2020- A Year In Review at Fringe Baltimore
Man, oh, Man WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN!!! 2020 started out like any other year, great even, with a few trips! I kept hearing about this little thing in Wuhan and I thought it might be something by the time February rolled around. By some stroke of luck, I read "Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown in February which is a book about leading with vulnerability and creating a shame resilient workplace. I had to decide what my three core values were, and I decided on kindness, courageousness, and wholeheartedness.
In March, I faced the biggest test of my business- the closure of non-essential businesses. I've never had to think of myself as "non essential" before and I've worked since I was 14 years old. I didn't take too much of a break. I asked myself what I used to say "I don't have time for that" about and got to work. I took advantage of all the generous offers at the beginning of the shut down. So many hair classes were offered for free and I was able to take thousands of dollars worth of education about my favorite things to do. One free class about Natural beaded row extensions sparked a new interest. My pre pandemic full book made it impossible to learn about extensions, but things were different now. I couldn't work as many days or take as many clients in a day. So I chose to fill my time differently. I got certified in waterfall beaded row extensions and am now taking a master course! If we haven't seen each other since all this started, you're going to be amazed at all the things I've learned! I also invested in business classes, and even learned how to build the website you're reading! I've been learning how to take my business digital so that even if we can't be together in person, we can stay connected. Keep checking back for new content as I learn more and more on my IG @nursewretched.
In June, we returned to work and the staff at Fringe saw the change in me. I had been able to upgrade myself and was ready to lead my staff. We decided that the restrictions only gave us an opportunity to make improvements to the shop. We all started working on our business and social media skills. We implemented pricing that is determined by demand level and median income in our area. We changed the booking system and product lines to rave reviews. We learned that we love learning together over zoom and take classes by some of the greatest artists in our industry while we hang out in pajamas on our laptops. We have sent stylists to several groups of education programs and have break out groups where we work on specific skills. Everything we used to say we didn't have time for, we're making time for. Fringe is going to take over the hair world when we're unleashed, but for right now, 25% capacity is plenty to practice perfecting our new skills.
So we've done a lot but we're working on a lot more- we're constantly updating the websites so they serve you better. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to support us so check out our affiliate links on the Fringe IG and at the bottom of this page and be on the lookout for a Fringe online store. We are currently offering online virtual consultations (although we are working out the kinks so be patient while we become proficient at technology. We used to just know how to cut hair! We're learning to work a lot with videos and editing. I want to put tutorials on this site and all my platforms so even if you can't come see me in person, you feel the love.
Speaking of that, there's going to be a lot of feelings when all this is over. Let's get one thing straight. You are always welcome back in my chair (lol, unless I've told you otherwise) no matter how long it's been. Maybe you had someone else cut your hair in the last year because you couldn't get on my book, maybe you cut or colored your own hair. A lot has gone down this year and people are at all comfort and privilege levels. I'm not worried about any of that stuff. I've made new friends over these past few months and not seen others. No matter how long it's been, I cannot wait to see you and hear how this year has changed you. I hope you've been able to rejuvenate or found some clarity.
https://cultandking.com/ref/fringebaltimore/
https://www.randco.com/?rfsn=4763875.b45ad9&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=4763875