The other night I watched the re-make of “Steel Magnolias” starring Queen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, Alfrie Woodard and Jill Scott. I must admit that I was watching with a certain amount of bias since, as most of you know, I am a lifelong Dolly Parton fan. It was a bit strange to hear other actresses delivering familiar lines and funny one liners but after a while I found that I was involved in the story and not because I have seen the original five-hundred times, but because I realized that I am privileged enough to live this reality every day of my life.
Very often I will tell our staff that what we do here is so much bigger than it appears. Yes! We are hairstylist and wear that title with honor and I believe that we do good work. But the REALLY good work is in the relationships that we are fortunate enough to build with our clientele. I think that is why this movie has always struck a chord with me and with many others in this industry.
I have held your newborn babies, I’ve danced at your weddings, I’ve sat beside hospital beds and taken food to your homes during times of recovery. I have celebrated your life’s brightest moments with you and I have cried with you during the dark times. I have ridden in limousines with your families to say goodbye to loved ones, I’ve seen divorces and I’ve seen new found love too…sickness and disease and I have toasted to beautiful words like “cancer free” and “I am engaged”.
What we do here is indeed far greater than hair and you are far more than customers. We share our lives with one another and form bonds that I am sure reach into eternity.
Thank you for allowing us to share your lives in such profound and personal ways. It is my joy and my honor to be a small part of your journey.
KIAH
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