AND SO THIS IS IT...

 

The Last day of 2016, and I get to sit back and reflect on what a year it has been…

 

Every day I have had to pinch myself when Ive come into work..  looking around,  knowing that the Salon is actually mine. It has been an increadible feeling…

 

From my doors first opening,  working on my own for the first 6 months, finding my feet, and getting used to my new space was theraputic. I thouroughly enjoyed the calmness and quietness of just “breathing it all in”

I had always had a strong sense of what I wanted for the Salon, and as the months progressed, my desire to fill the Space with the right people for me was an utmost priority.

 

So It was a wonderful relief in my patiently waiting that in the 6th month Carmen, “My” Nail Technician was brought to my doors, with her own very successful business, (even Im lucky to get an appoitment with her) and what a breath of fresh air she brought in with her. And so begun the tweaks of making space, and ensuring She and her clients were comfortable and felt apart of the Salon. 

I then by sheer blessings from above was very blessed to have been “given” Melisse, My wonderful Hairstylist 2 months later to Join us at the most perfect time, who has achieved a wealth of experience at a very young age, not to mention being a head stylist in a flag ship Paul Mitchell Salon in Pretoria for two and a half years.  I couldn’t have asked for a more professional,  personal stylist. She fitted in like the perfect puzzle piece to the missing part of our puzzle. (And what a bonus, Now I even get to have MY hair done. Its awesome)

And so with Melisse’s joining, came another remodeling and a fairly major re tweak of the Salon to make more space, making sure Melisse was at home, as well as Carmen, and all our clients and staff.

With all this happeningalmost at the same time I Introduced my new Kevin Murphy brand, and then topped it off by wanting to  Sproose up our look with some custom made Aprons by putting the final cherry on the top…

I have found myself this year always looking for ways of wanting to improve the salon, especially with my Knight by my side always encouragingand challenging me with ideas, and in doing so, I feel I have pushed and given my best to the fullest.

 

In the last two months, I have “sat back” whilst working, listening to the banter between Carmen, Melisse, the clients and staff, and I am in Awe.

 I feel so humbled and so increadibly blessed. My heart is warmed, and I cant help but smile.

 

To Val and Keith, My Landlords, its been such a ease working alongside you. You have always been willing and so supportive in our endeavours ensuring we are happy.

To all the other tenants, its been a pleasure.  To work around creatives with the same vision makes it motivating.

 

And finally, the greatest thank you to all of you, our increadibly valued clients.

You have rocked it, and with your support and encouragement, have made us a success.

Without you, we wouldn’t be.

 You, our clients is what makes us want to do better, want to give something exceptional. Something personal. Something special, and We look forward and strive to continue with this, next year, and in all the years to come.

 

To keeping on Moving forward…

 

Jo and the team

x

 

AND SO, WE'RE GROWING!

 

I am very chuffed to announce and welcome our new Hairstylist Melisse to our team at Schön Hair…

 

Going into my 8th Month since opening, my desire has always been to have a dynamic team to create a very personal, professional, and uplifting enviroment. Starting off the Salon having to plan and arange the Salon for the future, was always our (My shining knight and I) Plan.

6 Months passed, and the doors flung open welcoming Carmen, an amazing Nail Technician (and an all round breath of fresh air) to my doors.

Now, I have been blessed once more with much deliberation, and what now seems a little favouritism,  (Thanks Sarah) with a Hairstylist to join our Team, making us complete.

Melisse is origionally from Johannesburg, and is relocating to Durban.

She studied and trained full time at Carlton Hair, where she completed her trade test.

She is fully trained in Vidal Sasoon cutting, and has workedwith an array of brands, adding to a wealth of experience.

Melisse went on to working at Carlton Hair International in Melrose Arch, and Carlton Hair Express, completing her last two and a half years in a Flag ship Paul Mitchell Salon in Pretoria working as their Senior Stylist.

 

Melisse has had great experience, and I am excited andlook forward to her joining our team and having her on board with us fromthe 1st November.

 

She will be taking all her own appointments like myself, and you are most welcome to contact her on her cell for any future appointments or enquiries!

Sending a text or a whatsapp is generally best, as if or when she or I are busy with a client, we prefer to not answer as so not to disturb the appointment to ensure utmost attention with minimal disruptions.

 

We will be uploading Melisse’s work on our Schön Hair Instagram Page, so you can follow her there as well.

 

We are busy making a few final tweeks at the Salon for Melisse’s arrival, to up the anti even more where we can to create a lovely flow and space for Carmen, Melisse and Myselfto work effeciently as so to create and keep a welcoming, relaxing and funenvironment for you, our valued Clients.

To the growth, flow, and the final puzzle piece being added to my dream, I feel blessed.

 

Melisse Nagel

C.0763317572

Melisse Nagel

Melisse Nagel

....DOES ANYONE EVER USE THE POOL??

It’s the question I am most asked every single day…

 

“Does anyone swim in the pool?!” and I have to chuckle..

 

The crazy thing is no-one actually uses the pool. (except for the weekends when I think my landlady Val, and her Son who lives upstairs from my precious little salon may have a dip.)

It used to once upon a time be Val’s home, but then started to develop her gorgeous property commercially, and I guess the pool just got to stay.

It is now just sheer asthetic beauty for all of you to stare into its blue, glassy depths pondering on life whilst sipping on your cuppacino..

I think however in Summer you should all bring your cozzies, and we start a revoloution of having a dip in this gorgeous pool before having your locks done.

Don’t be scared.

Someone needs to start enjoying this little bit of heaven..

 

Wishing you all a very Happy Spring!!  Before we know it, its going to be Christmas,

So please have a look in your diarys so we can pencil you in now for your Christmas appointments, as its booking up already!

See you all soon, (Perhaps with a few added cozzies and towels)

PS.  Please Make sure you do all your vigorous activities BEFORE you come have your hair done, so you can rather plan your hot night out's instead.. always got to plan a little something something with pretty hair...

THE TIME HAS COME TO ADD ON A FEW EXTRA'S...

Finally after 5 months of patiently waiting for the opportune time, and looking for the “right person” to come and be apart of Schön Hair to add an extra touch of added service and convienience,  I am very excited and happy to share with you, that you will now be able to have your nails and toes enhanced to their gorgeous best as well, if so desired.

 

I would like to Welcome our New Nail Technician, Carmen to our Team at Schön Hair.

She will be starting officially on the 1st September.

 

Carmen trained with Bio sculpture in 2007, and has since changed over to Logic gel Polish.

She did an educators course in Logic gel and now runs courses herself.

She offers Tips and gel overlays and specializes in Nail Art.

You are welcome to go check her work out on her Instagram page as well…

 

If you would like in the future to have your nails or toes done with Carmen, you will need to  please book in advance either with me when you book your hair appoinment, and we can try see if we can combine both your hair and nails, or you can contact her directly on her cell as she will be taking all her own appointments.

She has quite a following as it is, so please bare this in mind as a little “heads up notice” would be safer in order to insure an appointment at your convienience.

 

Carmen’s cellphone number-0798793904

Carmen’s Instagram page-carmenlisanails

 

….Heres to adding on some Pretty, Happy Nails and Toes!

THE BRAZILLIAN.. TO DO OR NOT TO DO IS THE QUESTION...

 

This has probably been one of the biggest debates and a topic that is permanantely hot on the press.

I often get asked if I do Brazillians or “keratin treatments’, and my reply is always consistently No.

Sometimes over a phone call I can hear that a client is satisfied with my answer, and almost ready to hang up, and yet I find myself compelled to dig a little deeper and ask back.

“Do you know what is in the Brazillian?” Some are a littleconfused at the question, and totally unaware, whereas some understand full well.

 

For those who are asking, “what is she going on about” I will tell you…

 

The main ingredient in the Brazillian is Formeldyhde.

 AKA what they use to preserve dead bodies with.

 It is absoloutely toxic to the body.

You know that feeling for those who have had the Brazillian done, when your eyes start burning from all the smokey haze once the irons start getting hot on your hair, and in some salons whoever is applying the product will wear masks and gloves to try protect their lungs from breathing in the fumes and their hands from becoming blistered.

 Perhaps some of you have experienced nervous system pain a week or so after?

 Those are only a few of the side effects.

What about long term damage?

 

Some companies will brand theirs as “Organic” and with NO formeldyhde in their products.

 To be very honest, I wouldn’t even take the chance in finding out.

 For the product to work, there has to be some amount of formeldyhde in it.

 Lets not forget our beloved SA isnt exactly über strict on what is allowed in the country in terms of any ingredients used by various companies in their products.

 

The Brazillian has been banned in some countries all together.

 

I have made my own personal decision for myself, my staff, and my clients to NOT do The Brazillian, because for me, to look and feel good is very important, but not at the risk of jeapordising ones health.

 No amount of money is worth that.

 

I will often say to clients, rather invest with the same amount of money you would have spent to have had the Brazillian done, and buy yourself a good professional shampoo and conditioner, styling aids and perhaps a professional dryer to assist you at home when youre wanting to blow wave or iron your hair and get it nice and smooth and straight. You will be amazed at how awesome your hair will start to feel with the condition improving, and how much easier it will make your life.

For all of us, having shiny, healthy hair is what we want to achieve and what really stands out in a crowd, not pin straight hair that has gone like straw, all dry and split, and your body trying to eliminate all the harmful chemicals, just to have straighter hair.

 Is it really worth it?

 

All I ask is to consider the facts, consider your health.

 And invest in yourself wisely.

ADVENTURES OF A LIFETIME

My brother Gregory came for a weeks holiday from Austria two weeks ago, and was really such a treat to see him…

 

When he had booked his ticket about a year ago, he mentioned He was going to do a charity run called “wings for life” which donate 100% of the proceeds to spinal cord research. He had already run two of these races, one in Germany and one in Austria.

 Greg had invited myself and my two other brothers to come and join him for the “fun run” in Pretoria with him on the 8th May this year, hence all of us three declined as we arent exactly Bruce Fordyce runners, and greg is a machine of stealth.

 

Alas, literally at lastminute.com, ( one week before the race)I couldn’t let my brother come all the way from Austria to SA, and not go join him.

I booked a early morning Sunday flight (which I almost missed) and flew back that night with him.

 

Let me just tell you something about running..

It freeking sucks.

 

No, seriously, it was a memory I wont ever forget. The altitude was something chronic, I felt like I needed a oxygen mask attatched to my face. At one point a young guy in a wheelchair was overtaking me. It was bad. At each 3km mark, my brother was stashing up on water and small shots of redbull. I tell you, it truly gave me wings.. my heart nearly flew out my chest.

Inbetween my brothers specific Tone of “Come Jo… its not the time to walk Jo… you can walk tomorrow Jo..” if I could have thrown rocks at his back, I probably would have, but he stuck it out with me, and we (I) managed 10km’s as eventually the “catcher car” caught us.(me)

 

Alas, we did it, I lived, and it was very special. (something about retrospect)

 

We also on the following Friday did a awesome photoshoot in my salon, with a very kind and willing client of mine, Angela Enslin. It was such a great treat  to have my brother in my Salon, for him being able to see it, and share in it, and us just being able to do what we love best.

Not only did we just style Angela’s hair, Greg also studied in Vienna the fine art of make up. To have watched him work was amazing. He has more make up than I could ever possibly buy, or know what to do with. I was in Awe, and had such a laugh, as he asked me before he came, “Jo, should I bring my make up, or use yours…” in my mind I was like, if Masacara is all youre looking for, then sure!

 

It was a fun morning of hair, watching my boet apply beautiful makeup and the finale of him taking the photos…

 Needless to say They came out beautifully…  

 

With my boety back in Austria, and my love tank re-filled, I get to nestle those special memories in my heart and mind for a life time.

 

Gregory and I at the finish (our)
Gregory applying makeup on Angela
Angela Enslin final photo

DO YOU KNOW WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THE HAIR PRODUCTS YOU USE?

 

I haveto say, over the years of working in my industry, working with many brands of products and colours, I have made my choice of brand, which has truly been an easy one.

 

For those who don’t know, my choice has been Paul Mitchell.

The Master mind behind this American company, was founded by John Paul Mitchell.

A man who had a love for all things natural, an Ethos of looking after the planet, to give back.

To ensure that no animals were used in the testing and perfecting of his products, and using only the very best ingredients, including an array of various plant extracts, in which many of them are grown by the company itself.

The result??

Products that enhanced beauty, and took care of the planet, all at the same time…

 

 

One of the most inivative and ingenious ingredient in their colours has to be Beeswax.

Not only does it give brilliant condition and increadible shine to the hair, the beeswax works as a buffer to ensure no chemical can enter the bloodstream.

NO other brand has managed to achieve this.

To be able to have peace of mind that not only are you looking after your health,  your hair is being left in the best condition. Needless to say for all my pregnant mom’s, its 100% safe for your baby too.

 

Do you know what brand is being used on your hair? What value do we place on quality, and what is the impact of what we use, have on our bodies?

 

For me, only the very best will do.

My salon is Authentically Paul Mitchell, from Shampoo’s used in the backwash basin, to My colour, and styling aids.

For me it is of utmost importance to provide you as my client, with only the very best, and it makes me feel good, and proud to know that I do, as best as I can.

 

Be informed and know what is being used on your hair.

You can never put a price tag on quality, and never on your health…

KEEP PUSHING FORWARD...

Looking for hairdressers should be a simple feat right?

Clearly I was hugely mistaken…

 

So one month down in my little haven, with having been spoilt something chronic by everyone, well watered and fed, with all my little snagshaving been achieved, (well, I think im the type to permanantely have a “list”) feeling settled and happy, meeting lots of new wonderful clients, I feel blessed.

I would however be delighted to share my new space with someone who can add to my oasis, and I really thought the task would be a lot simpler. Infact, it seems as if my industry is sadly dwindling. Its like the Ocean has run out of fish. Its almost as if this little space is patiently waiting for “the one”.

So if you are it, could you please flipping hurry up?!

That would be amazing…

 

It looks as if there is also a new shop opening next door to me- a bridal boutique which should also be cool, and im also hopefully getting my nail technician in by the end of the month, fingers crossed. I just love the idea of being able to have ones nails done, whilst your colour is developing. Lets face it. Life is busy, and we are all watching the clock, trying to multi task our lives like highly skilled ninjas, all at the same time wanting to look our best with groomed everything. To be able to walk out the door with new hair and nails done all at the same time is like having your cake AND eating it. Well, I love cake, so im pretty excited.

 

Watch this space, I’ll keep you posted…

NEVER TO OLD TO LEARN

 

I have to sayhow much I love a challenge.

But oh my goodness have my colour skills been stretched the last two weeks…

 

My very lovely “Sister in law” decided she had a fabulous idea and wanted to try going for the “grey look” and I happily encouraged her, as she is a silver fox already, so lets do it, and have a change.

She very quickly noted all the grey tones I had recently done, and before I knew it, she was at the basin, her hair in a milky bleach bath.

 

Let me just say one thing. There are various shades of colour, including grey believe it or not, and she decided she didn’t want the light version to be easy, she wanted the darker smokier version of grey, the kind we cant just “whip up” out a tube.

 Needless to say, after a few atempts, achieving the lighter grey, she felt too blonde still, andI was sweating bullets of frustration at not being able to perfect this desired shade.

 I had crazy thoughts of using obscene shades of colour to achieve my result, knowing in my gut it would work, but I hadnt had a bottle of Vodka to help ease the sheer panic of what I was about to do.

Hands looking like I had left them in a bowl of charcoal and acetone for a week from not being able to resist getting “stuck in” with my hands in her colour, I had no other option but tomix up my insane mix.

 

Ive never been so mentally exhausted.

But let me tell you, it worked…

 And it is so perfectlly gorgeous. 

 

I have my wonderful, most talented Father to thank.

If it wasn’t for his wisdom and knowledge  teaching me from my first early days of how to mix colours, to create your own from what you have, teaching me about hair textures and types, the law of what cancels out what, I wouldn’t be the hairdresser I am today.

 

He has taught me so much in my life, and hair is just one of them.

I am deeply grateful.

 

 

 

 

 

THOSE SPECIAL MOMENTS

                

You know in life you have those moments that stay with you for the rest of your life? Those times in your life that you just don’t forget.

Well, this week I had one of those moments.

 

I have a client of mine, (Don) who I have known since school, and have been doing his hair for the past few years… quite a few at that. Since then he has married his gorgeous, kind, salt of the earth wifie, Chanel, ( You did more than good Don) and I have since also been having the pleasure of doing her and her moms hair as well…

 

So “Don” arrives for his usual 5 weekly appointment, and brings with him this regtangular wrapped box with a very pretty white vintage lace bow on it. (Chanels fingerprints all over it)

We said our hello’s and began with our catch up…  Its always the case of trying to remember any juicy news that might have happened in the few weeks gone by.

 I must say, having a good laugh is really good for the soul.

 

So as Ive almost finished his cut, he asks, “ Are you going to open your present or what?” (OBVIOUSLY! Just trying to not get too excited and keep it cool. I LOVE presents… and I love to try guess what they are) So im feeling the box, and it felt a bit like the ferrera Roche flat boxes you get… so I say, “ It feels kind of like Ferrera Roche’s?

 He just looks at me and starts laughing… I was like on the North Pole on that guess.

 

As I open the box, my first image was 5.5”, and I had that instant feeling of nausia.

“Have you bought me a pair of SCISSORS?!!”

 

Don had so sneekily asked in his previous appointment to have a look at my gold pair of scissors, and the make etc, (for those who don’t know, they are very special to me, as before my sister passed away almost two years ago, she gave me those scissors.  They were hers. I have made those gold scissors apart of my logo. She will always be apart of me.)

 

 

 

 

So he took down (unbeknown to me) all the details he could find on the scissors.

 He then went and found the exact make, and had my new pair imported from Germany. He then went on to have the box, and the scissors engraved with Schön Hair, Est 2016 on them.

 

Its these moments in life im talking about.

The moments you just never forget, that impact your innercore.

 

I am so touched by their act of increadible generosity and kindness.

These acts is what makes life special.

 

 It’s a reminder for myself to love, cherish, appreciate and value the people around me.  Especially those who I love and hold closely.

Life is fleeting, and is a gift, and most of all, it’s the people in our lives that make life worth living. 

My new scissors
My new scissors

Exactly One Week

So its been one whole week in my new space, and Oh what a great week it has been!

Im feeling the Love!!!!

Thank you to all of my most wonderful, and special clients who have been spoiling me something silly with Flowers and flowers, and more gorgeous flowers... I feel so spoilt and loved. Thank you!! You're kind words and support of coming to see me has been so wonderful, You are the reason why I love my job. Pull in any time, even if its not for your hair, and come have a cappuccino:)

Its also been a great week of  phone calls from new clients who have been recommended from all you living legends to come and give me a try. Thank you! 

Its funny with this week how I have had a "snag list" of the little things I have forgotten to get. I have never been so hungry or thirsty in my life. My water bottle is like my living oasis. Its not funny working feeling like you're that parched Camel who has survived its one month of no water capabilities, and now its ready for a mean drink.. only to realise theres no damn oasis of water. So very thirsty... My legendary Julie, who used to make us killer salads every day is no longer there to be my in house chef of no hunger, all I can say is Praise God for that small box of Jungle oats and raisins in my fridge. Its been a life saver.

I guess this is the fun of growing and learning, and Im thoroughly enjoying every minute of it...

 

ONE WEEK TO GO...

 

So it has come to this…

 

I officially have one week before my doors open on the 1st March 2016.

 

This is the finale, and im having to pinch myself that it is ACTUALLY happening! Eeeeeek!

So many mixed emotions running through my mind, but on the top of the list is sheer excitement to open those doors of mine, and finally begin…

 

This is the week of installing all things pretty, sentimental, and to watch all my handpicked treasures that have been gathered over the last past few months,  finally being placed in this light filled, clean space, and breathing it into life…

 

 

 It is exhilirating, and I am filled with humility, and pride.

THE VERY BEGINNING OF MY VERY OWN… INTRODUCING,SCHÖN (Beautiful) Hair

And so, it has begun..

 

It has always been a dream of mine to one day, open up my very own salon.. to put my own little fingerprints of creativity and expression, with all things earthy, a little quirky, simplistic, and clean.   To make it a warm, happy space where I can create, relax, have fun, and do what I love to do.  To make clients look andfeeltheir best, a place to re-boot and to leave feeling like a million bucks..  

The funny thing about life is, It doesn’t always pan out exactly how we hoped and dreamed.. My “white picket fence”( in all truth it was never white to begin with) quickly turned to divorced, horribly broke, no where to go, with my two beautiful children. My dream was always in my mind, but began to quickly fade further into the background, and keeping my life balanced and putting one foot in front of the other became all I could muster. 

…..But let me tell you something, there ARE such things as Knights in shining Armour… I didn’t believe it myself… until one day….

 My Knight valiantly whisked me up onto his white horse, with his strength, honesty, humour, and yes of course, his irrisistable charm.. I was, and am daily, smitten.

My dream is finally, turning into a reality, and honestly, its only because of my Knight supporting and encouraging me to take the leap, the plunge.. “to keep moving forward…”

 

 I will be forever grateful…