Sorry to disappoint

Well, life threw me a curve-ball last month, and although I hate to disappoint (anyone. ever.) I am announcing that Jackie Jean's Hair Salon will not be coming into existence any time soon.

On September 29th, I got fired from my job at Regis. It came as a huge shock (to put it lightly) to be fired from the place I had worked for exactly 7 years. I can completely understand why Regis felt the need to fire me, but it was still a slap in the face (too put it less lightly). Basically, Regis knew that I was planning on moving on soon, and their job was to make it as difficult as possible for me to take any of my clients with me when I did. So I went in to work on Saturday around 1pm, and got told I was being "let go" and that I needed to turn in my key at the end of the night at about 1:07pm. I was also given the advice that I should not "make it weird" at work that day. Basically, they wanted me to pretend nothing was wrong and not make a scene with my coworkers or clients around. Whatever. I actually held back my tears pretty well. And I didn't cause a scene. I did the exact opposite. At the end of the night, as I was collecting all of my things to take home, I made sure I cleaned out my station until it was spotless. I put all of the Regis product back where it belonged, I didn't make the rookie mistake of forgetting to take my license out of the frame on the wall. I did the nightly close-out jobs with exactness. I even folded towels that I was never going to use. In short, I made absolutely sure that my manager and coworkers had nothing to hold against me after I was gone.

I don't really know why this was so important to me, but it was. I still believe I was one of the best employees that ever worked at that salon. I can count the number of times I was late to work on one hand, and I always took out the trash and swept the floors like I was supposed to. I know Regis won't fall apart without me; it will not cease to operate. But a small part of me hopes it will...just a little bit. At any rate, I learned that anyone can get fired from a job. Even me. Loyalty is not a word that matters in corporate America.

I took about a week to find a new salon to work at, and I started taking clients there last Tuesday. I have since been overwhelmed at how much love and support I felt in this whole process. From family, friends and especially clients. I mean, I completely expect my family and friends to be there for me, but it was amazing to realize just how much my clients have become my friends over these past few years. Still, every time one of them calls me to set up an appointment, I feel deep gratitude that they care enough to follow me. Change is a hard thing for most people. We get set in our routines and our habits. And most of these people have been getting their hair cut and colored at Regis for so long, that it amazes me that they are willing to make a change like this...just for me.

The salon I work at now is a "booth rent" salon. I pay a monthly fee to rent a space there, and essentially have my own business. I buy all my own supplies and set my own schedule. I can say yes or no to whomever or whatever I want. I haven't had freedom like this in...well...8 years. And it feels fantastic. Obviously there is a lot more responsibility on my shoulders now, but I find it fun. Mostly.

So, I have decided that instead of scrambling to open Jackie Jean's, I am content for now to be where I am. I think it would have been too much, too soon to borrow money and get it remodeled by January. With this new booth renting set-up, I will hopefully be able to save money faster than I was at Regis (where they took a 55% cut) and when I feel ready I will open my own place. I've prayed about this a lot. And I definitely feel that I've been directed to where I am and feel very peaceful about my decision to stay at Haven longer than I originally anticipated.

So, there is your update!  Thanks for your support and encouragement!
I hope I haven't disappointed. ;)