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Multipurpose salon not a good fit for potential client

Getting the scoop on the salon atmosphere is often just as important as learning about the stylist.

Leslie made an appointment with a new stylist, Freda, after a recommendation from one of her sorority sisters. Unfortunately, Leslie probed more about Freda's specific skills with handling long hair than about the salon's working environment.

When Leslie arrived for her appointment, she walked up to the front desk to announce herself as on time. The receptionist motioned for Leslie to take a seat in the waiting area while Freda completed her current client. When Leslie glanced over in the direction of the waiting area, she saw that it was packed with women sitting shoulder-to-shoulder chatting.

Leslie glanced to the back to try to get a glimpse of her new stylist's station, which was the third one. Leslie saw a stylist sewing in tracks of hair to complete a weave. Leslie audibly sighed mumbling, "I wonder how long a day this is going to be."

She tried to engross herself in a magazine to pass the time. Around her, the other women-in-waiting buzzed and giggled about the previous evening's music award show.

After about an hour, Leslie's frustration level rose. She walked back to the front desk to ask for an update. The receptionist relayed the inquiry to Freda, who walked toward Leslie to introduce herself.

"I'm sorry I'm so late. I'm working without my assistant today," Freda said apologetically.

"How much longer do you think it will be," Leslie asked.

"It should be about 30 minutes," Freda answered. "Lunch should be arriving soon though," Freda continued. "Feel free to help yourself."

"No, thanks," Leslie said with the hope of grabbing something to eat on her way home.

After another hour, a woman lugging several large duffle bags entered the salon. "Hey, can I set up back there as usual?"

"It's all ready for you," the receptionist said. "Did you find some red ones this time?"

"Yep! Wide and with the new heels, too," the lady said.

The receptionist clapped her hands. "Oh, girl, don't sell my shoes!"

Shoes? Leslie asked herself. She visually followed the woman with the duffle as she unpacked her wares. Sure enough, she pulled pairs and pairs of shoes from the bags to set up her display. The waiting clients sprang from their seats salivating for a peek at the newest arrivals.

Just then, the receptionist announced that lunch would be arriving shortly. All would be set up in the back room.

"Shoes and lunch? What kind of salon is this," Leslie asked herself in utter disbelief. As she looked around, she noticed that some of the women picking over the shoes had evidence of mid-process weaves and conditioning treatments.

Leslie now realized that the salon was more of a social club where you could also find time to get your hair styled. Leslie just wanted a salon where she could get quality styling in a reasonable amount of time. Hanging out was not necessary.

Finally, Freda returned to the waiting area and motioned for Leslie to come to her chair. Leslie began to think that even if Freda could transform her into a rock star; this still would not be a salon love connection.

Leslie walked over to Freda. "I'm sorry," Leslie said, "but I don't think this salon is going to be a good fit for me."

Freda asked, in disbelief, "But you've already waited two hours. You sure you don't want to just get your hair done today while you're here?"

"I'm sure," Leslie confidently said. "But...I did spot a good deal on a pair of boots from the ‘shoe lady' while I waited," Leslie said with a grin. "Is she here every week?"

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