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A Moment of Peace — Switching Gears Between Clients
Seeing a steady stream of clients all day can be mentally and physically draining. NAILS asked readers how they take a moment to relax and switch gears between cli-ents. A surprising number found the routine they developed to prepare for their next client has become a soothing ritual.
by Staff
August 1, 2008
2 min to read
Just setting up for my next client and getting out the client card is my ritual. I also try to have a big smile and say hello as the next client walks in the door. —Diana Gasior, Designer Nails By Diana (Hopkins, Minn.)
About five years ago, I decided to add 15 minutes to all my services. I was tired of never having a minute in the day. I was always stressed out and running late. By adding the 15 minutes, I now can relax and I enjoy my day a lot better. It also improved my attitude, because I could get a little snippy when I was running late. A happier me is a happier client. —Cheri Maccario, Salon Luxe (Santa Rosa, Calif.)
I play games on my PDA for short breaks and belly dance to music on my iPod for longer breaks (with the door to my private nail room closed).—Katherine Fahrig, Panache (Creve Coeur, Mo.)
I like to clean up as quickly as possible and completely reset my station for the next client. It gives me peace of mind knowing I am prepared for her arrival. Then I can go in the back and grab a quick drink of water, check my schedule for the rest of the day, etc. When I come back out to the front I can greet her and take her to my station right away. This way I feel calm and refreshed because she doesn’t see me rushing around to prepare at the last minute. —Laura Russell, Dolce Salon & Spa (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Going through my sanitation/disinfection rituals helps me to clear my mind — that and smoking a cigarette. —Melissa Brown, Kyle Elliot Salon & Spa/Sole Sistas Mobile Nail Spa (Midlothian, Ill.)
When I get a chance to take a break I either go in the back breakroom and close the door to get a few minutes of quiet time or I go out the back door of the salon, since it is so nice outside in Florida , and take a few deep breaths. A brief minute outside is always a way to unwind for me — even if it is to take out the trash.—Linda Tabella, Melanie & Co. Salon Spa (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)
I don’t normally leave my table and relax. I usually finish early so I take the time to chat with my client. Just sitting and chatting relaxes me.—Jackie Hauck, Hairport (Slidell, La.)
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