Tiffany and Lynn are doing fine. I did have a client come back yesterday because Lynn cut her hair and seemed to have forgotten to take care of the top of her hair. The client let me know, in Lynn's defense, that Lynn had another potential customer pestering the living day lights out of her to tell her what time she could get in to receive a hair cut. And this is where Lynn probably got distracted and lost her place. No biggie, just went in and completed the hair cut. I will be talking to Lynn later today regarding this issue. Poor girl is having issues with her pregnancy, too (dehydration issues), which is distracting. Hopefully, we can solve this issue.
Tiffany seems to be picking up some bad habits. Her work ethic with her clients is just fine. She's always willing to stay and take another client to help clear the books, which is nice. However, she's becoming notorious for not finishing things, like filling out the deposit slip completely, or collecting the trash before she goes, or just cleaning up the mess in general before she closes at night. So, I'll need to chat with her about that, just to make sure she understands you can't leave a mess for someone else to clean up in the morning. It's not fair. Again, simple stuff, and a chat should solve this issue.
Tina: Since I wrote her up, she's been behaving herself. I even had her take over for me while I was on vacation (the actual manager stuff...conference call, calling in sales numbers, schedules, ordering). She found out exactly what dealing with my co-workers is like. No one would listen to her when she tried to guide them, Rita, in particular, gave her a hard time while I was gone. So, currently, Tina has a bit of respect for me and what I put up with on a daily basis. So, she's been on her best behaviour and is making sure she doesn't pull her old shenanigans again.
Rita. Rita. Rita. I pulled her in two weeks ago, to address a whole bunch of issues. From her complaining about me to the girls (who, in turn, complained to me about her complaining) to her dress code, to her attendance, to her second technical (which happened right before I left for vacation), to her first write up for attendance (for blatantly not attending a mandatory salon meeting). The conversation I had with her was relatively simple. She was telling everyone that I was out to get her. Not true. Even told her about how If I'd been "out to get her", she would have lost her job LAST DECEMBER when she was up to her 4th "re-do" on haircuts. So, since I've been covering for her, how is that me "out to get her"?? She had no answer for that. I also mentioned that perhaps Smartstyles wasn't a good fit for her. She has issues with giving her client her full attention (thinks nothing of walking away from the paying client to talk to a "friend" who walks by the salon), has issues with completing the service competently as well as confidently, her dress code needs major improvement, and so does her general attendance. I finally ended it with "You need to figure out what you want to do. If your plan is to stay here, you need to do drastic, dramatic improvement and maintain that improvement."
Her solution to the issue?? To call Coral on my day off, and talk to her about leaving all together. Coral's solution was to transfer her to another salon, (so she can see that it's not ME "out to get her") which is an hour away from here. I feel bad for the salon manager that gets to deal with her next. The poor woman (who I only know by voice as of right now) has enough drama in her salon that she doesn't want to deal with. And she's inheriting Rita.
Rita's work has slid so far back, I'm not sure if she's got it in her to save it. And, luckily, she won't be my worry after October 20th. (she's on vacation the 21st - the 27th, then on the other salon's schedule after that). I also think that once she's gone, we'll have a strong team.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
The hammer is coming down!
So, since my last post (of a month ago..sorry about that) I've hired two new hairdressers, Tiffany and Lynn. For recent graduates of the local cosmetology school, they're working out quite fine! I'm so glad I hired them! They're reasonably drama-free, and eager to learn!
Now, for the shenanigans: Tina went on vacation for two weeks, starting the beginning of August. She just came back this week. Now, Tina has a nasty habit of calling out either before she goes on vacation (or a long weekend), when she's supposed to be coming back, or both. So, it was (partially) no surprise that she called out the day she was scheduled to be back to work, due to her flight being delayed. When I spoke to Coral about this, we came to the decision that Tina needed to be written up. Granted, the delay was beyond her control, but this isn't the first time she's called out when she's supposed to be back to work.
When I sat down with her yesterday to talk about this, naturally, her defenses were up, quite a bit. I had cold, hard facts to present to her, and, to her credit, she didn't try to dispute them. And, this is not the first time we've talked about this stuff. It is, however, the first time she's been written up about it. I told her, flat out, this activity must stop. Me writing her up isn't PERSONAL, it's PROFESSIONAL. And, as professionals, we don't need to take this out to the salon floor. It doesn't need to be discussed with co-workers. It just needs to be solved. We'll see how this goes.
Rita, Rita, Rita. Nothing ever changes with her. I wrote her up about two weeks ago, on a technical issue. She's a lousy hair cutter, period. Inconsistent, unsure of herself, and it shows in everything she does. She really messed up a haircut...to the point that the client went elsewhere to get it fixed. Now, the client is a bit of a drama queen, she's a bargain shopper, always looking for the "deal". And, she didn't feel comfortable sitting in Rita's chair. Didn't stop her, though...her mistake, really. HOWEVER, as I said to Rita : Even when you feel the customer is wrong, the customer is ALWAYS right. So, Rita got written up. She's to cross check her haircuts (which I really haven't seen her do), conduct a thorough consultation (not really), and repeat back to the client what was said, then discuss what she's going to do. Because Rita is a bit "limited", she lacks the vocabulary to effectively convey she knows what she's talking about. And she also tends to lack the skills or the attention span, sometimes, to follow through. Sigh.
On Tuesday, I posted a note stating salon meeting on Sunday (today), after work, wanting to make it easier for everyone to come. Of course, Rita has a game she must go watch, as her daughter is a cheerleader at this game. I get being a parent. I get wanting to be supportive of your kids. Salon meetings are MANDATORY. You get paid to attend them. And you don't get to get out of them. I got so irritated with her on Tuesday that I got all passive/aggressive on her and just said "Whatever, Rita" which she took as "I can go do what I want and not attend the meeting". So, last night, as I was leaving, I told the girls "See you tomorrow afternoon" to which Rita started to talk to me about it, trying to get out of going to the meeting. "But, but but". "Rita, I talked to Coral about this, and salon meetings are mandatory. If you don't show up, I have to write you up." We'll see what happens later today.
Is Rita my favorite?? No. Does she know that?? Unfortunately, yes. I'm friendly enough with her, but my distaste is a bit hard to cover, at this point. Professionally, I've covered for her and fixed her mistakes far too many times to continue to tolerate her behaviour. And, the chat I had with Coral the other day was quite revealing. We both came to the same conclusion: Rita won't be working for us a whole lot longer, one way or the other.
Now, for the shenanigans: Tina went on vacation for two weeks, starting the beginning of August. She just came back this week. Now, Tina has a nasty habit of calling out either before she goes on vacation (or a long weekend), when she's supposed to be coming back, or both. So, it was (partially) no surprise that she called out the day she was scheduled to be back to work, due to her flight being delayed. When I spoke to Coral about this, we came to the decision that Tina needed to be written up. Granted, the delay was beyond her control, but this isn't the first time she's called out when she's supposed to be back to work.
When I sat down with her yesterday to talk about this, naturally, her defenses were up, quite a bit. I had cold, hard facts to present to her, and, to her credit, she didn't try to dispute them. And, this is not the first time we've talked about this stuff. It is, however, the first time she's been written up about it. I told her, flat out, this activity must stop. Me writing her up isn't PERSONAL, it's PROFESSIONAL. And, as professionals, we don't need to take this out to the salon floor. It doesn't need to be discussed with co-workers. It just needs to be solved. We'll see how this goes.
Rita, Rita, Rita. Nothing ever changes with her. I wrote her up about two weeks ago, on a technical issue. She's a lousy hair cutter, period. Inconsistent, unsure of herself, and it shows in everything she does. She really messed up a haircut...to the point that the client went elsewhere to get it fixed. Now, the client is a bit of a drama queen, she's a bargain shopper, always looking for the "deal". And, she didn't feel comfortable sitting in Rita's chair. Didn't stop her, though...her mistake, really. HOWEVER, as I said to Rita : Even when you feel the customer is wrong, the customer is ALWAYS right. So, Rita got written up. She's to cross check her haircuts (which I really haven't seen her do), conduct a thorough consultation (not really), and repeat back to the client what was said, then discuss what she's going to do. Because Rita is a bit "limited", she lacks the vocabulary to effectively convey she knows what she's talking about. And she also tends to lack the skills or the attention span, sometimes, to follow through. Sigh.
On Tuesday, I posted a note stating salon meeting on Sunday (today), after work, wanting to make it easier for everyone to come. Of course, Rita has a game she must go watch, as her daughter is a cheerleader at this game. I get being a parent. I get wanting to be supportive of your kids. Salon meetings are MANDATORY. You get paid to attend them. And you don't get to get out of them. I got so irritated with her on Tuesday that I got all passive/aggressive on her and just said "Whatever, Rita" which she took as "I can go do what I want and not attend the meeting". So, last night, as I was leaving, I told the girls "See you tomorrow afternoon" to which Rita started to talk to me about it, trying to get out of going to the meeting. "But, but but". "Rita, I talked to Coral about this, and salon meetings are mandatory. If you don't show up, I have to write you up." We'll see what happens later today.
Is Rita my favorite?? No. Does she know that?? Unfortunately, yes. I'm friendly enough with her, but my distaste is a bit hard to cover, at this point. Professionally, I've covered for her and fixed her mistakes far too many times to continue to tolerate her behaviour. And, the chat I had with Coral the other day was quite revealing. We both came to the same conclusion: Rita won't be working for us a whole lot longer, one way or the other.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
It's about time!
We got visit yesterday from "The Big Wigs" (as Rita put it). It went well. I called and spoke to Coral (my newest district manager) and she told me I didn't have to come in early (I worked til 8pm last night, they were there at 9am). The only thing we truly got "busted" for was the back room door was left open and it's not supposed to be. BIG. WHOOPTIE. DOO.
Later that day, when I was in the middle of a hair cut, Coral called back, wanting to briefly talk to me. I'M NOW OFFICIALLY THE MANAGER!!! PAY RAISE, BONUSES COMING MY WAY, EVERYTHING!!!
It wasn't a case of what I was doing as opposed to what I SHOULD be doing. And I didn't suspect that at all. It was a case of having the "wrong" people above me that wouldn't advance me, for whatever reasons they could come up with. Every "hoop" they presented, I jumped through. Every challenge they passed my way, I grabbed and shook the hell out of it. And, I still, when I asked, got told there was "more" I needed to do to become the manager. So, I finally just gave up. I worked the minimum hours required (38-ish), submitted schedules on time, and did the supply ordering. THAT'S IT. I refused to call in my hours (which I was supposed to, so I could get the "acting manager" stipend, which, by the way, still didn't cover what I was supposed to be making).
My theory behind not calling in my hours is this: If you'd just make me salon manager, I wouldn't have to call in my hours, and still not get paid what I'm supposed to. Consequently, when I talked to Coral yesterday, I'm now getting a retroactive check to cover all the weeks I didn't call in my payroll, and as of August 1st, I will be on manager's pay (which is 50% commission instead of 40%, regardless of what I pull in for client services).
That all being said, stay tuned for another exciting installment of "All My Scissors" because I'm too sure the shenanigans will be starting up, AGAIN.
Later that day, when I was in the middle of a hair cut, Coral called back, wanting to briefly talk to me. I'M NOW OFFICIALLY THE MANAGER!!! PAY RAISE, BONUSES COMING MY WAY, EVERYTHING!!!
It wasn't a case of what I was doing as opposed to what I SHOULD be doing. And I didn't suspect that at all. It was a case of having the "wrong" people above me that wouldn't advance me, for whatever reasons they could come up with. Every "hoop" they presented, I jumped through. Every challenge they passed my way, I grabbed and shook the hell out of it. And, I still, when I asked, got told there was "more" I needed to do to become the manager. So, I finally just gave up. I worked the minimum hours required (38-ish), submitted schedules on time, and did the supply ordering. THAT'S IT. I refused to call in my hours (which I was supposed to, so I could get the "acting manager" stipend, which, by the way, still didn't cover what I was supposed to be making).
My theory behind not calling in my hours is this: If you'd just make me salon manager, I wouldn't have to call in my hours, and still not get paid what I'm supposed to. Consequently, when I talked to Coral yesterday, I'm now getting a retroactive check to cover all the weeks I didn't call in my payroll, and as of August 1st, I will be on manager's pay (which is 50% commission instead of 40%, regardless of what I pull in for client services).
That all being said, stay tuned for another exciting installment of "All My Scissors" because I'm too sure the shenanigans will be starting up, AGAIN.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Over processed hair
WARNING: Do NOT come into a hair salon and think that you'll be able to pull the wool over a hair dresser's eyes.
Yesterday, Tina had a client come in, wanting a perm. Once the client took her hat off, and started apologizing for the condition of her hair ("Oh, I didn't brush my hair today"), I started paying a bit of attention. I had a former hair dresser in my chair who audibly gasped when that hat came off, so I turned around. Unbelievably over processed hair. Not just "not brushed". OVER PROCESSED.
I called Tina over to me, privately, and told her that a strand test is a MUST. There is no way that we're going to provide a perm to anyone whose hair will not take it. Nope. Nada. No freakin' way. So, Tina took a sample strand from the back of her head, set it to soak in developer, and then gave the client a clarifying treatment to get out all the product in her hair. (the client has baby fine hair to start with, old, bad perm on the ends, and some old hair color to boot)
Tina took the strand out of the solution after 10 minutes, rinsed it. We then separated the strand into two sections; One for me to pull on, one to pull on in front of the client. What a surprise! The hair shredded in my fingers. No perm for you, honey.
Tina took the other strand out to the client, to do the same thing. The client was PISSED we didn't provide the service. She got a great haircut, a conditioning treatment, everything. Her comment: "Well, I won't be coming here again." Her husband, who works for Walmart, came into the salon to see how things were progressing. The wife put forth a snotty attitude when telling the husband why we were refusing the service. His comment? "Well, just go back to the other place and get it done". I can't wait to hear him bad mouth us. It will be fun explaining to him that you can't fool a hairdresser.
We don't normally refuse services to clients. It takes extenuating circumstances to do so. Head lice is number one. Open wounds on their scalp is another. Over processed hair is the third. Don't lie to me about what you've done to your hair. I'll find out, and manage to prove you a liar. It's certainly not something I enjoy doing, but it's something that has to be done. My license, my professional integrity, and my professional reputation is on the line. Not to mention the salon's reputation, which is always on the line. If we had gone ahead and permed her hair, we ran the very serious risk of her hair coming off in some one's hands, if not a point of service, then later on, while combing, washing, or brushing the hair. And then, whose fault is it?? The client who insisted on the perm?? Nope. The hairdresser who should have known better.
She'll go to another salon, she'll get the perm. She'll find a hairdresser with limited integrity (because there are a lot of them out there, trust me) who will look at her as dollar signs and not as a real person, and perm her hair. And when it disintegrates (not IF, WHEN), she'll understand why we wouldn't do the perm. Or, she'll just keep thinking we're a bunch of idiots. Doesn't matter to me. We did the right thing.
Yesterday, Tina had a client come in, wanting a perm. Once the client took her hat off, and started apologizing for the condition of her hair ("Oh, I didn't brush my hair today"), I started paying a bit of attention. I had a former hair dresser in my chair who audibly gasped when that hat came off, so I turned around. Unbelievably over processed hair. Not just "not brushed". OVER PROCESSED.
I called Tina over to me, privately, and told her that a strand test is a MUST. There is no way that we're going to provide a perm to anyone whose hair will not take it. Nope. Nada. No freakin' way. So, Tina took a sample strand from the back of her head, set it to soak in developer, and then gave the client a clarifying treatment to get out all the product in her hair. (the client has baby fine hair to start with, old, bad perm on the ends, and some old hair color to boot)
Tina took the strand out of the solution after 10 minutes, rinsed it. We then separated the strand into two sections; One for me to pull on, one to pull on in front of the client. What a surprise! The hair shredded in my fingers. No perm for you, honey.
Tina took the other strand out to the client, to do the same thing. The client was PISSED we didn't provide the service. She got a great haircut, a conditioning treatment, everything. Her comment: "Well, I won't be coming here again." Her husband, who works for Walmart, came into the salon to see how things were progressing. The wife put forth a snotty attitude when telling the husband why we were refusing the service. His comment? "Well, just go back to the other place and get it done". I can't wait to hear him bad mouth us. It will be fun explaining to him that you can't fool a hairdresser.
We don't normally refuse services to clients. It takes extenuating circumstances to do so. Head lice is number one. Open wounds on their scalp is another. Over processed hair is the third. Don't lie to me about what you've done to your hair. I'll find out, and manage to prove you a liar. It's certainly not something I enjoy doing, but it's something that has to be done. My license, my professional integrity, and my professional reputation is on the line. Not to mention the salon's reputation, which is always on the line. If we had gone ahead and permed her hair, we ran the very serious risk of her hair coming off in some one's hands, if not a point of service, then later on, while combing, washing, or brushing the hair. And then, whose fault is it?? The client who insisted on the perm?? Nope. The hairdresser who should have known better.
She'll go to another salon, she'll get the perm. She'll find a hairdresser with limited integrity (because there are a lot of them out there, trust me) who will look at her as dollar signs and not as a real person, and perm her hair. And when it disintegrates (not IF, WHEN), she'll understand why we wouldn't do the perm. Or, she'll just keep thinking we're a bunch of idiots. Doesn't matter to me. We did the right thing.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Other people's blogs
I read other blogs, particularly hairdressing ones. I don't claim to be the reigning authority on things, but, over the years, I've done my research so I can answer people's questions effectively and accurately.
Here are portions of the blog I read and just HAD to comment about.
"How to save on hair cuts, hair color and hair products"
1. "You only need to lather once" Really?? Here's how shampoo works: Shampoo has oil loving molecules and dirt loving molecules, meaning these molecules attract what is in your hair that needs to come out. The first soaping loosens up these items, the second soaping removes them completely from your hair, leaving your hair CLEAN. When you only soap it up once (particularly in the interest of "saving money"), you are not getting rid of what is making your hair "dirty". Consequently, your complaint is that such and such a shampoo is making my hair greasy.
2. "Skip the fancy schmancy shampoos & conditioners--you can get a good product at the grocery store" The cheaper the shampoo, the harsher it is on your hair. The cheaper the shampoo, the more you need to use to have "clean" hair. The cheaper the shampoo, the more often you find yourself purchasing MORE because you don't have enough to last you a while (even in the big bottles).
Professional product is more concentrated, so you use less. You almost NEVER need more than a quarter sized dollop of product, EVER, in your hair--the exception to the rule is usually a deep conditioning treatment. I DO agree with "buying the jumbo bottles"--you spend, in general, about 15-20 cents per ounce of product per bottle. A "serving" of product (to wash or condition your hair) is generally .02 ounces. Which means two shampooings plus a conditioning might cost you about 30 cents.
3. "Consider growing out your hair cut". Ummmmm.....you still need to get a hair cut, other wise it's a shaggy mess. All you're really doing is pushing out the cost of a hair cut a few more weeks. Really not a savings....
4. "If you get all over color, skip the salon and do it yourself". Do you know how to formulate for grey coverage?? How about for combating unwanted warmth in your hair?? Do you understand how permanent color actually works?? What's your formula for a gorgeous chocolate brown?? How about Cherry red?? Do you know why your hair feels "dry" after you color your hair??
I'm here to tell you most people don't even know what their natural color IS, let alone which box of color to choose, or that they need multiple boxes of color to correct/achieve what they're looking for.
5. "If you have oily hair, skip dry shampoo and apply baby powder to soak up excess oils". READ THE INGREDIENTS IN DRY SHAMPOOS. It's BAKING SODA!! Which, by the way, is cheaper than baby powder.
I think I'm done ranting for now....stay tuned!
Here are portions of the blog I read and just HAD to comment about.
"How to save on hair cuts, hair color and hair products"
1. "You only need to lather once" Really?? Here's how shampoo works: Shampoo has oil loving molecules and dirt loving molecules, meaning these molecules attract what is in your hair that needs to come out. The first soaping loosens up these items, the second soaping removes them completely from your hair, leaving your hair CLEAN. When you only soap it up once (particularly in the interest of "saving money"), you are not getting rid of what is making your hair "dirty". Consequently, your complaint is that such and such a shampoo is making my hair greasy.
2. "Skip the fancy schmancy shampoos & conditioners--you can get a good product at the grocery store" The cheaper the shampoo, the harsher it is on your hair. The cheaper the shampoo, the more you need to use to have "clean" hair. The cheaper the shampoo, the more often you find yourself purchasing MORE because you don't have enough to last you a while (even in the big bottles).
Professional product is more concentrated, so you use less. You almost NEVER need more than a quarter sized dollop of product, EVER, in your hair--the exception to the rule is usually a deep conditioning treatment. I DO agree with "buying the jumbo bottles"--you spend, in general, about 15-20 cents per ounce of product per bottle. A "serving" of product (to wash or condition your hair) is generally .02 ounces. Which means two shampooings plus a conditioning might cost you about 30 cents.
3. "Consider growing out your hair cut". Ummmmm.....you still need to get a hair cut, other wise it's a shaggy mess. All you're really doing is pushing out the cost of a hair cut a few more weeks. Really not a savings....
4. "If you get all over color, skip the salon and do it yourself". Do you know how to formulate for grey coverage?? How about for combating unwanted warmth in your hair?? Do you understand how permanent color actually works?? What's your formula for a gorgeous chocolate brown?? How about Cherry red?? Do you know why your hair feels "dry" after you color your hair??
I'm here to tell you most people don't even know what their natural color IS, let alone which box of color to choose, or that they need multiple boxes of color to correct/achieve what they're looking for.
5. "If you have oily hair, skip dry shampoo and apply baby powder to soak up excess oils". READ THE INGREDIENTS IN DRY SHAMPOOS. It's BAKING SODA!! Which, by the way, is cheaper than baby powder.
I think I'm done ranting for now....stay tuned!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
"All My Scissors"
Work has very much become a soap opera lately. We now have a new stylist, which is very exciting. Her name is Erica. She graduated last fall, so she's FRESH, which is nice. Complete breath of fresh air, really. And, she's doing well, considering she's fresh out of school. I see her building a client base rather quickly.
The shenanigans going on: Rita, lovely, Rita....sigh....always an angle with her. She asked for April 28th off, as she had "tickets" in NYC. She went of one of those bus trips to see Morgan Freeman...when I asked her if it was a play, a presentation, whatever, she had absolutely no idea what she was going to, just that she had tickets and was going. So, we (meaning myself, Shezoa & Tammy) let her go. Luckily, Erica was hired in the meantime, so the schedule was somewhat covered. (Erica is slow, she's new....if all of us were on yesterday, it wouldn't have been a huge issue)
THEN, Rita also wanted Saturday, May 12 off. To her credit, she asked for it WAY in advance, thinking I'd just give it to her. When I looked at the schedule rotation, it would actually give her an entire weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun) off, which is a big no no. When Erica came on board (mind you, Erica is on a training schedule, so she's not able to do things like open & close just yet. I want her getting used to the "system", the pace, etc.), she immediately presumed she would be able to cover the schedule and Rita would get what she wanted off. Uh, NO. Nice try, though.
This past Monday, Rita tried, yet again, to pester me about May 12. (which is in the middle of prom season...we don't get much in the way of updo's due to the fact that we don't book appointments, but it's also a Saturday, which means all hands on deck). I told her I would have to look at the schedules and see if I could switch anything around (which, really, I didn't want to, but I looked at it anyway). Well, lo and behold, she's scheduled 10-4. Not a big deal. I also asked her WHY she wanted that day off. "I'm doing my niece's hair for prom". DA DUH DUM DUM DUM....
A side note: Doing hair at home, no matter whose it is, according to Regis, is considered a "conflict of interest" and can get you written up and/or terminated.
I went on my two days off, which were Tues & Wed. When I came back, there were notes galore in my station. Rita and Tina put their heads together and plotted around what Rita wanted and presented me with their "solution". Which got instantaneously shot down when Rita asked me about it. "No. You can't have that day off, nor can you switch with anyone. You are scheduled 10-4. I'm not changing the schedule." Mad doesn't even begin to cover Rita's feelings about that one. She stomped around, slamming things. When the phone rang and it was for me, she barked at me about it. (I was on my lunch at the time) When I took my cellphone with me to go out onto the sales floor in Walmart to call my boss, she was standing just outside the salon, away from the door way, griping to a friend of hers about what a witch I am. (didn't hear the words...didn't have to) I placed my call (left a message) and went back to work. It took Rita a good two hours to calm down.
Tina's shenanigans: I had called her Tuesday morning to tell her about an issue with the ladies at the bank when she told me that the closeout book wasn't right, that Rita had left a note for Tina to talk to her about it when she came in later that day. So, after I got dressed (Katie and I were heading to the mall) we went over to the salon first, so I could check out the issue. A miscount in the deposit money. Easily fixed. When I walked in, Tina was at the desk, with a purple binder, a client log, really(one that can be purchased at any beauty supply distributor), and was copying down information from the computer to the binder. Guess what that is?? A big no no. I said nothing at the time, letting what I saw process a bit. And, Tina is good at distracting people into not seeing what she'd just done.
While Katie and I were having lunch at the mall, I texted (not the best form of communication, really) Tina, letting her know that it's not okay to have that binder. When I got home, there was a long winded message on my answering machine (not my cellphone, as she didn't want to "waste" my tracfone minutes leaving a text or message) telling me she's doing that to help trigger her memory with her clients, blah blah blah, THEN, she completely threw Rita under the bus by telling me that she was a good 1/2 hour late with no explanation. She's such a good "friend".
Friday morning, I had a most excellent 20 minute conversation with Shezoa regarding all the shenanigans going on. Rita is to be told that doing hair at home is a conflict of interest and it is to STOP. Particularly since she struggles with commission, she needs to have all of those "buddies" in the salon to fill her chair. It can lead to write ups as well as a dismissal. Tina, the binder is considered theft and she can also be fired if it happens again. I have already confiscated the pages she had and threw them (along with my notes I'd made regarding clients from way back) into the Walmart dumpster out back. She wasn't quite willing to hand over the binder, but it is empty and it is not in the salon any longer. I informed her that if I found it again, she would get an instant write up.
The other thing they tend to do is when they go to do the deposit, they make stops along the way, to get lunch at Subway, or where ever, which isnt' allowed, as it's stealing company time. Which, wait for it...wait for it....can lead to a write up, and a dismissal if it continues.
Stay tuned for another exciting episode!!
The shenanigans going on: Rita, lovely, Rita....sigh....always an angle with her. She asked for April 28th off, as she had "tickets" in NYC. She went of one of those bus trips to see Morgan Freeman...when I asked her if it was a play, a presentation, whatever, she had absolutely no idea what she was going to, just that she had tickets and was going. So, we (meaning myself, Shezoa & Tammy) let her go. Luckily, Erica was hired in the meantime, so the schedule was somewhat covered. (Erica is slow, she's new....if all of us were on yesterday, it wouldn't have been a huge issue)
THEN, Rita also wanted Saturday, May 12 off. To her credit, she asked for it WAY in advance, thinking I'd just give it to her. When I looked at the schedule rotation, it would actually give her an entire weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun) off, which is a big no no. When Erica came on board (mind you, Erica is on a training schedule, so she's not able to do things like open & close just yet. I want her getting used to the "system", the pace, etc.), she immediately presumed she would be able to cover the schedule and Rita would get what she wanted off. Uh, NO. Nice try, though.
This past Monday, Rita tried, yet again, to pester me about May 12. (which is in the middle of prom season...we don't get much in the way of updo's due to the fact that we don't book appointments, but it's also a Saturday, which means all hands on deck). I told her I would have to look at the schedules and see if I could switch anything around (which, really, I didn't want to, but I looked at it anyway). Well, lo and behold, she's scheduled 10-4. Not a big deal. I also asked her WHY she wanted that day off. "I'm doing my niece's hair for prom". DA DUH DUM DUM DUM....
A side note: Doing hair at home, no matter whose it is, according to Regis, is considered a "conflict of interest" and can get you written up and/or terminated.
I went on my two days off, which were Tues & Wed. When I came back, there were notes galore in my station. Rita and Tina put their heads together and plotted around what Rita wanted and presented me with their "solution". Which got instantaneously shot down when Rita asked me about it. "No. You can't have that day off, nor can you switch with anyone. You are scheduled 10-4. I'm not changing the schedule." Mad doesn't even begin to cover Rita's feelings about that one. She stomped around, slamming things. When the phone rang and it was for me, she barked at me about it. (I was on my lunch at the time) When I took my cellphone with me to go out onto the sales floor in Walmart to call my boss, she was standing just outside the salon, away from the door way, griping to a friend of hers about what a witch I am. (didn't hear the words...didn't have to) I placed my call (left a message) and went back to work. It took Rita a good two hours to calm down.
Tina's shenanigans: I had called her Tuesday morning to tell her about an issue with the ladies at the bank when she told me that the closeout book wasn't right, that Rita had left a note for Tina to talk to her about it when she came in later that day. So, after I got dressed (Katie and I were heading to the mall) we went over to the salon first, so I could check out the issue. A miscount in the deposit money. Easily fixed. When I walked in, Tina was at the desk, with a purple binder, a client log, really(one that can be purchased at any beauty supply distributor), and was copying down information from the computer to the binder. Guess what that is?? A big no no. I said nothing at the time, letting what I saw process a bit. And, Tina is good at distracting people into not seeing what she'd just done.
While Katie and I were having lunch at the mall, I texted (not the best form of communication, really) Tina, letting her know that it's not okay to have that binder. When I got home, there was a long winded message on my answering machine (not my cellphone, as she didn't want to "waste" my tracfone minutes leaving a text or message) telling me she's doing that to help trigger her memory with her clients, blah blah blah, THEN, she completely threw Rita under the bus by telling me that she was a good 1/2 hour late with no explanation. She's such a good "friend".
Friday morning, I had a most excellent 20 minute conversation with Shezoa regarding all the shenanigans going on. Rita is to be told that doing hair at home is a conflict of interest and it is to STOP. Particularly since she struggles with commission, she needs to have all of those "buddies" in the salon to fill her chair. It can lead to write ups as well as a dismissal. Tina, the binder is considered theft and she can also be fired if it happens again. I have already confiscated the pages she had and threw them (along with my notes I'd made regarding clients from way back) into the Walmart dumpster out back. She wasn't quite willing to hand over the binder, but it is empty and it is not in the salon any longer. I informed her that if I found it again, she would get an instant write up.
The other thing they tend to do is when they go to do the deposit, they make stops along the way, to get lunch at Subway, or where ever, which isnt' allowed, as it's stealing company time. Which, wait for it...wait for it....can lead to a write up, and a dismissal if it continues.
Stay tuned for another exciting episode!!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
"Chunk" highlights. Who thought of this and WHY?!?!?
I have done "chunk" highlights twice in the last 3 weeks. I think they are the ugliest highlights I've ever done, period. Why anybody would want them is beyond me, but, hey...I'm here to serve you.
What they are: Large bands of color throughout the head, as opposed to small, more natural looking highlights. While this falls under the more "creative" side of hair coloring, I have a really hard time with it. Mostly because I'm a little stuck in my ways, and really, I need to branch out a bit.
Anyway. The first time I did them, I truly had no idea what the heck I was doing. And they came out too subtle for my client. She wanted BOLD highlights. The blonde ones needed to be an INCH wide. Which, in hair, is HUGE in size. So, she came back a week later for me to fix them. Because her hair is so long, (shoulder blades), it took me 3 hours to get all the foils in. Part of that, I believe, is over thinking on my part. Anyway. In the end, she liked the colors, but it wasn't bold enough. So, she came back. That appointment still took two hours to complete. Again, mostly because of the length of her hair. However, when I was done, she had wide BOLD stripes in her hair. (Don't you know, she wondered if the blonde was too much after I was done?? Sigh...)
The second one was just this Friday night. A partial highlight, so not as lengthy, but it still took some serious time. Again, her hair was long, however, not as dense as the last one. I did the highs/lows first: Lightener & 20 vol on regrowth, lightener & 10 vol on ends (previous lightening done) for blonde, 3/4 6N & 1/4 5N for dark stripe, and 6RV & 15 vol for the red stripe. Since this was a partial, I only had to deal with from the crown forward. The underneath stuff in the back was the 6N/5N mixture. Let it process (took a haircut while she was processing, so that made timing that much easier!), then rinsed it off, taking the stripes out, one section at a time and rinsing the daylights out of it so they wouldn't bleed. And they came out just as she wanted them (THANK GOD). Cut her hair, dried it up, checked her out, sent her on her merry way. PHEW!
Something else I discovered about this: I don't charge enough for this one. Need to figure it out for next time!
What they are: Large bands of color throughout the head, as opposed to small, more natural looking highlights. While this falls under the more "creative" side of hair coloring, I have a really hard time with it. Mostly because I'm a little stuck in my ways, and really, I need to branch out a bit.
Anyway. The first time I did them, I truly had no idea what the heck I was doing. And they came out too subtle for my client. She wanted BOLD highlights. The blonde ones needed to be an INCH wide. Which, in hair, is HUGE in size. So, she came back a week later for me to fix them. Because her hair is so long, (shoulder blades), it took me 3 hours to get all the foils in. Part of that, I believe, is over thinking on my part. Anyway. In the end, she liked the colors, but it wasn't bold enough. So, she came back. That appointment still took two hours to complete. Again, mostly because of the length of her hair. However, when I was done, she had wide BOLD stripes in her hair. (Don't you know, she wondered if the blonde was too much after I was done?? Sigh...)
The second one was just this Friday night. A partial highlight, so not as lengthy, but it still took some serious time. Again, her hair was long, however, not as dense as the last one. I did the highs/lows first: Lightener & 20 vol on regrowth, lightener & 10 vol on ends (previous lightening done) for blonde, 3/4 6N & 1/4 5N for dark stripe, and 6RV & 15 vol for the red stripe. Since this was a partial, I only had to deal with from the crown forward. The underneath stuff in the back was the 6N/5N mixture. Let it process (took a haircut while she was processing, so that made timing that much easier!), then rinsed it off, taking the stripes out, one section at a time and rinsing the daylights out of it so they wouldn't bleed. And they came out just as she wanted them (THANK GOD). Cut her hair, dried it up, checked her out, sent her on her merry way. PHEW!
Something else I discovered about this: I don't charge enough for this one. Need to figure it out for next time!
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