Judging By How Often I Do It

I've been going to the same hairstylist for the past five years. There have been a few times where I've had one night stands with other stylists. For good reasons. 

When she relocated to Houston for a while, I had to find someone else. And then I ran across a mobile stylist and that seemed like a dream come true. Problem: this person would show up late to Headquarters for my appointments...like really late. Getting my hair done at home was convenient, but not at the expense of my time. 

Ok...so I go get a haircut last week and before I leave, my stylist makes the comment that she won't see me for another six months. The person who works at the station next to her said, "Bye friend...we'll see you in October". 

Let's get something straight. I'm not a "get my hair did every week" kinda woman. 

In the past, yep. That was me. Every week I was sitting my happy ass down in my then-stylist's chair dishing out money like nobody's business. That money didn't include buying the hair! 

Would I do that today? Hell to the no. I value my money AND my time ever so differently. 

Now, I get my hair done when I need it. When it's getting too long and/or the color is fading (it's dyed a dark-dark-brown-almost-black color). The exception: when I have a paid appearance I need to show up to and I want to look the part of a polished professional worth the client/organization's investment. 

Anytime else - I'm in the bathroom doing my own hair. 

Here's the reason I'm bitching about this in the first place: for some reason, my stylist (and her nosey ass booth neighbor!) seem to think I'm a less valuable customer because of the frequency in which I visit the salon. That's so not true. 

One thing they're failing to realize is that I'm a loyal customer. 

The only stylist I get in bed with is Felice. That's it. The mobile stylist chick was giving her a run for her money though...I actually liked Mobile Girl's work and she used really good products on my hair. I just couldn't deal with the unprofessional tardiness. 

Sidenote: lack of professionalism among black hairstylists shall become an entirely different post...just wait. 

Here's what it all boils down to: I don't care if I only buy your product or service once a year - that one time - treat me like you care. 

'We The Customer' have choices. 

'We The Customer' can change our minds at any given moment and choose to do business elsewhere. 

The experience itself could be the reason our purchases are so few and far in between. 

p.s. - I love Felice. She and I have a heartwarmingly dysfunctional relationship. This is by no means an attack on her personally, but intended to shed light on the obstructed mentality some business owners have when it comes to customer appreciation.