I have been blessed to work in an industry I absolutely love the beauty industry. The people I have worked with, the styles I've created and the lessons I've learned have shaped me into the person I am today. In the beginning I was young and naive, all I wanted was to get my hands into someone's hair. My mind was filled with designs that continually broke my sleep. I was eager to use my skills to create masterpieces. From well set ponytails embellished with swirls, and twists that kept for weeks to church curls that kept the sisters wanting more.

I was in hair heaven.

When I became a parent, my children became my real-life mannequins I did their hair all the time. Their styles captured the attention of so many mothers desiring the same styles for their little ones. The more clients requested me, the more I realized I needed to learn, causing my salon menu to diversify.

One day a gentleman stood in the corner observing me as I styled his wife's hair. He smiled as she looked into the mirror praising her new look. As I stood there making sure every curl was in place, he leaned toward me to ask a question.

"Why do people travel from so far to sit in your chair?" He asked.

I was speechless.

"My wife passes many salons in route to you, yet she refuses them all and travels hours to sit in your chair," He replied.

This question haunted me; I could not give an answer for why.

It wasn't until years later when a client came into the salon, sharing candidly the reason she chose my salon above the rest.

She shared that some years prior that I had comforted her after the passing of her mom.

I was floored, because I had no recollection of it.

Stating that when she saw my work and recalled the memory. she just had to sit in my chair.

I was in awe.

Coupling this memory with the question gave me the clarity for why people cane from so far to sit in my chair.

It became apparent that it wasn't just what I could do when clients sit in my chair, but the value I add as I stand behind it.

Today my salon has evolved from just a place offering beauty services designed to help women maintain the health of their tresses to a place that also gives love, hope, encouragement, guidance and mentorship.

Working behind the chair has taught me so much over the years. But the one lesson that has impacted my life the most is the realization that I do more than hair Behind the Chair.