I just came across this article as I was going through stuff on my computer.
I wrote it back in 2011 for a Uspa publication geared towards other salon & spa professionals with a holistic approach.
I grew up on a small family farm in Massachusetts and after getting my degree in Fine Art I moved to the big city of Boston to pursue Beauty School. I ended up working at a high-end salon on Newbury Street in an upscale area of the city. After two years of being immersed in such a fast paced, over-stimulating environment; I felt burnt out and disconnected. I decided to head to the west coast, in search of a more fitting lifestyle. During my six months hiatus of adventure and travel, I began to connect with like-minded people and started to recognize the gift of presence. I was discovering a new way of being. Slowing down and being in the present moment. Living with intention. It felt so right. Eventually, after a series of synchronistic events, I ended up in the very green magical land of Olympia, Washington - I was Home.
This community of about 40,000 has and continues to inspire me and support me through the ever-unfolding journey of the Beauty Temple. When I was new to Olympia I began discovering and experimenting with things like aromatherapy, energy work, the energetic properties of stones, visualization, and the power of intention. As I stepped back into the beauty industry, these new found allies became interwoven into my work as a hairdresser and esthetitian. I began making and using my own aromatherapy misters on my clients. I offered them a piece of rose quartz to hold onto during their treatment in order to help them feel more calm and relaxed. I also began each haircut with a scalp massage during which I encouraged them to set an intention for what they’d like to release through the haircut.
It’s been 7 years since the Beauty Temple was born and I now see clearly the effect that these intentional rituals have on both my clients and myself. Incorporating rituals into a clients experience creates a sense of stepping into a different space and time – a break from our busy lives. Incorporating an opportunity to set intentions can really bring the two of you more fully into the present moment. It can be as simple as inviting them to come up with a word of the day for themselves, having them pick an inspirational word card and reflect what it means to them, or even visualizing the water washing away what no longer serves them while getting their hair washed. The possibilities are infinite. How do you know if clients are open and will be receptive to this kind of suggestion? I would say that we each cater to our own unique group of clientele and should have a basic understanding of their personalities. I would suggest starting small and getting yourself comfortable. Some people are not receptive to these types of suggestions and for some people it will be just the thing that sets you apart from other salons and spas. It can become less about the actual treatment and more about the overall experience.
I am passionate about offering holistic and earth friendly salon and spa services to my clients. They appreciate the unique and intimate experience they have each time they visit the Beauty Temple. I believe the product line we as professionals choose to offer our clients says a lot about our business and us as individuals as well. For me, teaming up with Uspa has been extremely synergistic and beneficial. The actual products themselves are really just the tip of the iceberg. I am grateful for all the intention that goes into this company - the thoroughness and thoughtfulness that goes into everything from where each ingredient is sourced, to the materials that are presented at classes. I am grateful for the Uspa techniques and rituals that mesh so nicely with my pre-existing ones. Uspa at large really completes the whole Beauty Temple experience and continues to keep me engaged and inspired so that I can continue to make a positive impact in the world with the work that I do.
I wrote it back in 2011 for a Uspa publication geared towards other salon & spa professionals with a holistic approach.
I grew up on a small family farm in Massachusetts and after getting my degree in Fine Art I moved to the big city of Boston to pursue Beauty School. I ended up working at a high-end salon on Newbury Street in an upscale area of the city. After two years of being immersed in such a fast paced, over-stimulating environment; I felt burnt out and disconnected. I decided to head to the west coast, in search of a more fitting lifestyle. During my six months hiatus of adventure and travel, I began to connect with like-minded people and started to recognize the gift of presence. I was discovering a new way of being. Slowing down and being in the present moment. Living with intention. It felt so right. Eventually, after a series of synchronistic events, I ended up in the very green magical land of Olympia, Washington - I was Home.
This community of about 40,000 has and continues to inspire me and support me through the ever-unfolding journey of the Beauty Temple. When I was new to Olympia I began discovering and experimenting with things like aromatherapy, energy work, the energetic properties of stones, visualization, and the power of intention. As I stepped back into the beauty industry, these new found allies became interwoven into my work as a hairdresser and esthetitian. I began making and using my own aromatherapy misters on my clients. I offered them a piece of rose quartz to hold onto during their treatment in order to help them feel more calm and relaxed. I also began each haircut with a scalp massage during which I encouraged them to set an intention for what they’d like to release through the haircut.
It’s been 7 years since the Beauty Temple was born and I now see clearly the effect that these intentional rituals have on both my clients and myself. Incorporating rituals into a clients experience creates a sense of stepping into a different space and time – a break from our busy lives. Incorporating an opportunity to set intentions can really bring the two of you more fully into the present moment. It can be as simple as inviting them to come up with a word of the day for themselves, having them pick an inspirational word card and reflect what it means to them, or even visualizing the water washing away what no longer serves them while getting their hair washed. The possibilities are infinite. How do you know if clients are open and will be receptive to this kind of suggestion? I would say that we each cater to our own unique group of clientele and should have a basic understanding of their personalities. I would suggest starting small and getting yourself comfortable. Some people are not receptive to these types of suggestions and for some people it will be just the thing that sets you apart from other salons and spas. It can become less about the actual treatment and more about the overall experience.
I am passionate about offering holistic and earth friendly salon and spa services to my clients. They appreciate the unique and intimate experience they have each time they visit the Beauty Temple. I believe the product line we as professionals choose to offer our clients says a lot about our business and us as individuals as well. For me, teaming up with Uspa has been extremely synergistic and beneficial. The actual products themselves are really just the tip of the iceberg. I am grateful for all the intention that goes into this company - the thoroughness and thoughtfulness that goes into everything from where each ingredient is sourced, to the materials that are presented at classes. I am grateful for the Uspa techniques and rituals that mesh so nicely with my pre-existing ones. Uspa at large really completes the whole Beauty Temple experience and continues to keep me engaged and inspired so that I can continue to make a positive impact in the world with the work that I do.
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