aka the blog homework @missy assigned this week:

If you could run your own business, what would it be?

I currently manage a tattoo shop, which feels like running my own business sometimes, and I absolutely love it. I've tossed around the idea of opening my own business several times, and sinceI am first and foremost a hairdresser by trade, it'd have to be a salon. I think the only way I'd open a salon is if I was the only one working in it, though. I don't like having a boss and I don't know if I'd like being a boss, but I would absolutely love to have a one-woman hair studio with the option to expand if I found the right stylist.

I would probably use Redken and Pravana color, since that's what I've had the most training and experience with, and Surface and Pureology products. I'd specialize in alternative hair (bright colors, asymmetrical cuts) and the studio would be bright and play good, loud (but not too loud) music. I'd like the interior to be really unique and inviting, with a comfortable, artsy vibe. I'll definitely have coffee, tea, and ideally beer and wine to serve clients. I'd do what I've done in the past, and make hair pieces and style models for photo shoots and runway shows (fun fact: that's how I got into modeling; I was behind the scenes doing hair and makeup for 5 years of photo shoots and fashion shows before I ever stepped in front of the camera). In a perfect world, I'd never have to do another child's haircut, mom bob, or chunky 90's foil weave (still eerily popular in the midwest) again.

Actually, while I'm on a 'perfect world' tangent, I'd love to have it connected to (but not inside of) a tattoo shop, because that's my ideal clientele. (*Cough* a little studio just opened up next door to the shop I manage now, and it's KILLING me that I can't claim it *cough*) Tattoo shops and hair salons have A LOT in common (which is probably why I thrive best in either/both). Bold, sharp lines and bright colors are important in both, as are cleanliness, bedside manner, and the ability to listen and put up with a lot of random shit. In both venues, you're dealing with people about to make a drastic aesthetic change, which has a certain level of psychology involved. I love listening to people and helping them grow into the best versions of themselves - especially when that includes big cathartic changes & shucking conventional beauty standards.

To be honest, I pretty much have every detail planned out, except for the name. I'm absolutely terrible at naming things, and since the salon would be my baby, I'll have to think up something really special.

So there you have it, Zephi's little imaginary slice of heaven. Maybe one day it'll be a reality and I'll be regaling y'all with stories of my happy place :)