed again, nothing profound happened. No jolt of lightening. No angel in the form of a vagabond giving me a million dollars to improve my non profit career. Nope, just the hot sun burning my forehead as I (Thee Director...lol) cleaned the grounds of our office located right in the heart of the ghetto. So there I continued working in the hot beaming sun picking up debris and flinching at every bug and continued on with my Directorship duties (cleaning up garbage was not in any class I ever took in college). Then "it," you know the answer from God came to me in a balled up piece of paper. Before I picked it up, I asked again, "God just let me know and I will do it." I picked up the balled up newspaper, with a bug crawling out of it of course, and there in big bold black letters, it read; WANT A NEW CAREER? TRY COSMETOLOGY.

Now you know, I looked up in the sky and asked God, "Is this a joke. I can't even do hair!" The rest they say is history.

Now that you have the true story of how I became a Cosmetologist. It is obvious my passion for my career comes from a different drive. I grew up afraid of the comb and I never stepped foot inside a hair salon until I owned one.

Being a cosmetologist is totally awesome. As in any field, industry, profession or line of work there is the good, the bad and the ugly. Our industry is not unique with it's share of issues, problems and challenges to grow and maintain good standing with the public and amongst each other as professionals. Here comes the "but."

But the time has come for change. Change definitely has to start with each individual cosmetologist and salon owner. Change also has to start with the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology. While I don't think and out right Coup d'etat (the sudden overthrow of a government by a usually small group of persons in or previously in positions of authority) is a wise thing to do. I do think a united front is over do for licensed professionals, students and concerned individuals/groups to ban together for the betterment of the cosmetology industry. Like everyone else, I have my own two cents to add about the changes I would like to see and how I would like to help implement change. So again, I too am not unique to wanting to see change and help.

As a kid growing up in the hood, we had a saying. "Talk is cheap." We had another one, "Don't talk about it. Be about it." and my favorite of all came from my daddy, "If you ain't part of the solution. You are part of the problem." If any of what I wrote resonates with you, hits home or made you go, "hmm." Please join myself and Senator Shirley Smith (Ohio District-21) to voice your concerns and share your solutions at the "Speak Out for Beauty" Symposium on Monday, September 12th. The symposium is from 10:00-1:30pm. It will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel at 9801 Carnegie, Cleveland Ohio. Please call 614-466-4857 to R.S.V.P

What else can a sista say?

Image is Everything?

Who's the fairest of them all? Do you really need to ask?

We all know about taking care of business, but do we know about taking care of beauty? Taking care of beauty is not limited to taking care of your hair, skin and nails. It means taking care of the total you; mind, body, spirit and image.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, picture yourself and how you look at this very moment. Look in the mirror. Now begin to write some of the words that would describe the image of yourself one can see right now as you read this article. Is your hair styled the way you like it? Do you have on the attire that reflects your sense of style and fashion? Are your teeth clean, skin exfoliated and are your underwear clean? My Big Momma passed down the mother wit adage of, “Stay ready then you ain’t got to get ready.” In this day and time of “anything goes,” everything does not. In fashion and beauty there is still a sense of decorum, panache and as the French would say, “savior faire” that goes with image; thus keeping you ready.

Image encompasses all of you. Your image determines rather you get in the door or get put out of the door. Make sure your image fits who you say you are. If you are into the medical field look the part of a healthy person. Not limiting yourself to gyms, granola bars, tofu and Birkenstocks, but allowing people to see you with an apple, taking the stairs and drinking water will not hurt.

Attitude and beauty are the same in my line of work. As a cosmetologist we work with some of the most beautiful women and men one eyes could ever see. But many cosmetologists can testify that nothing is more unattractive than a beautiful esthetically person with an ugly attitude. Incorporate an attitude of gratitude about your beauty. Beauty draws people to you. Be responsible with your beauty. Be ready for those compliments. Remember to smile and sincerely say thank you.

Hygiene, we have all heard cleanliness is next to Godliness. Keep yourself clean inside and out. I am one to promote regular bowel movements to rid your body of toxins that helps the blood flow and helps skin glow. Also clean your thoughts of stinking thinking. Think highly of yourself and the outward cleaning is sure to follow. Adding a scent of perfume or oil is sure to resonate with and reflect your inner beauty.

Clothing compliments the total package. So your hair looks nice, your skin is glowing, your health is showing; now accessorizing your package with fashionable clothing that fits what you represent is the cherry on top. Rather your look is casual, urban, eclectic or nerdy; dress according to who you are and the lifestyle you live.

If things in your life are going wrong or if things in your life are going right; create an image that is as unique as you are. Do not limit yourself to one way of looking, thinking and being. Transforming, growing and changing are integral realities of your image as well as life. Remain positive, imaginative and spontaneous to reap the benefits this beautiful experience called life has to offer. Then you will have your own answer to, image is everything?