Stop Getting Ready to Get Ready
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a lot of ideas. I have put them down on paper and planned them out, but never have I seen any of them flourish the way I've imagined until now. My mentor said to me once, “Stop getting ready to get ready”!
If you think about something long enough, you will talk yourself out of it. Just start!
Many people told me, when I started The Hairdresser Strong Show, that I needed to buy a mic, I needed to set up a studio in my apartment, I needed visuals, or I needed to interview the most famous hairdressers so I can get lots of followers. If I would have listened to all of those people and tried to make this super polished and highly produced thing, it would never have happened. Truth be told, the more raw and gritty production quality has been called “authentic”. That is the second most amazing thing someone can say to me, right after: “That interview you did helped me [fill in the blank]”.
A friend of mine's wife and friend gave me some other advice: “Find your sustainable passion.” This was incredible advice. Just because you are good at something, doesn’t mean you need to do it. If you do want to do that thing, you can do it on your terms. I needed permission, so, now, I give you permission.
Do not spend time getting ready to get ready. Be a tinkerer! Just get started and figure it out as you go. That does not mean don't do any planning! I planned, went through a partner, and recorded 10 sessions before I launched. I had no idea where it would go, but I knew I needed to talk to the industry. I was compelled to share my story and the stories of others.
This entire endeavor continues to morph, but what stays constant is the following:
I love hairdressers and beauty pros, the individuals
I believe everyone is unique and has their own path
And, they are absolutely free to determine what that is
As an entrepreneur, I want to build a place where all beauty professionals can thrive as individuals, but with the support of a community. I believe this is done through empowerment, education, exposure, and decentralization.
Robert, a 20-year veteran, has worked passionately, for the bulk of his career to empower stylists, democratize the industry, and shift the power dynamic to be more equitable for the hairdresser.
