Life is a collection of core memories: some may be major milestones like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, or a new baby, while others, such as loss, are a testament to our resilience. These are the moments that make up a lifetime.
And then there are the small moments—a kind gesture, a timely hug, a warm smile, or a celebration of a small victory—that leave an indelible mark on our souls. These are the memories that truly connect us as humans and make life meaningful. And sometimes, we don’t realize the profoundness of the moment until long after it’s passed.
As our clients’ beauty professionals, we are in a unique position to contribute to these moments. After all, we are among the first people clients tell about important news, admit to relationship issues, and share their hopes and dreams. In some cases, they communicate with us more than their own families.
So, what sort of responsibility comes with this level of trust we’ve gained with our clients? A lot, actually, but we should see this as an honor rather than a responsibility. Our connection matters: these moments are our opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life.
However, we should use our superpowers wisely. We should be gentle and protective with the information people share, kind and empathetic in our responses, and try hard to pick up on the little nuances that may make a difference.
If our normally chatty client has gone silent, the teen in our chair is uncomfortable in their own skin, or someone is clearly going through a difficult time, we should be empathetic. If someone is up for a promotion at work, has passed a difficult test, or is working to better themselves in any way, it’s important to be supportive and celebrate the wins with them, even the small ones. It’s essential to use our unique position to be the person who helps create meaningful connections and, hopefully, positive memories they’ll hold dear, maybe even for a lifetime.
For our own sanity, we must remain aware that carrying all of life’s moments from our clients can be a heavy mental load. If our first client is celebrating an anniversary but the next is grieving the loss of a loved one, it can be challenging to make the quick mental shift. Taking a few moments between bookings to make notes in our software can provide some release and allow us to follow up with our previous clients the next time they come in. Also, taking a few moments to ourselves at the end of the day can help us decompress and shift focus before heading home to loved ones.
So, what do we get from our efforts to help others? Well, it’s the look on a cancer patient’s face when fitted for a wig, the burst of confidence after unveiling a makeover, that squeal of excitement from a client showing off their new look on social media, or the now-adult client who thanks us for our kindness and support when they were a teen. Those are our moments!
What are some of your core memories with your clients?
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