Wednesday, my husband went to my salon to get his hair trimmed. Claire and I went with him, because his appointment was going to be late enough that we could just go out to dinner right afterwards.
As he gets checked in, I peeked around the corner to see Kelli, my stylist. She wasn’t standing at her station, and I wasn’t even sure if she was working today. She’d teased me the last time we were in with my husband that I never come to visit her.
So, Claire and I went to the front desk and asked the nice lady standing there if Kelli was in today.
“Oh, Kelli doesn’t work here anymore,” she said.
“WHAT!?” I gasped. “I have an appointment with her on Friday! What do you mean she doesn’t work here anymore!?”
“AND WAS ANYONE GOING TO TELL ME!?” I screamed in my head.
“Oh…they are…in the process…of calling everyone?” she said hesitantly. I could see the panic in her eyes as she looked at the computer.
“So, who am I seeing on Friday?” I asked, trying to remain calm. I took a deep breath.
She couldn’t find me on the schedule. I saw the panic on her face get a little bigger. I tried really hard to remain calm.
Kelli had moved to a salon downtown, and no one bothered to tell me. Where they going to? Would I have shown up on Friday and had an appointment? I have to have an appointment on this Friday, because that’s the only one my husband has off between now and when we leave on our next trip. Who would watch Claire!? The what-ifs were swirling in my head.
There were three stylists available near the time-slot I had originally chosen with Kelli. The nice woman behind the counter suggested one, so I booked it.
All through dinner that evening, I was dazed. I can’t believe Kelli is gone. Yes, I could figure out which salon she went to and drive down there, but still. I got no warning, and I was shocked.
So, this afternoon, I get to retrain a stylist. Gone are the days of walking in and saying, “Hey! How’s it goin’? Yep, I’d like the same thing,” and knowing I’d get it. I’ve even changed things up with Kelli, and she just knew what I meant when I talked. Do you know how lucky it is to find a stylist like that?
I understand that in the grand scheme of things, this isn’t a big deal. (I’m pretty sure this classifies as one of those “First World Problems.”) But, I don’t handle this type of change well. In the past, it’s always worked to my advantage, so I’m hoping the same will ring true this afternoon.
And if not? Eh…it’s hair. It will grow. Right? I mean, it’s not like I’m going to be in any wedding photos in a week. Oh, right! I am!
Change is the only constant, and sometimes its timing is uncanny.
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Yikes. I don’t have a hair stylist because I have just basic curly long hair and there isn’t much”styling” to do with that. HOWEVER, if the gal that waxes my eyebrows (ahem and my ‘mustache’) were to leave with no notice, I’d panic. It’s hard to find someone who can get the arch just right without too little left… So, I hear you! BTW, that wasn’t very nice of her either not to tell you herself.
Mia, I hear ya! Did you see the link I posted above about my eyebrow lady!?
http://thecasualperfectionist.com/2007/08/the-end-of-an-era/
I don’t know what happened. I didn’t make the appointment that long ago with Kelli, so she had to have JUST left. Still. I’m shocked!
Try moving to another state…I’m finally beginning to like my new one.
Wendy, I can imagine how hard that would be! Something tells me the soft ocean breezes can help calm your nerves.
I’m happy to report that it went really well! She does things COMPLETELY different than Kelli, which had me nervous there for a while, but the result is great! Whew!!
I hate finding a new stylist. I usually walk around lop-sided, unhappy, growing it out or cutting it again two weeks later with someone else until I find THE ONE. My last stylist cut my hair for five years until she went on maternity leave and didn’t come back. I once saw her at a coffee shop while I was seeking a new stylist, and she could barely meet my eye. I looked THAT bad. Then one night I was at a salsa event and saw a woman across the room with cute hair. I made a beeline for her and accosted her. Who cuts your hair? I demanded to know. Turns out she was a stylist, so I got her card. She’s been cutting my hair since 2005. Now she’s talking about moving to Chile with her husband, who’s from there. If she does, though, I only need move one chair over to her friend who cuts my bangs when Marie’s too booked. You’re lucky you found someone so easily!
You are sooo funny. Holly submitted a guest post to me about a similar topic. I guess when you go to Great Clips you don’t have to worry about this stuff.
ohhh no! that’s horrible. i hope you like your new stylist.
Lynn, I hear ya! I’ve actually had people ask me who my stylist is, and it’s flattering to say the least. I can’t believe I found a good one so quickly, too!
Amber, you crack me up!
La Petite Belle, I know! I was so stunned. Luckily, I was pleased with the replacement.
I am pretty laid back and I love change, EXCEPT WHEN IT COMES TO MY STYLIST.
I would rather get a new gynecologist.