Vidal & I were the last to leave the Salon. Josef left early, due to a terrible cold, Michele didn't come in, because the snow was too deep, and Charles left after his last client. The snow was falling so thick, we barely were able to see the cars & buses driving past.
"Going home, CeCe?"
"Yes."
"Want to stop for a drink first with me?" It was more of a command.
"Not really, Vidal. I'm going to have to walk home in this snow. That's going to be rough."
"Yes, I know." His voice was lower than usual.
"Why?" Vidal looked concerned, "Is something wrong?"
"I would like your opinion on something, but I need your input, since you will have the biggest challenge. I thought that we can go down to the saloon, & discuss it over a drink."
"Okay, sure. Let me finish cleaning up. Agnes forgot to wash the coffee pot again. I need to speak with her in the morning!"
Agnes was our new shampoo girl. She was great with the clients, very good with the timing of color washes, perm processing, & getting our clients ready for us, but, not very good at quiting time with the clean up. She always left something to be 'done in the morning', & I didn't approve of that. I expected everything to be clean & ready to go the next day.
It seemed to take us forever, just to cross the street to the bar that we all hung out in sometimes after work. It was a nice place. Not fancy like a lot of the bars. They served burgers, chili, Tex-mex sort of menu. But everyone knew us & it was a comfortable, friendly place to drop into.
George, the bartender, waved to us as we walked in.
"Usual guys?" Vidal had turned me on to Vodka martinis. He enjoyed them also.
"Yes, thanks." Vidal answered, as we walked to a table.
The place was unusually quite. They had a Presley tape playing in the back ground & the television was on, with no sound. Didn't need to hear what the news caster was saying. They were showing our men in Viet Nam.
George motioned to Vidal that our drinks were ready, so Vidal excused himself to go get them.
I lite a cigarette, as my martini was placed in front of me & Vidal sat across from me.
"CeCe, I've seen a tremendous increase in bookings over the past few months."
"Yes, I know," I responded with a big smile. Business has been terrific, & all of us are getting booked up one & two weeks in advance. Between my salary, commissions & tips, I was making about $1000.00 a week. Big difference from just one year ago.
"Well, this is my thought, but you tell me if it's going to be too difficult for you."
I took another sip of my drink as I snubbed out my cigarette.
"I want to hire two or three more stylist. We have enough stations. That would mean hiring another shampoo girl of course. I don't think Agnes can handle seven or eight stylist alone. Do you?"
I nodded my head in agreement.
"The other thing that I've been contemplating with is products."
"Products?" My voice rose up a little higher than I intended. Most salons were beginning to retail hair products now. I didn't care for the idea because it was a pain to inventory & market. Just too much paper work.
"Let me explain my idea." I loved the way he always held his hand up when he was going to push his idea." I've been speaking with a company that currently is making shampoos etc. They are agreeable to my having a say as to the ingredients that will go into the products. With that sort of input, I can design shampoos, conditioners, gels & sprays, that are custom formulated. Every customer will have a product formulated to their particular hair type."
I had to admit, it was a excellent idea!
" Vidal, that's brilliant!"
"I'd hoped you'd say that."
Three hours later, we had a game plan. Over burgers, onion rings, & three more martinis each, we both were please with the course of action. My only silent hesitation was, when will I get time to start law school?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Wash out the old & Ringing In A New Year
It was New Years Eve. 1965 was twenty four hours away. The salon was incredibly busy, music playing in the background, constant chatter between stylists & clients & staff. Vidal arranged for a caterer to set up a table in the salon, filled with all kinds of meats, seafood, breads & rolls, salads, sodas & juices for the staff & all of the clients.
After work, I went home to my new apartment in Manhattan, showered & took a nap. I had plans to meet up with Charles, Darlene (his girl), & Michele & her newest boyfriend, for dinner.
I purchased a beautiful red evening gown to wear that night, & I was eager to have a good time. We had reservations for 10pm, which gave me at least two hours rest.
Dinner was excellent as always. And as always we drank too much wine. Laughter was a constant & steady flow off conversation, mostly about how & who of our clients that day, got on our nerves. Anytime you get a bunch of hairdressers together, the gossip about their clients, makes rapid discussion & lots of laughter. We don't really see ourselves the way others see us, & a hairdressers eye is possibly the most critical. And a hairdressers revenge is to shred you to pieces the first opportunity they get, after the client is gone.
At 11:45, the maitradie & waiters passed hats & noise makers around to all of the tables. A large television was set up over the bar area, with Dick Clark talking & the cameras scanning down on all of the people at Times Square, waiting for the ball to descend. There it was! 1965!
All of us kissed & hugged, wishing each other great things for the New Year.
"What is your New Years Resolution, CeCe?", asked Michele
"Oh, I don't know." I answered, "What's yours?"
Michele leaned close to my ear & whispered, "To find a man that doesn't lie to you." We both laughed together. That wasn't likely to happen for either of us. Michele had just found out that her boyfriend was married with two kids. I broke up with a man that I had been dating, when his wife came to my apartment in October. Michele & I had many tearful nights, crying & getting drunk over these guys that took us to bed & then went home to their wives.
"You know, Michele, That's my resolution also!" We both clicked our glasses & hugged each other again.
After work, I went home to my new apartment in Manhattan, showered & took a nap. I had plans to meet up with Charles, Darlene (his girl), & Michele & her newest boyfriend, for dinner.
I purchased a beautiful red evening gown to wear that night, & I was eager to have a good time. We had reservations for 10pm, which gave me at least two hours rest.
Dinner was excellent as always. And as always we drank too much wine. Laughter was a constant & steady flow off conversation, mostly about how & who of our clients that day, got on our nerves. Anytime you get a bunch of hairdressers together, the gossip about their clients, makes rapid discussion & lots of laughter. We don't really see ourselves the way others see us, & a hairdressers eye is possibly the most critical. And a hairdressers revenge is to shred you to pieces the first opportunity they get, after the client is gone.
At 11:45, the maitradie & waiters passed hats & noise makers around to all of the tables. A large television was set up over the bar area, with Dick Clark talking & the cameras scanning down on all of the people at Times Square, waiting for the ball to descend. There it was! 1965!
All of us kissed & hugged, wishing each other great things for the New Year.
"What is your New Years Resolution, CeCe?", asked Michele
"Oh, I don't know." I answered, "What's yours?"
Michele leaned close to my ear & whispered, "To find a man that doesn't lie to you." We both laughed together. That wasn't likely to happen for either of us. Michele had just found out that her boyfriend was married with two kids. I broke up with a man that I had been dating, when his wife came to my apartment in October. Michele & I had many tearful nights, crying & getting drunk over these guys that took us to bed & then went home to their wives.
"You know, Michele, That's my resolution also!" We both clicked our glasses & hugged each other again.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Changes: Styles, Seasons & A Nation
Business was going strong. Vidal was not only a master of hairdressing, but he had the ability to promote himself. His vision was incredible, designing styles for men & women that not only was simple for them to maintain, but flattering to their face & lifestyle. The months just speed by. I was working harder than I had ever imagined, but I loved it.
It was now November. Conversations of Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas shopping were on every ones lips. The biggest topic though that year was John F. Kennedy. The first anniversary of his assassination was approaching. Once again, the nation felt the deep pain of his passing. The news papers were full of stories of the Kennedy's, John Jr., Caroline & of course Jackie. Johnson was in office & not a lot of people liked him, not even most Democrats.
Charles & I became very close friends. His girlfriend worked as a teller in one of the near by banks, & she was determined to match me up with one of her wealthy customers or a banker. The three of us often went out together, & it seemed that we always 'bumped' into a friend of hers. Charles & I would laugh about it at work. Vidal would ask if I'm in love yet. Josef would tell me about this 'fabulous' woman he's 'just dying Darling', for me to meet. Michele would roll her eyes, & assure me that I was the luckiest one, since I was the only one in the salon that wasn't involved with anyone. "I am so sick of men!", was her standard quote. With Josef coming back with, " Well, dear girl," flipping his right hand as he placed his left hand on his hip," Maybe you should stay on your feet long enough to learn their names first!"
We would burst into laughter. Michele included. She knew it was all in good fun amongst friends. It was the 'New Freedom Movement'. We were all discovering the new ideals. The nation & the world was changing at a frantic rate. The Beatles had 'arrived'. The 'Sexual Revolution' & the new found 'Women's Orgasm'.
Kennedy was dead, but the country was on it's way to living a new way.
And there I was, working with the most sought after stylist in the country, meeting the rich & famous daily, learning about a new life & ways of living. I was on the road to unknown changes. It both excited me & frightened me!
"Here I come world, & Please Lord help me!"
It was now November. Conversations of Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas shopping were on every ones lips. The biggest topic though that year was John F. Kennedy. The first anniversary of his assassination was approaching. Once again, the nation felt the deep pain of his passing. The news papers were full of stories of the Kennedy's, John Jr., Caroline & of course Jackie. Johnson was in office & not a lot of people liked him, not even most Democrats.
Charles & I became very close friends. His girlfriend worked as a teller in one of the near by banks, & she was determined to match me up with one of her wealthy customers or a banker. The three of us often went out together, & it seemed that we always 'bumped' into a friend of hers. Charles & I would laugh about it at work. Vidal would ask if I'm in love yet. Josef would tell me about this 'fabulous' woman he's 'just dying Darling', for me to meet. Michele would roll her eyes, & assure me that I was the luckiest one, since I was the only one in the salon that wasn't involved with anyone. "I am so sick of men!", was her standard quote. With Josef coming back with, " Well, dear girl," flipping his right hand as he placed his left hand on his hip," Maybe you should stay on your feet long enough to learn their names first!"
We would burst into laughter. Michele included. She knew it was all in good fun amongst friends. It was the 'New Freedom Movement'. We were all discovering the new ideals. The nation & the world was changing at a frantic rate. The Beatles had 'arrived'. The 'Sexual Revolution' & the new found 'Women's Orgasm'.
Kennedy was dead, but the country was on it's way to living a new way.
And there I was, working with the most sought after stylist in the country, meeting the rich & famous daily, learning about a new life & ways of living. I was on the road to unknown changes. It both excited me & frightened me!
"Here I come world, & Please Lord help me!"
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Salon Opens for Business!
We Were Open! The salon was huge! Ten stations, five shampoo sinks, four manicurists stations, three client changing rooms, plus a beautiful client waiting area, with two couches, four living room chairs, glass top coffee table & chandeliers. Mirrors, glass & deep mahogany wood accented the green walls. 'Vidal Sassoon's Unisex Hairstylists', beautifully painted on the huge windows. We were open at last.
Vidal hired three additional stylists. I was honored that he included me in the selection & discussions of their qualifications. The three that were chosen were very talented & eager to learn more. Josef was Vidal's first choice. He was besides talented, very handsome & obviously gay. Josef made us laugh all of the time, finding something funny about almost everything. I loved being in his company.
Michele was beautiful, & she knew it. Men just gravitated to her. She also had the ability to laugh at herself, which also kept laughter flowing.
Charles was a little more serious than the rest of us. He reminded me of Steve McQueen, & I would find myself starring at him while he worked. That tough, rugged sex appeal. And his female clients just threw themselves at him. Of course he was a huge flirt, so every woman in his chair felt special.
Opening day was crazy. News & magazine reporters were interviewing all of us. Photographers snapping pictures constantly. The excitement was intense.
Anne Marie wasn't at the opening. A month prior to the Grand Opening, Vidal, Anne Marie & I were having dinner, when Vidal told me that he wanted for me to work at his salon.
"CeCe," he said placing his wine glass down, "I very much would love for you to work with me at my salon."
It wasn't a question, it was a statement!
"Vidal," My mind went blank. I'd thought of the possibility, & here it sits on my lap! In the past few months I had learned so much from this man, could only imagine what more I could achieve.
"Now first, of course I will give you a raise, but, you will have additional duties to carry out for that increase. I want for you to be sort of my manager, take the daily responsibilities from my shoulders. Deal with the clientele & the hairdressers, inventory, bookings, etc."
Anne Marie looked from Vidal to me & back to Vidal. She poured herself a glass of wine & said nothing.
"I don't want an answer now. Sleep on it & let me know in the morning."
Our waiter brought over our meals. Conversation changed to politics, the war, & so on.
Dinner seemed to drag on, or was I just anxious to go home tonight?
Vidal hired three additional stylists. I was honored that he included me in the selection & discussions of their qualifications. The three that were chosen were very talented & eager to learn more. Josef was Vidal's first choice. He was besides talented, very handsome & obviously gay. Josef made us laugh all of the time, finding something funny about almost everything. I loved being in his company.
Michele was beautiful, & she knew it. Men just gravitated to her. She also had the ability to laugh at herself, which also kept laughter flowing.
Charles was a little more serious than the rest of us. He reminded me of Steve McQueen, & I would find myself starring at him while he worked. That tough, rugged sex appeal. And his female clients just threw themselves at him. Of course he was a huge flirt, so every woman in his chair felt special.
Opening day was crazy. News & magazine reporters were interviewing all of us. Photographers snapping pictures constantly. The excitement was intense.
Anne Marie wasn't at the opening. A month prior to the Grand Opening, Vidal, Anne Marie & I were having dinner, when Vidal told me that he wanted for me to work at his salon.
"CeCe," he said placing his wine glass down, "I very much would love for you to work with me at my salon."
It wasn't a question, it was a statement!
"Vidal," My mind went blank. I'd thought of the possibility, & here it sits on my lap! In the past few months I had learned so much from this man, could only imagine what more I could achieve.
"Now first, of course I will give you a raise, but, you will have additional duties to carry out for that increase. I want for you to be sort of my manager, take the daily responsibilities from my shoulders. Deal with the clientele & the hairdressers, inventory, bookings, etc."
Anne Marie looked from Vidal to me & back to Vidal. She poured herself a glass of wine & said nothing.
"I don't want an answer now. Sleep on it & let me know in the morning."
Our waiter brought over our meals. Conversation changed to politics, the war, & so on.
Dinner seemed to drag on, or was I just anxious to go home tonight?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
No More Blue Hair!
The following weeks have been exhausting! I'm working all day at the shop, eat dinner with Vidal & Anne Marie, discussing cuts & styling ideas, & back to the shop to to design haircuts on both men & women. Vidal recruited students from the local hairdressing schools, ran ads in the local paper for models, & Anne Marie placed a sign in the shop window for more models.
Vidal hired a photographer for the 'before' & 'after shots, plus we recorded all of the procedures that went into the transformation. It was very exciting & people on the street suddenly knew my name. I felt like a star! Plus I was making more money than I could imagine. My clientele has almost doubled, plus Vidal was paying me $300.00 a week.
Vidal left for London. We stopped the classes for two weeks, which I was glad for. The break gave me the opportunity to see my son, & give my mom money for taking care of him. I took a few days off to go to the beach, relax in the sun, rest my tired bones. I hadn't gone out with the girls in weeks, so we got together & partied. Vidal & I worked as late as 11pm, six nights a week. I needed this time off.
Summer was going by quickly. My days & nights were one constant stream of haircuts, blow drys, & coloring. Almost all of the cuts had our technique of dimensional color tones. Silver & Blue hair was on it's way out. Natural hair, clean wind blown hair was making a debut. There were still wash & sets, but women under forty, especially the wives that were returning to work, returning to college, wanted, needed, & asked for a simpler, softer way of managing their hair. That's what Vidal was doing for them. That's what I was doing with him. It was an exciting time in the world. Women making a stand. Making changes in the family structure. Women's Liberation was growing strong. I was part of this 'New Era of Women's Rights'!
Vidal hired a photographer for the 'before' & 'after shots, plus we recorded all of the procedures that went into the transformation. It was very exciting & people on the street suddenly knew my name. I felt like a star! Plus I was making more money than I could imagine. My clientele has almost doubled, plus Vidal was paying me $300.00 a week.
Vidal left for London. We stopped the classes for two weeks, which I was glad for. The break gave me the opportunity to see my son, & give my mom money for taking care of him. I took a few days off to go to the beach, relax in the sun, rest my tired bones. I hadn't gone out with the girls in weeks, so we got together & partied. Vidal & I worked as late as 11pm, six nights a week. I needed this time off.
Summer was going by quickly. My days & nights were one constant stream of haircuts, blow drys, & coloring. Almost all of the cuts had our technique of dimensional color tones. Silver & Blue hair was on it's way out. Natural hair, clean wind blown hair was making a debut. There were still wash & sets, but women under forty, especially the wives that were returning to work, returning to college, wanted, needed, & asked for a simpler, softer way of managing their hair. That's what Vidal was doing for them. That's what I was doing with him. It was an exciting time in the world. Women making a stand. Making changes in the family structure. Women's Liberation was growing strong. I was part of this 'New Era of Women's Rights'!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Dinner at the 'Resturant in the Sky.'
We arrived at the 'Restaurant in the Sky', shortly before 9pm. Vidal escorted us into the restaurant with an air of pride & control. The maitradie greeted Vidal warmly as they shook hands & I glimpsed at money passing between them.
"Your table will be ready in just a moment, sir," he said to Vidal.
"Thank you, Simon," Vidal answered, "Why don't we go over to the lounge until they come for us?" As he guided us over to a small table."We can have a cocktail before dinner."
The dinner was magnificent, beautifully served. The decor was elegant. I had never been in a restaurant of this magnitude before, & I was in awe. Vidal ordered a bottle of wine with dinner, conversation flowed easily between the three of us, & I learned that Vidal had a terrific sense of humor.
We were having our after dinner coffee, served with a sniff of Cognac on the side, when Vidal said,"Ladies, first allow me to thank the both of you for gracing my dinner with your beauty." as he held the Cognac up for a toast. "Now, I cannot hold back my excitement any longer & I'm anxious to share with you my delightful good fortune.
During dinner chatter, I had wondered what this evening was about, & here it comes. Anne Marie's eyes were sparkling. Was it the excitement of the evening, or too much wine?
"I found the most fabulous store on Fifth Ave. & Fifty-first street. Ground floor with big beautiful windows." His arms straighted out to describe the windows, his smile just glowing from excitement
"Darling," exclaimed Anne Marie, "Why, that's so great. How wonderful for you!"
I nodded my head in agreement, with a huge smile, also excited for his good fortune.
"Now ladies," holding up his hands to stop our chatter, "this is what I'm proposing to each of you!"
Vidal was silent for a moment as he looked directly into my eyes, & then to Anne Marie.
"The salon won't be ready to open until September or possibly October. You know with construction, design changes, on & on. Well, I'm going to need a place that I could work, design cuts & color, develop techniques, improved perm ideas, getting this whole 'free & casual' styling performance off the ground."
Anne Marie was nodding her head in agreement to every word Vidal spoke. I just starred at this man, my heart beating faster by the second!
"Anne Marie, my good friend," he looked directly into her eyes with that 'little bad boy' grin. "This is where I need your assistance. I very much would like to use your beauty shop to bring models in, so that we can do cuts, color, everything on them first. I want to try out various cutting techniques, color enhancements, everything that would be new & exciting for my new stylists & potential clientele."
"How can we do that, Vidal?' Anne Marie looked bewildered. I was confused.
" This is my thoughts, tell me if you have a simpler way. I'm thinking of you, CeCe, assisting me with the new cutting techniques & color shading. You & I would do all of the styling, & then we both would teach these techniques to the new stylists that I hire. No more wash & sets, teasing & tons of spray. My desire is to take hairdressing into a whole new world of beauty."
My stomach just made a leap to my throat. Anne Marie glanced across the table to me, the sparkle left her eyes.
" Well, that's great Vidal, but what can I do?"
"Anne Marie," he placed his hand over hers, "I want to use your shop, of course after business hours, for Cece & I to work. I intend to pay you rent, cost of supplies that we use, & anything else. I will advertise for my models, so of course the name of your shop goes into the advertisement. "
"CeCe, your days will become quite long, & I will pay you for the time that we are working." He gave a wink & a smile. The blood was now rushing to my head!
"Well, what do you think, Anne Marie?"
"Vidal," did I hear a crack in her voice? "What else can I do? Don't you need help other than using my shop?"
"Darling," He again reached for her hand, this time cupping it between both of his, "Do you realize the magnitude of importance using your shop is? Besides giving us a place to work every night, the traffic that it will generate to your business. When word gets out that 'new & exciting styles are being 'created' at your shop, your going to experience a whole new generation of clientele!"
I could see the wheels turning in Anne Marie's head. She hadn't thought, nor did I, about the word getting out that we were developing a whole new world for the hairdressers & salon owners. Things were changing fast in the 1960's. With the war going on, Woman's Liberation, the Hippie Generation! Why shouldn't the beauty industry take to new roads? We all wanted change, in some aspect of our lives, & this was a very doable concept. Plus, I was invited to take part in it. Yes, 1964 was showing strong possibility of being a very good year for me!
"Your table will be ready in just a moment, sir," he said to Vidal.
"Thank you, Simon," Vidal answered, "Why don't we go over to the lounge until they come for us?" As he guided us over to a small table."We can have a cocktail before dinner."
The dinner was magnificent, beautifully served. The decor was elegant. I had never been in a restaurant of this magnitude before, & I was in awe. Vidal ordered a bottle of wine with dinner, conversation flowed easily between the three of us, & I learned that Vidal had a terrific sense of humor.
We were having our after dinner coffee, served with a sniff of Cognac on the side, when Vidal said,"Ladies, first allow me to thank the both of you for gracing my dinner with your beauty." as he held the Cognac up for a toast. "Now, I cannot hold back my excitement any longer & I'm anxious to share with you my delightful good fortune.
During dinner chatter, I had wondered what this evening was about, & here it comes. Anne Marie's eyes were sparkling. Was it the excitement of the evening, or too much wine?
"I found the most fabulous store on Fifth Ave. & Fifty-first street. Ground floor with big beautiful windows." His arms straighted out to describe the windows, his smile just glowing from excitement
"Darling," exclaimed Anne Marie, "Why, that's so great. How wonderful for you!"
I nodded my head in agreement, with a huge smile, also excited for his good fortune.
"Now ladies," holding up his hands to stop our chatter, "this is what I'm proposing to each of you!"
Vidal was silent for a moment as he looked directly into my eyes, & then to Anne Marie.
"The salon won't be ready to open until September or possibly October. You know with construction, design changes, on & on. Well, I'm going to need a place that I could work, design cuts & color, develop techniques, improved perm ideas, getting this whole 'free & casual' styling performance off the ground."
Anne Marie was nodding her head in agreement to every word Vidal spoke. I just starred at this man, my heart beating faster by the second!
"Anne Marie, my good friend," he looked directly into her eyes with that 'little bad boy' grin. "This is where I need your assistance. I very much would like to use your beauty shop to bring models in, so that we can do cuts, color, everything on them first. I want to try out various cutting techniques, color enhancements, everything that would be new & exciting for my new stylists & potential clientele."
"How can we do that, Vidal?' Anne Marie looked bewildered. I was confused.
" This is my thoughts, tell me if you have a simpler way. I'm thinking of you, CeCe, assisting me with the new cutting techniques & color shading. You & I would do all of the styling, & then we both would teach these techniques to the new stylists that I hire. No more wash & sets, teasing & tons of spray. My desire is to take hairdressing into a whole new world of beauty."
My stomach just made a leap to my throat. Anne Marie glanced across the table to me, the sparkle left her eyes.
" Well, that's great Vidal, but what can I do?"
"Anne Marie," he placed his hand over hers, "I want to use your shop, of course after business hours, for Cece & I to work. I intend to pay you rent, cost of supplies that we use, & anything else. I will advertise for my models, so of course the name of your shop goes into the advertisement. "
"CeCe, your days will become quite long, & I will pay you for the time that we are working." He gave a wink & a smile. The blood was now rushing to my head!
"Well, what do you think, Anne Marie?"
"Vidal," did I hear a crack in her voice? "What else can I do? Don't you need help other than using my shop?"
"Darling," He again reached for her hand, this time cupping it between both of his, "Do you realize the magnitude of importance using your shop is? Besides giving us a place to work every night, the traffic that it will generate to your business. When word gets out that 'new & exciting styles are being 'created' at your shop, your going to experience a whole new generation of clientele!"
I could see the wheels turning in Anne Marie's head. She hadn't thought, nor did I, about the word getting out that we were developing a whole new world for the hairdressers & salon owners. Things were changing fast in the 1960's. With the war going on, Woman's Liberation, the Hippie Generation! Why shouldn't the beauty industry take to new roads? We all wanted change, in some aspect of our lives, & this was a very doable concept. Plus, I was invited to take part in it. Yes, 1964 was showing strong possibility of being a very good year for me!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Primp & Style for Dinner in the Sky
Days went by swiftly. Business was good & I was developing a strong following. More & more men were coming to me for haircuts, & they were telling their friends to come to me. Their girlfriends were starting to follow suit, first to see what this hairdresser looked like, then returning & referring their friends. Easy maintenance, no or very little hairspray, wash & go styles were replacing the weekly wash & sets, teased & heavily sprayed looks. To be a blonde, natural or bottled was the new 'Sex Appeal'.
It was about three weeks since I gave Vidal his haircut, & he hadn't returned to the shop since. Anne Marie hadn't mentioned him to any of us, so I was worried that I'd given him a bad haircut. Let's face it, we can't give everyone what they want, & I have made mistakes with cuts & colors. I still cringe when I remember the time that I turned a clients hair green, & the time I fried a clients hair doing a perm. It happens, will always happen, & we just have to try to fix the mistake the best way possible.
Today was Saturday. It was raining so heavy that the sky looked black. The extreme heat of the past few weeks was so overbearing, that most of us welcomed the cooling rain. However, we got a lot of cancellations from our weekly wash & set clients, since they feared the rain would ruin their hair-dos. I felt fortunate that a few men came in for me to do their cuts, & luckier since they insisted on waiting for me to get to them. I had the biggest male clientele so far in the shop. Plus, the men were better tippers. with a $5.00 cut & blow, I got at least a dollar tip. The women only fifty or seventy five cents.
It was about 5:45 when the door swung open & this figure came rushing into the shop. The man was dripping wet. I was cleaning up my station & looked up. It was Vidal.
"Hi everyone," He stood at the door with a puddle forming at his feet.
"Come in,come in," Anne Marie called to him, "Take that wet jacket off, want to remove your shirt?"
"Yes,yes,no,no," he answered, quickly removing his jacket & tie. I handed him a towel for his face & hair, which was now dripping down to his shirt. He looked like a little boy, all wet & helpless, haven been caught jumping into rain puddles.
"Thank you CeCe."
"What are you doing here in this weather Vidal?" Anne Marie inquired as she hung his jacket over a dryer hood & turned the heat on.
"Well," He paused & looked from me to Anne Marie, "I came to ask you & CeCe to join me for dinner tonight. I have some very exciting news that I wish to share with the both of you, & to delight in my happiness." That accent could make a death sentence sound sexy.
Anne Marie & I looked at each other in astonishment! I glanced around to Sofia & the others, the shock & envy was on every ones faces. Terry was washing the shampoo sinks & gave a little giggle.
" I have to go home & change." Anne Marie answered
"Me too." I looked down at all the little specks of hair on my clothes. I needed to shower, & had no idea what to wear. What do you wear to dinner, with a man like this??
"No problem ladies. CeCe, where do you live?"
"Three blocks from here."
Fine, fine. I'll go home with you, Anne Marie, & I'll have a cocktail, while your getting ready. CeCe, you go home right now & get all dolled up. Pretty evening dress, we are going to dinner at the 'Restaurant in the Sky,' reservations are for 9pm. So, you girls, pardon me, You ladies, have plenty of time to make yourselves beautiful, as if your not already stunning! CeCe, you call Anne Marie when your ready. I have a car on it's way to Anne Marie's apartment as I speak. We will come to pick you up, then go for dinner. How does that sound? Go,go,CeCe." he commanded of me. "Anne Marie, let's get out of here! We are going to par-r-ty tonight!"
It was about three weeks since I gave Vidal his haircut, & he hadn't returned to the shop since. Anne Marie hadn't mentioned him to any of us, so I was worried that I'd given him a bad haircut. Let's face it, we can't give everyone what they want, & I have made mistakes with cuts & colors. I still cringe when I remember the time that I turned a clients hair green, & the time I fried a clients hair doing a perm. It happens, will always happen, & we just have to try to fix the mistake the best way possible.
Today was Saturday. It was raining so heavy that the sky looked black. The extreme heat of the past few weeks was so overbearing, that most of us welcomed the cooling rain. However, we got a lot of cancellations from our weekly wash & set clients, since they feared the rain would ruin their hair-dos. I felt fortunate that a few men came in for me to do their cuts, & luckier since they insisted on waiting for me to get to them. I had the biggest male clientele so far in the shop. Plus, the men were better tippers. with a $5.00 cut & blow, I got at least a dollar tip. The women only fifty or seventy five cents.
It was about 5:45 when the door swung open & this figure came rushing into the shop. The man was dripping wet. I was cleaning up my station & looked up. It was Vidal.
"Hi everyone," He stood at the door with a puddle forming at his feet.
"Come in,come in," Anne Marie called to him, "Take that wet jacket off, want to remove your shirt?"
"Yes,yes,no,no," he answered, quickly removing his jacket & tie. I handed him a towel for his face & hair, which was now dripping down to his shirt. He looked like a little boy, all wet & helpless, haven been caught jumping into rain puddles.
"Thank you CeCe."
"What are you doing here in this weather Vidal?" Anne Marie inquired as she hung his jacket over a dryer hood & turned the heat on.
"Well," He paused & looked from me to Anne Marie, "I came to ask you & CeCe to join me for dinner tonight. I have some very exciting news that I wish to share with the both of you, & to delight in my happiness." That accent could make a death sentence sound sexy.
Anne Marie & I looked at each other in astonishment! I glanced around to Sofia & the others, the shock & envy was on every ones faces. Terry was washing the shampoo sinks & gave a little giggle.
" I have to go home & change." Anne Marie answered
"Me too." I looked down at all the little specks of hair on my clothes. I needed to shower, & had no idea what to wear. What do you wear to dinner, with a man like this??
"No problem ladies. CeCe, where do you live?"
"Three blocks from here."
Fine, fine. I'll go home with you, Anne Marie, & I'll have a cocktail, while your getting ready. CeCe, you go home right now & get all dolled up. Pretty evening dress, we are going to dinner at the 'Restaurant in the Sky,' reservations are for 9pm. So, you girls, pardon me, You ladies, have plenty of time to make yourselves beautiful, as if your not already stunning! CeCe, you call Anne Marie when your ready. I have a car on it's way to Anne Marie's apartment as I speak. We will come to pick you up, then go for dinner. How does that sound? Go,go,CeCe." he commanded of me. "Anne Marie, let's get out of here! We are going to par-r-ty tonight!"
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Vidals' First American Haircut!
The 1960's is a fast & changing time. Viet Nam is going strong & protests are popping up all over the country. The term 'Hippie Generation' & 'Draft Dodgers' have become daily household words.
The 'Hippie Generation', while regarded by the adults as "lazy, drugged, disillusioned kids", has started a tidal wave of changes in our society. The most obvious is their style of dress. Long hair on the guys is the key issue. Suddenly, boys & men from 12 to 30 years old, stopped cutting their hair. Barber shop owners are on the news almost daily, complaining that their losing business, going out of business, & how disgraceful these men are to society. Unisex salons are starting to pop up in areas, especially Manhattan, causing even more controversy. Women cutting men's hair & men cutting women's hair, was in the same category as 'sex before marriage', which also was becoming popular, again, blamed on the 'hippy influence'.
Business stayed steady at the shop. Vidal became a frequent visitor, sometimes with paperwork to get advice from AnneMarie, sometime for quick private chats with her, & sometimes I think to get away from the stress of his project.
Today Vidal walked in, looking hot & tired. It's mid May & already we are getting Summer temperatures with humidity. I'm sitting at one of the hairdryer chairs, reading the newest copy of 'Hairdressers How-To' magazine.
"Hello Everyone." His voice was tired sounding & his face a bit drawn. He walked over to my station, & slid into my chair with a low sigh.
"How are you today, CeCe?" He always seemed to talk to me a little bit more than the other girls. That pleased me a lot!
"Good Vidal, how are you?"
" Oh, good I suppose. Are you busy today?"
"My next appointment is at 2 o'clock, it's only 12:30 now, why?"
"I was hoping you can give me a cut. I won't be flying back to London until July, & I hate when my hair looks like this. Can you do me now?"
As I started walking towards Vidal, I could see Sofia's eyes widen to the size of plates & in the mirror AnneMarie was staring at me. Vidal removed his suit jacket & tie, I asked Terry to please shampoo him, & then took a big swallow.
While I cut his hair, conversation flowed about London, his home town, wife & daughter (with photos) & before I knew it, I was removing the cape & brushing fly away hairs off his shirt. Vidal got out of the chair, ran his fingers through his hair saying it was perfect several times, putting on his tie & jacket. He offered me a tip, which I refused, thanking him. He tipped Terry, which she accepted, then turned to AnneMarie, telling her that he'll call her tomorrow, had to get back to his hotel to change for a business dinner at 7pm.
The rest of the day flew by. I hoped that Vidal was pleased with the haircut. I was aware that he watched every angle that I cut on, observed my blow drying techniques, & how comfortable I was with my "client".
Well, if he becomes popular in New York, I can say, "I gave Vidal his First American Haircut!"
The 'Hippie Generation', while regarded by the adults as "lazy, drugged, disillusioned kids", has started a tidal wave of changes in our society. The most obvious is their style of dress. Long hair on the guys is the key issue. Suddenly, boys & men from 12 to 30 years old, stopped cutting their hair. Barber shop owners are on the news almost daily, complaining that their losing business, going out of business, & how disgraceful these men are to society. Unisex salons are starting to pop up in areas, especially Manhattan, causing even more controversy. Women cutting men's hair & men cutting women's hair, was in the same category as 'sex before marriage', which also was becoming popular, again, blamed on the 'hippy influence'.
Business stayed steady at the shop. Vidal became a frequent visitor, sometimes with paperwork to get advice from AnneMarie, sometime for quick private chats with her, & sometimes I think to get away from the stress of his project.
Today Vidal walked in, looking hot & tired. It's mid May & already we are getting Summer temperatures with humidity. I'm sitting at one of the hairdryer chairs, reading the newest copy of 'Hairdressers How-To' magazine.
"Hello Everyone." His voice was tired sounding & his face a bit drawn. He walked over to my station, & slid into my chair with a low sigh.
"How are you today, CeCe?" He always seemed to talk to me a little bit more than the other girls. That pleased me a lot!
"Good Vidal, how are you?"
" Oh, good I suppose. Are you busy today?"
"My next appointment is at 2 o'clock, it's only 12:30 now, why?"
"I was hoping you can give me a cut. I won't be flying back to London until July, & I hate when my hair looks like this. Can you do me now?"
As I started walking towards Vidal, I could see Sofia's eyes widen to the size of plates & in the mirror AnneMarie was staring at me. Vidal removed his suit jacket & tie, I asked Terry to please shampoo him, & then took a big swallow.
While I cut his hair, conversation flowed about London, his home town, wife & daughter (with photos) & before I knew it, I was removing the cape & brushing fly away hairs off his shirt. Vidal got out of the chair, ran his fingers through his hair saying it was perfect several times, putting on his tie & jacket. He offered me a tip, which I refused, thanking him. He tipped Terry, which she accepted, then turned to AnneMarie, telling her that he'll call her tomorrow, had to get back to his hotel to change for a business dinner at 7pm.
The rest of the day flew by. I hoped that Vidal was pleased with the haircut. I was aware that he watched every angle that I cut on, observed my blow drying techniques, & how comfortable I was with my "client".
Well, if he becomes popular in New York, I can say, "I gave Vidal his First American Haircut!"
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
You have pretty hair...
April is finally here! Spring time, the time of Renewal. My son's birthday party went well. I got him everything that my Mom told me that he needed & wanted. Gosh, I love that boy. I can't wait to get my law degree, so that I could bring him to live with me. It breaks my heart every time I see him, & then leave without him. Some day, Sal will be with me!
Like every Saturday, we were crazy busy at the salon. Customers were late for their appointments, & I had perms, cuts, colors stacked up so bad that I didn't stop to eat all day.
Half way through the day, Vidal walked through the door. It was as if he glided. Tall, tanned, beautiful haircut, white sparkly smile that dazzled you. Sharply dressed. Here in Brooklyn, "dressed" to the guys is changing into a clean pair of jeans. Vidal definitely made you turn your head!
We had learned from AnneMarie that he was a hairdresser from London. There weren't many male hairdressers here yet. Barbers is where the men went. It was still new for the guys to go to a 'beauty salon' to have a girl cut their hair. AnneMarie said she met Vidal at a 'Hairdressers Convention' in London, & they've been good friends since. My hunch was that they had a little romance & she would like to pick up where they left off, but Vidal is married now with a child.
Finally, the day came to an end. It was past 7PM, by the time I finished cleaning my station, & packing up my equipment. I was brushing my hair when Vidal walked over to my chair & slid himself into it.
"You have pretty hair."
"Thank You." Was HE talking to ME?!?
"Your pretty good with that shears." Hi accent was so seductive.
"Thank you again. Busy day, I had to whip through those cuts at record speed. Thank heavens for blow dryers."
" You have a good command of your tools. Where did you study cosmetology?"
"Winifred in Queens." My heart started to beat faster. Were my legs getting weak?
"Vidal?" AnneMarie called, " Let's get out of here girls", she called to us, "Come on Vidal, I need a cocktail."
All of us picked up our bags & purses, heading for the door. Thank God, another week over. Payday & my birthday. Yes, I was having what promised to be a very good year!
Like every Saturday, we were crazy busy at the salon. Customers were late for their appointments, & I had perms, cuts, colors stacked up so bad that I didn't stop to eat all day.
Half way through the day, Vidal walked through the door. It was as if he glided. Tall, tanned, beautiful haircut, white sparkly smile that dazzled you. Sharply dressed. Here in Brooklyn, "dressed" to the guys is changing into a clean pair of jeans. Vidal definitely made you turn your head!
We had learned from AnneMarie that he was a hairdresser from London. There weren't many male hairdressers here yet. Barbers is where the men went. It was still new for the guys to go to a 'beauty salon' to have a girl cut their hair. AnneMarie said she met Vidal at a 'Hairdressers Convention' in London, & they've been good friends since. My hunch was that they had a little romance & she would like to pick up where they left off, but Vidal is married now with a child.
Finally, the day came to an end. It was past 7PM, by the time I finished cleaning my station, & packing up my equipment. I was brushing my hair when Vidal walked over to my chair & slid himself into it.
"You have pretty hair."
"Thank You." Was HE talking to ME?!?
"Your pretty good with that shears." Hi accent was so seductive.
"Thank you again. Busy day, I had to whip through those cuts at record speed. Thank heavens for blow dryers."
" You have a good command of your tools. Where did you study cosmetology?"
"Winifred in Queens." My heart started to beat faster. Were my legs getting weak?
"Vidal?" AnneMarie called, " Let's get out of here girls", she called to us, "Come on Vidal, I need a cocktail."
All of us picked up our bags & purses, heading for the door. Thank God, another week over. Payday & my birthday. Yes, I was having what promised to be a very good year!
Monday, July 14, 2008
A Cut Above - Who is this 'Exquisite Man'?
Salvatore, my son, will be 2 years old next week. I can't believe it's two years already! I don't see him as much as I would like, since he lives with my Mom & step-dad. My Mom believes that his life would be better living with her, since 'unwed mothers' don't have a chance to "meet a man to marry you" with a baby hanging on your skirt. I don't know how true that is, but, I'm not looking to be married yet. I have to finish law school first, so I'm letting things ride right now. I'll call her later to find out what Sal wants for his birthday.
I see that I have Mrs. Bruno for my first client today. God help me with this witch! I don't think that there is a soul that she likes or doesn't talk badly about. Well, here goes the smile & 'glad to see you', BS.
AnneMarie is strutting around like she got lucky or something last night. She hasn't complained about anything going on in the shop today, (did she get lucky?), but, she is running our shampoo girl Terrys' butt off, making sure everything is clean & in it's place. It's Wednesday, our slowest day of the week. Only two beauticians, Sofia & myself. Finally got 'Ol Mrs. Bruno under the hair dryer. Forty minutes of relief before I hear the rest of her 'poor son & that 'terrible wife' of his. What she doesn't know is that her 'poor son', owes the neighborhood bookie around $5,000.00 in bad horse bets, & his 'terrible wife' may be a young widow soon!
I can't believe the way AnneMarie perked up when this man, (very distinguished looking), walked into the shop. I think that she was actually flirting with him! They hugged each other & laughed about something as his eyes scanned around the shop. Sofia dropped rollers all over the floor, while I kept cutting my ladies hair. His eyes settled on me for just a moment & then on Sofia. AnneMarie introduced this stranger as her 'old friend Vidal',then quickly scooted him into the employees lounge in the back. Sofia looked over to me with raised eye brows & a grin, I returned the grin with a shrug of my shoulders. It was already 3pm, & I was glad that we closed in less than 3 hours.
Vidal! What kind of name was that? Being in a mostly Italian area of Brooklyn, most of the men here are called Johnny, Paulie, or Joey. The women are Maria, Angie or Theresa. I got lucky with Constance Caroline, & everyone cut that down to CeCe. But Vidal, that's really different. He also has some kind of accent, I think. I'm curious, but, I'm more interested in getting out of this shop today. Only five clients & three dollars in tips, plus a headache from Mrs. Bruno.
I see that I have Mrs. Bruno for my first client today. God help me with this witch! I don't think that there is a soul that she likes or doesn't talk badly about. Well, here goes the smile & 'glad to see you', BS.
AnneMarie is strutting around like she got lucky or something last night. She hasn't complained about anything going on in the shop today, (did she get lucky?), but, she is running our shampoo girl Terrys' butt off, making sure everything is clean & in it's place. It's Wednesday, our slowest day of the week. Only two beauticians, Sofia & myself. Finally got 'Ol Mrs. Bruno under the hair dryer. Forty minutes of relief before I hear the rest of her 'poor son & that 'terrible wife' of his. What she doesn't know is that her 'poor son', owes the neighborhood bookie around $5,000.00 in bad horse bets, & his 'terrible wife' may be a young widow soon!
I can't believe the way AnneMarie perked up when this man, (very distinguished looking), walked into the shop. I think that she was actually flirting with him! They hugged each other & laughed about something as his eyes scanned around the shop. Sofia dropped rollers all over the floor, while I kept cutting my ladies hair. His eyes settled on me for just a moment & then on Sofia. AnneMarie introduced this stranger as her 'old friend Vidal',then quickly scooted him into the employees lounge in the back. Sofia looked over to me with raised eye brows & a grin, I returned the grin with a shrug of my shoulders. It was already 3pm, & I was glad that we closed in less than 3 hours.
Vidal! What kind of name was that? Being in a mostly Italian area of Brooklyn, most of the men here are called Johnny, Paulie, or Joey. The women are Maria, Angie or Theresa. I got lucky with Constance Caroline, & everyone cut that down to CeCe. But Vidal, that's really different. He also has some kind of accent, I think. I'm curious, but, I'm more interested in getting out of this shop today. Only five clients & three dollars in tips, plus a headache from Mrs. Bruno.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Monday Morning Trim
I woke up this morning, tired from last nights 'out with the girls',
promising myself never to go out on a Sunday night again, at least
not when I have a FULL book on Monday. A 'full book' is 15-20
haircuts for the day. I'm just starting out in the hairdressing
world, been with my girls for two years now. Men have just
started to 'allow', a female to cut their hair. It's the beginning
of the Unisex era, little did I know that it was going to live on!!
I work in a typical Beauty Salon, Anne Maries House of Beauty,
in an almost all Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY, with 4 other
beauticians & 1 manicurist. I'm guaranteed $150 a week & 30% of
total tickets after I doubled my salary, plus tips. Basically, I need
to ticket $300 plus an additional $150 to make a $200 pay check.
All tips (usually $0.50) are mine.
Not bad for an 18 year old, just venturing out on my own, right?
I mean, I've got my own furnished apartment for 25 bucks a week,
utilities included. I'm living good, & as long as I don't spend all my
money 'with the girls' I'll be okay. I figure I can save enough cash
to put myself though law school in about four years. That's when
I'll really make something of myself... when I enter law school, I
can't wait!
Hell, with all of the stuff that these families are into in the
neighborhood, I should be RICH being their defender & keeping
them out of jail. My cousin Johnny wants to hire me now - HAHA.
Well, off to work with one heck of a hangover... 1964 is promising to
be a good year.
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