As many of you know I travel for work, salon workshops, academy education, as well as platform work. Jet setting, teaching, and getting to share space with the best of the best can be viewed as a glamorous life, and many cases it is but I would love to share some behind the scenes info into what it actually takes to do such events.
To state the obvious, it takes a tremendous amount of preperation. I personally spend countless hours in a work room in my home. For me it allows me to able to work without distractions. Before each workshop I create a new benchmark mannequin, with each one is their own color, cut and finish. Some times the work has been pre decided at the salons request and other times it is a creative freedom given to me. With that is also a technical side, flip chart or power point presentations. As you can imagine this is my least favorite part, I just want to play with my dolls.
Show work is slightly different. We often times can not plan until we arrive. Model calls can be different in each situation. Some cases local salons find them and others, models are sent by agencies. The planning is always a collaboration within the color and design team. If we are lucky our prep is done in supporting salons but other times we are in banquet rooms at hotels. We do our best at trying to plan for different situations. Our orders have to be placed weeks in advanced, and it is all shipped by corporate. During our consults with each model we choose looks that best will showcase our work and represent our brand Keune. Prep days can be as long as 6 and 7 hours long. Then its time for a team dinner, the technical side and off to bed. The next morning is always an early one usually by 6am. As all of the models start to arrive with their bed hair, it is time to get them ready. Its time for hair, makeup, wardrobe and practicing! Then it happens you get to see all of the hard work of the team come together! You forget how tired you are, because there is such a shift in energy you cant help but be swept into it all!
Can we talk about the not so glamorous? The countless hours in the car, on airplanes, in airports. The dinners alone in strange cities. The 100s of different hotel beds. The luggage! Omg the luggage, I recently travelled to Canada. I had 7 mannequins, a tripod and a projector and my work equipment scissor, blowdryer and such. When I checked into the airport for my trip to NYC my bag was 62lbs. Oops I had to carry some of that on with me.
In all seriousness. The experiences I have had and the people I have met have made it so it was not done in vain. I feel so lucky to be a part of the best Industry there is. Hairdressers touch and inspire others like no other professional. I have been blessed to work with and meet some of the best. As Dr Suess said "oh the places you will go." Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So....get on your way!
