The most realest quote I've heard about a job path is "A Career grows out of who we are, who we are doesn't grow out of a Career".
Today as I was replying to comments on my popular YouTube Channel about hair, that had 240,000 views last month, I thought about how competing in Hair Shows isn't just showing off your skills in hairdressing, but it's also about managing a project from start to finish which led me to becoming a certified Project Manager, CIPM.
As a Hairstylist and business owner, I learned a lot about project management competing in hair shows for 10 years. The skills and strategies I acquired were essential in running my business for the past 30 years. Additionally winning many trophies over the years, some I can't remember anymore but like 2nd Place World's Best Braider in 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia at the World Natural Hair Convention, Best Updo Student Hair Competition, Best Cut/Shaping Stylist, Best Styling Competition in Las Vegas, voted Citywide, 3rd Best Stylist in Las Vegas, and Best Creative Stylist in Santa Monica.
1). Initiating and Project Planning.
Some of the crucial aspects of hair shows are coming up with a trending theme or creating one, that would solidify my brand's image, marketing message and stand out among competitors. Then recruiting models for rehearsals, their before and after photoshoots and the final show. I learned how to find and select models, communicate with them effectively, and ensure they would actually show up after having their hair done. This included finding the right products for each model's hair type and selecting the outfits that complimented their hairstyles.
2). Cost Management.
Planning for Hair Shows can easily go into spending thousands of dollars. Preparing an initial budget, then creating a budget plan to stay within as much as possible.
3). Team, Time and Communication Management.
Developing efficient time management and organizational skills to balance my business responsibilities with my hair show preparations taught me the importance of team building and collaboration. Collaborating with Make-up Artists, Fashion Designers, Photographers, Videographers, and Personal Assistants in addition to recruiting Models who worked well with others.
4) Risk and Quality Management.
Managing the logistics of the event, making sure my Models were there on time, following up with the Promoters. Even though these Shows always hired the best Commentators who were entertaining, I always made sure I had notes that would guide them so as my Models walked out on stage the messaging was presented in a way that helped achieve my marketing goals.
Another critical aspect of project management is learning to build strong relationships with my clients and models, listening to their needs and preferences, while providing them with the best possible service. In the beginning it was very rough but these skills helped me to build a loyal customer base and attract new clients.
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5). Procurement Management.
All Hair Shows have rules, regulations and guidelines to determine if you'll qualify and place as a finalist in the competitions. Also because these shows attracted the Media, I had to create my own release forms as well as have the Models sign the others to be featured in various magazines.
6). Marketing.
The next few Months after the Hair Show were when I'd ramp up the marketing and advertising efforts to continue attracting Clients and build my brand which ultimately helped open up other opportunities for me such as Brand Ambassadorship, Consulting and Educator roles.
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Competing in Hair Shows twice a year, for 10 years was an invaluable experience that taught me the fundamentals of Project Management and how much I really enjoyed the methodology behind it. From visualizing the entire project, managing a team, logistics, building strong relationships with my clients, working with all the beautiful models and beauty industry professionals who glammed my girls up, took creative photos, and effectively marketing my business for sustainability.
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