The first small studio salon I had all to myself was about 240 square feet. It had been a nail salon before I rented the space, and Mom and I spent a month ripping it apart and reworking it — all while I was trying to work amidst the rubble of construction.

When it was finished, I had a workplace I absolutely loved going to every day.

In the years since then, I have worked for a few other people in their salons with their decor, and I have had many other spaces of my own. I had never loved any of my other salons as much as I loved that first little studio, until I moved into my present spot.

The move to my current studio was the first time I had the luxury of planning a move in advance. I was able to paint, decorate, and design the space I would work in for a full month before actually beginning work here.

When I moved in it was the first time I really loved where I worked each day since that little place in 1995. Then, a little past the two-year mark, I came in one day and utterly loathed my work space.

Suddenly the walls were too dark, the furnishing was claustrophobic, and it had to change immediately!

So, about two years ago, I spent a couple of months (because I had to work in the meantime...and then I broke my wrist) repainting, rearranging, and redecorating.

I hate it. It has never really come together coherently. I have never loved the simple act of being here since I changed it. No matter how many clients love it. No matter how many people exclaim, “It’s so cute in here” when they see it.

It’s been two-and-a-half years, so it’s time for a makeover anyway. The plan is to wipe the slate clean and start a new look after the first of the year.

In the meantime, I find myself cringing when people come in. It’s like having to welcome visitors to your home when it’s a mess. I’m not proud of my little space. I don’t feel like having company.

You know how hard it is to run a salon when you don’t want to invite people in?

I can’t wait till next year!