PRHWRITERSBLOCK
Beauty is only skin deep Debbie Russino
by
My Salute to Service
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“In a world where you can be anything…. always be humble and kind” y salute to service has always come in the form of beauty. I am a hairstylist/makeup artist and my mission is to help women feel special and unique. There is no better feeling than having someone walk into the salon feeling a little out of sorts but after receiving this well-deserved pampering, they leave feeling happy and stress-free. It makes my day! As challenging as my profession can be at times, helping women feel better about the way they look is the ultimate gift for me. The good always outweighs the bad. I’m not sure why so many people find it difficult to take time out for themselves. “You” are a priority. There is no reason to feel guilty about wanting to look your best. I am always overjoyed to perform a beauty service that certainly goes deeper than what can be seen in a mirror. It is emotionally gratifying, as well.
My clientele is very diverse, ranging in age from 9 to 90. I am in awe of the older women who visit the salon every week. Not much stops them, sometimes not even a snowstorm! I have been very busy on the most peculiar days and I have stopped saying that I have seen it all. I know with the many escapades that could only happen in a hair salon, I am quite sure another day will bring another adventure! Unpredictability is one of the many reasons why I chose this profession. I prefer the freedom and creative atmosphere that a hair salon provides. Never knowing what tomorrow is going to bring might frighten some people, but it is the way I have lived my life. One day at a time. My job is not limited to the exterior but also the interior. I am ready to lend a helping hand, whether it is just listening or sometimes giving some advice or an opinion. A huge part of giving excellent service is going that extra mile, not only as a stylist but also as a dear friend. This is the way I feel about each and every one of my clients. I love them and over the
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years, they have become like family to me. Some say the most intimate relationship you will ever have in your life is with your hairstylist. I would like to believe my clients consider me a confidant and safe haven for their personal thoughts and deepest, darkest secrets. Something as simple as a compliment, kind word or gesture could be the gift that has the potential to make someone’s day or possibly change a life. And it doesn’t cost a thing. The greatest rewards in life are free! A few years back, I was standing in a long line at the store during Christmas week. The gentleman in front of me turned around and started a conversation. He told me he was a psychologist. “So am I,” I laughed. “I’m a hairstylist.” He found that very amusing but totally agreed. He said that we are therapists in our own right. It goes along with the job title and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m happy to see that men are changing with the times, taking advantage of the services available to make them look better. Some people may use the term “vanity” but I disagree. There is noth-
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ing vain about wanting to look and feel your best regardless of age or gender. Nothing is more rewarding than hearing how much better a woman feels after her hair is done. I love telling my clients how beautiful they look because we all need encouragement. We have to empower and compliment rather than criticize one another. Lord knows we do not have a shortage of critics. The world needs more love and kindness. I did realize later in life that writing was my true passion. But, as they say, you never forget your first love. Mine will always be the beauty industry. And so, my fellow survivors of this crazy thing we call life, enjoy every fleeting moment because it shall never pass, again. And let us all focus on standing together so that we may see every day as a new beginning. I will end this tribute with a very beautiful and inspirational quote. “In a world where you can be anything….always be humble and kind.” prh