Arriving in Seattle was almost as exciting as departing. Traveling is like “food for the soul”, awakening elements in the human consciousness that are patiently waiting to be
choreographed, and randomly participate in an unimaginable performance of involuntary indulgence while constantly tempered by “shit happens."
The distance of my absence created a surreal feeling of welcome as I entered the space that would come to nourish my contribution to the dignity of the human spirit. Salon 1500 would be my first “personal offering” to the public, as a statement of my passion for beauty. Being honored as an attendant of human dignity, I say “honored”, at this modest stage in my career, as an unconscious recipient of this responsibility...its vague presence was an invitation to unimaginable rewards. The vitality of the alliance between attendant and responsibility creates the potency of nourishment essential to its growth. Acquiring the technical skills provides the vehicle which allows access to the essence of the trust and exclusive intimacy. The full potential of this experience will cultivate commitment, persistence, courage, and exceptional fulfillment to be acknowledged in high regard.*
Please consider the above paragraph in part, a tribute, to all those who’s contribution to our phenomenal industry is so appreciated, and to the collective contribution each participant at every level from the unknown to the high priests and priestesses make every day. As I continue to share the events of my journey I will gently descend to accommodate the less ethereal but no less important parts of this story.
Salon 1500 had barely completed its reentry as a house of beauty, seemingly anxious for the activity that was
certain to occur. With so much enthusiasm to be unleashed, I had to keep my feet on the ground and generate some "moo-la". Upon my return to the business it was important to meet with Mabel. Those of you who have followed the blog will recall that she was the manager of the Burlingame Hotel, and ran the switchboard that directed all incoming calls. Mabel volunteered to answer my incoming calls while I was away, which turned out to be priceless. To see her in the room that accommodated the switchboard, that was obsolete 46 years ago, with her headset on managing incoming calls was precious. Prior to leaving we discussed how I wanted my calls handled. I wrote some simple instructions to give her a bit of a guideline. “Salon 1500, how may I help you?” My intention was to keep it simple, sharing the fact that I was in Europe attending the World Olympic Hairdressing Competition. This information was morphed in a manner that caused clients and whoever happened to call to think that I was actually in the competition. To this day I am not certain if this was confusion or just Mabel’s way of thickening the plot. The response was amazing...existing clients were informed prior to my departure and either chose to ignore the possible misinformation or just go along with the confusion knowing there would be clarity available upon my return. However any potential new client calling to request an appointment, or anyone calling for any other reason was very impressed. As more information was actually shared in person, it sounded like she gave her response some personal embellishment. Bless her heart, her intention was entirely honorable. She was a peach.
*"It is my considered opinion that the hairdresser is the most influential person in any community. When the public goes to a hairdresser, something happens to them. They feel safe, they relax. The hairdresser knows what their skin is like under the makeup, they know their age, they don't have to keep up any kind of pretense. People tell a hairdresser things they wouldn't dare confess to a priest and they are open about matters they'd try to conceal from a doctor. When people place their secret lives in the hairdresser's hands, the hairdresser gains an authority few other people attain. I have heard hairdressers quoted with complete conviction on art, literature, politics, economics, child care and morals. I tell you that a clever, thoughtful, ambitious hairdresser wields a power beyond comprehension of most people."
~ John Steinbeck