A letter to my OG’S

Throughout the years we have had some pretty amazing times, haven’t we? All the memories bring happy tears to my eyes. Thinking back on your wedding, advancing through your career, your children being born, then grow so beautifully, graduate and get married. I am so extremely blessed.

Many of you have been with me from the salon days in Bethesda, then on to my home in Silver Spring and now to Olney. You have gone with me through my journey as Mrs. Maryland to the Mrs. America Pageant. You have heard all my running stories as I traveled all around and ran 6 marathons. Most importantly, you have been with me as I fought for Elaina’s education with dyslexia. Boy that was a rough one, and it’s not over.

My priorities have always been you and my family. I never really had a hierarchy. Family and work were equal. I love everyone so much. That is why I never had a specialty. I did all the hair there was and loved every minute of it. Since 2018, I have been taking a series of classes and one of the things I have learned is to put my family first. I should have done more of that when the kids were younger. Although I was doing the best I could, you don’t know what you don’t know.

People pleasing is not such a selfless act. I wanted to feel good about myself. I am not saying I didn’t do a lot for my family. What I am saying is, I can’t be my very best at all the things at the same time. I want to give my whole heart to everyone. And I think this is where I have failed. I know that sounds harsh. I just know I can do better and it started to bother me.

Long story short, I was going to quit doing hair a few years ago. I was attempting to put 100% of my eggs in all the baskets. As a perfectionist, I got frustrated when I would miss an egg here and there as I was switching baskets. It is crazy how the part of me which is addicted to adrenaline kind of liked it when I made all the things work well most of the time. But, living like that isn’t fair to those who I should be giving my time and attention to. And it can’t be good for my health.

The transition of The Patio to an *extensions and dimensional color* Salon was done because: I love trying new things and my business classes have taught specialization is the future of salons. As it turns out, the extension service business model is also very good as it will help me become a better person. I will be more calm, focused, and safer health wise because of fewer guests per day. Unfortunately, this change means there are people who might not continue with me on this new journey. I have been trying to be okay with that. Because ‘it is just business’ right? But you know, it has never been just business to me. I am a heart filled hair artist. There is no other way to do art as far as I am concerned.

If it has ever seemed like my heart isn’t in it, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There has honestly never been a day where I have begrudgingly gone to work. Not one. What has bothered me is when I had things on my mind in my personal life (we all have our problems and sometimes they are really bad) and I couldn’t help but bring it to work. I might not have done 100% best job ever on your hair. Or, trying to build this entire new extension business, while simultaneously working on the tried and true one. I wasn’t ready to just start one and stop the other. And then came Covid-19, I pushed through and worked with that despite its challenges. I wanted to be a rock for you.

Here we are at the climax. I am not quite finished with my classes but, this one particular step, no more haircuts alone sucks. I yearn to take care of your hair. I tend to make some business decisions on knee jerk reactions because I want to take care of you. That is not right. I need to stick with the program. Essentially, now I am just going to be doing some kick ass color with dimension and extensions. Haircuts are added. My bleeding heart wants to apologize but, then I remember the times people have left me because I have been difficult to get an appointment with, raised my prices, or maybe was not giving my 100% that day. About 1% of you sent a note. And I don’t expect it of course. That said, I hold you all in my heart forever. I wish I could take a year to specialize in each of your hair types. You know I would do it up good! I could do some amazing things if I had a chance to go all in. I always have tons of ideas of all the things I wish I could do in this lifetime. Don’t you wish we had more lifetimes?

Now that I will be working 3 days a week (long days), I will have time to dive into work on the back end of business one day a week and also have time for my family. I don’t just mean time to continue to help with Elaina’s future, I will able to see some of my extended family who I don’t really know anymore. I have been behind the chair every Saturday for 28 years. Most of my vacations have been saved up to see Dean’s family overseas. Yes, my clients matter and so does my family. If we have learned one thing with this pandemic, it is that people in your life matter.

Thank you for putting up with me all these years. Thank you for riding the wave of all my crazy ideas, changes, and knee jerk passionate decisions. Thank you for all the support. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for letting me create my art on you. Thank you for the vulnerability we share. Thank you for understanding how I love growth and need change in my life. Thank you for knowing I never, ever started a day without loving it and wanting to do something magical on you.

Also, thank you for all of the thoughtful gifts this season! My heart is full. I appreciate you in all the ways you are uniquely you.

Love, Patty

P.S. Keep me on your email list. I don’t know where this journey will take me next. I might be up to more crazy stuff! You might want to know about it because it might concern you later. My mind is still brewing…

ALSO!!! And in case you missed it, my amazingly talented friend Leisha, will be here at The Patio Salon to help with haircuts and root touch ups on Fridays and Saturdays. She is easy going, experienced, more than capable and will do your hair for the same price we have been doing. If you would like me to explain your haircut, I will. I will also be giving your color formula. Yay! Reach out with any questions.