 As a 30 year veteran with a highly regarded reputation I have an obligation to use my voice responsibly. I know people often listen to what I say and take my words or advice on board. Thus it is paramount that any readers know my intentions and how we got here. The decision to forge an independent career path meant I was not indoctrinated by the hairdressing industry or the product manufacturers. This provides a unique opportunity to see things from the outside in. It wasn't long after I started working that I discovered situations from discussions with clients which didn't seem quite right. As a result, I started to define ideals which directly challenged conventional hairdresser thinking and contradicted industry practices. Admittedly, this is partly because I am highly sceptical and analytical by nature. It got me into a lot of trouble as a kid growing up in an ultra conservative Catholic family. Another story. Another time. I digress. As the years ticked by these unconventional ideals and beliefs continued to grow. I subsequently road tested them with the help of the people sitting in my chair who were sharing their experiences and stories. Until recently, I had decided to keep much of this to myself as I felt that many in the industry would simply discount my voice, striking down my opinions as invalid. Too, I didn't have the confidence to speak out. Again, another story. Another time. Well, after 30 years of continuing international success, now is the time.
Calling out bullshit is part of this new chapter of my career. It is part of a concerted, ongoing effort to level the playing field. Some of the posts have been and will be, just that. Others will simply be about helping in ways many clients tell me they appreciate. Overall, my intention is just helping. This has always been my focus. I didn't get into this career because I wanted a creative outlet. I don't love it because I'm really into hair. I do it because helping people in a way which sees them smile feels amazing. There are no words to convey how much I have grown as a man because of the time spent together these last 30 years. I have learned to better understand, triumph, and ultimately succeed in life from the conversations and experiences we have shared. Helping others. That is my intention here as well as in my studio. This blog is my way of taking that intention further to a wider audience. In doing so I will always do my best to provide fair, accurate and honest information. While what is expressed here is well researched, considered and tethered to irrefutable professional experience, many will just think of it as baseless opinion. As such I have to respect that others may vocally disagree with what I chose to write about and this may result in online criticism which I have no control over. If at any stage mistakes are made, they will be addressed and amended. When presented with valid, credible information, I will absolutely take action. What I won't do is edit or remove posts simply because someone disagrees with me or if it disrupts the established norms the industry relies on. As stated at the end of each post, I always welcome constructive criticism of my writing and encourage any personal communication which will contribute to a healthy, purposeful dialogue. I often state that it is important to me that clients - mine or otherwise - know I am on their team. I feel this position is so very needed and important to state in our current timeline. The writing on this website and my professional presentation is a testament to that commitment. As an ethical and conscientious professional I feel this is my promise and my responsibility. Too, it's about damn time someone said something. While online comments are always closed, I encourage any readers to email me their thoughts directly. I will always respond in kind. Comments are closed.
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