How many of you asked for this haircut in the early 90's? The "Rachel"
I remember this was my first "real" haircut. In 8th grade, my aunt Tina took me to her salon outside of Cleveland, OH to get a hair makeover. I felt so special, so grown up...like I was being initiated into womanhood or at least becoming a cool teenager. I felt like this haircut would get me a boyfriend which didn't happen because I was so shy and had horrible acne. But, the "Rachel" made me feel like a new person and gave me more confidence..The hair and the experience at the salon made me feel beautiful. I remember walking through the halls after my Spanish class thinking how great my hair felt and wondering if anyone noticed the time I had spent round brushing it to perfection with my Aveda Elixer. This is the first time I can remember really loving my hair.
I grew up in Indiana, PA, a small college town in Western Pennsylvania. Most people who got high end haircuts went to Monroeville or Pittsburgh. But, I went to John Robert's Salon in Mayfield Heights outside of Cleveland, OH. The salon opened in 1993. I was there the very first or second year that Stacy and John DiJulius opened their doors. John Robert's Salon has now been named one of the TOP 20 SALONS IN AMERICA. Stacy was my aunt Tina's hairdresser for years in a small Aveda salon in Cleveland, Stacy brought her husband into the world of hair. At that point John was a little less expensive, so he did my cut. An assistant shampooed and conditioned my hair with Aveda products, and another assistant blew it out. After my style the assistant put on a little lip gloss. She also told me I only needed mascara on the top eye lashes and then to blink. During these services, Stacy came over to talk to me and Tina. She was beautiful and kind with dark hair and light eyes like Elizabeth Taylor. I wanted to be just like her.
As a hairdresser, I have loved watching John Robert's Salon grow and John DiJulius become a leader in customer service. John has written books on customer service including "Secret Service" and "What's the Secret". He presents all over the US, and he does service coaching for The Ritz-Carlton, Lexus, Nordstroms, Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory, and more. I have heard his name mentioned at NAHA (North American Hairstylist Awards). I am honored to have him cut the "Rachel" for me all those years ago. John DiJulius is still an inspiration today.
I only had 2 haircuts at John Robert's Salon, but I have never forgotten how special I felt. In our lives we can truly make a difference to everyone we interact with. Although we can not remember everyone we come in contact with, people might remember how you made them feel...So, smile, be kind, encouraging, and give a little love into the world...You make a difference!
Thank you to my mom and aunt Tina for providing this experience...
Thank you John and John Robert's Salon for this beautiful memory:)
