Career Mirror -- by David Ross

For almost six years Sherina, who only goes by her first name, has been president, owner and stylist of Nitestyles Hairdressing Salon. Enter her world and you are in for more than just a haircut. Her bubbly, energetic personality and concern for her clients make the experience worthwile. Now, Sherina shares some insights into what it's like being a stylist as well as a business woman.

Sherina - President, Nitestyles Hairdressing Salon

Career title:
President, Nitestyles Hairdressing Salon

How did you decide on this career?
At the time it was the shortest course I could take for nine months that offered a diploma. It would serve internationally for employment and my personal needs in the future for my family.

How did you get started in hairdressing?
I got a student loan, enrolled in the best school in Calgary offering the course.

What education and training were necessary?
Nine months of practical training and theory and 1500 hours at a salon in an apprenticeship that followed.

What do you like/dislike most about this type of work?
It's not only hairdressing. It's also balancing a business with the management, staff hiring, training, bookkeeping, etc.

What is the hardest part about being a hairdresser?
Should you lose your concentration for a moment, your reputation with the client could be at stake. Also, standing for long periods of time can be difficult. Owning your own business demands an extensive amount of your time, and can take away from other hobbies done outside of work. In this industry it is difficult to find career-dedicated, meticulous stylists.

What skills, interests, abilities or temperaments are best suited for this type of work?
Being a perfectionist in all aspects. You must have some education, as well as skills in communication, cooperation or interaction with co-workers, being punctual, reliable, and professional.

Are there any dress codes or particular details specific to this job?
I, personally, do not allow casual or jeans at work. You may wear them to work and after work, but not during. You are what you look like. Your taste presents itself before words are exchanged with your clients.

Please describe a typical day.
My staff and I come in, open the shop by preparing coffee, plugging in utensils, turning the sound (T.V. or radio) "on" and checking the answering machine for calls to return. We then begin the appointments on our books by asking clients what they require - the "bonding" process - whether they want to experiment with something new, or they know exactly what they or prefer the look they now have. The day continues in a like manner. Lunch or dinner is had at whatever time the stylist prefers, then at the end of the day we clean up the salon and cash-out to prepare for the next day. Somewhere in the day, the mailbox is checked and the bank deposit and purchasing of change (for our float) is done. At days end, the laundry or towels are put in the washer, garbage is emptied and the answering machine is turned "on". Then we lock up and leave. What is a typical work schedule ? i.e.: hours, days Our work schedule is split in two: 10am to 7pm or 5pm to 12 midnight. Two stylists, other than myself, working 32 hours, six days a week, usually.

What is the starting wage for a person in this position? What is the average wage?
The starting wage can be minimum wage or 50 per cent commission of whatever they make. Some salons hire at 40 per cent commission for the stylist and up.

What are your future expectations for this work? For yourself, for the field?
My future expectations for this work is to continue to provide a very good service, with updated courses and have our stylists enjoy what they are doing, and be happy with their surroundings. It does reflect on their work. For the field, I wish other hairdressers would be more respectable, reliable and truly serious about what they are doing. It is creative, with lots of public exposure. It's very easy for a good stylist to develop an ego complex and abuse this power and disregard the technical aspect of what they are doing. There is an integrity and responsibility from a stylist to their employer (be it the client or the salon owner) and a mutual need and respect form the salon owner to the stylist.

Do you have any words of wisdom for someone considering this career path?
It has taken me many years to excel at what I do by studying and practice. There is no one's hair I cannot cut. I am that confident in my work. This comes from applying what you learn, constant practice (which is difficult, in the beginning) and please, have a genuine desire, want and need to do this for a living. To succeed in any profession requires dedication, commitment and a genuine interest in the job. Realize it will take up many hours of your life. You have to be able to take criticism and set-backs, so that someday you too can have your own business and be able to teach or be responsible for your own staff.