Chapter 2: Behind the Scenes: Learning the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

However, as I delved deeper into my role in Salon Operations, I became fascinated by the rapid growth of the industry and how having the convenience of a professional salon in every neighborhood brought equity to all communities. There, I discovered that the beauty industry had its fair share of challenges. I learned that we were required to make three different formulas of our proprietary hair care collections. One to be sold in the U.S., one for Canada and one for Europe. The pressure to create professional salon quality products that met federal regulations and truly performed became evident, as did the industry's profit-driven nature.

Chapter 3: The High-Paying Executives and the Fast Life

In this corporate world, I reported to high-powered executives who seemed to effortlessly navigate the realms of beauty and business. They exuded confidence, clad in designer clothing and accessories, commanding respect and admiration. It was the era when The Devil Wears Prada was published and later became the must-see movie of the summer. I felt like I was "Andy Sachs" in every sense of her fictitious life.

The allure of travel, fine dining and entertainment, and corporate parties became a regular occurrence. It was a whirlwind of excitement, filled with working on weekends, exclusive hair shows, and rubbing shoulders with influential personalities (Hello, John Paul DeJoria).