Obviously, we are a caring and compassionate industry of men and women. We cater to the every need of our clients and staff. So why do we need to learn about being mindful of our clients? Because if we ever stop learning, we stop growing.

Mindfulness is a constant nurturing of not only us, but the lives of others. It exudes empathy in simple activities while still allowing us to have healthy levels of self-care. As with many things in life, it is all about balance.

Have you sat in your client chair recently? How is the view from the clients’ side of the nail station? How do your products look to them? What are they looking at while you look at their nails? What is your pedicure area like for the client? The waiting area?

A great reminder in mindfulness is that we do not have control over anyone but ourselves.

I remember teaching this method to a receptionist at a salon and she said, “I look at the waiting area all day. I know what it looks like.” When I asked her to actually sit in the waiting area, she was surprised to see the reception desk was not very attractive to the client. Our perspective changes when we pause and take time to engage ourselves in someone else’s perspective.

A great reminder in mindfulness is that we do not have control over anyone but ourselves. It’s a great reminder in any of life’s moments, actually. So if we can only control ourselves, how do you cultivate a more mindful experience in your salon? Try any of these examples!

1. When the client arrives, escort her to your station and allow her to just sit for one to two minutes. Offer to get her a beverage or grab some supplies. In these one to two minutes, create a calm environment for the client by keeping the space clean, engaging her with eye-attracting decor (like glitter!) or new product displays, and providing relaxing music. I have a heating pad on the table. This provides instant relaxation while they are waiting for me.

2. Once I sit down, I authentically compliment them. I also say, “So, what are you up to on this happy day?” Now it is not overly sugar-coated but it is me truly being happy to hear about them and their day. Recognize what percentage of the conversation is about you and what percentage is about them. Shift the percentage their way.

3. Change up the client’s view every few weeks. Refresh the environment to renew their view.

4. Check in with yourself during the appointment. Where are your thoughts? Are you going over your to-do list in your head instead of listening to the client? Take a deep breath. Rejoin the moment. Embrace the client’s conversation as a gift.

5. Are you paying attention to the chaos at the front desk instead of your client? Keep focused. Your coworkers can handle whatever is going on up front. Take a cleansing breath. You got this!

Nail tech Jeri Mallow is the owner of Hartford, Wis.-based Nail Essentials and Inspire Nail Academy. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @nailessentials and Instagram @nailessentialhartfordwi.