 Chatty stylist rubs potential client the wrong way
After a day marked by long meetings and requests from young executives, Soraya looked forward to her first visit at a new salon. While there, she preferred to catch up on reading or to simply meditate on her own thoughts, which she never has time to do running her own company.
Within moments of her arrival, a friendly woman walked up to Soraya with a huge smile and introduced herself as her stylist, Raven.
"Girl, you are working that dress. You have to tell me where you shop," Raven commented as the two walked back to her station.
"Thank you," Soraya said.
"I have been looking for something similar to go to this party this weekend. That is if James acts right," Raven said. "I will tell you that story in a minute, but..."
Sensing a break for oxygen, Soraya interrupted the monologue. "I just want to get a regular wash and sit under the dryer with rollers," Soraya said, anxious to get started with her service.
She thought Raven seemed a little chatty, but surprisingly pleasant. After exhausting all the salon referrals from her friends, she hoped she had found "The One."
Stylist and potential "every-two-week" client relocated to the washbowl area. Glancing at her watch, Soraya tried to predict when she would be rolled and nose down into her book to relax. Silent for a few minutes, Raven resumed her conversation as she lathered Soraya's hair.
"Is this your first time here? I'm trying to build up my clientele so I can grow my business. I told James that I want to open my own salon. I started here after James and I split up the first time..."
Soraya tried to tune Raven out. She enjoyed Raven's shampoo technique, but could have done without the background chatter. Soraya closed her eyes and concentrated on her upcoming vacation.
"Is this your first time here," Raven asked again.
"Yes," Soraya replied dryly hoping Raven would take the hint and stop talking.
After the wash, Raven rolled Soraya's hair. All the while, Raven yakked about her "dream salon," James, the Wendy Williams show, and more. Soraya remained unresponsive.
Once her hair was set, Soraya settled under the dryer. She exhaled taking out her book. But just as she was getting to the part where the romantic leads were about to have their first kiss, Raven quickly slid a chair next to her.
"Since you are my last client, I figured I would keep you company," Raven said. "Do you watch Sunday's Best on BET? I think the old guy has to go, but..."
"Raven while I appreciate the company, I would rather just read," Soraya finally said. Raven looked slightly wounded.
"I don't want to seem rude, but I usually don't chat this much during my appointments," Soraya gently continued.
"Oh," Raven said slightly embarrassed. "I'll...just wait for you up front."
"OK. Thank you," Soraya said sliding back into her novel.
After about an hour, Soraya emerged from the dryer refreshed. She returned to Raven's chair. In the midst of taking down the rollers, Raven timidly broke the silence, "I apologize for interrupting your quiet time under the dryer. I just wanted to get to know you as a potential new client."
Soraya smiled. "I know. I appreciate the fact that I'm not just another ‘head' to you. However, I'd rather you get to know my hair first. Doing that will impress me."
Thinking she just blew a potential client, Raven forced herself to smile through the mirror at Soraya. "Understood."
"Oh, and in answer to your question...I do think the old guy should be voted off ‘Sunday's Best,'" Soraya chuckled. Raven smiled.
Do you think Soraya will return? Leave your thoughts below by adding a comment.
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