Wednesday, June 30, 2010

2.05 - A story about energy..

Hey lambs.

How are you?


It's about 1 am and I'm sipping coffee at my desk at my parent's home tonight. Last night, I spent the evening with Panda and it was absolutely delicious. We laughed and had moments of sheer bliss just talking and had no friction at all.


It was, honestly, one of the coolest experiences with him ever.


I felt so close to him and so taken by the fact that when he and I worked for the same company, everything turned into work and into a conflict regarding work. And now, I would say, we're on our way to phenomenal-status once again.


I think we both, kind of, needed our space. Honestly!


We probably watched the same music-video for that "Billionaire" song over and over again abou 90x and kept having moments of being 10 and 12 years old and saying to each other, "oh--- you be him... and that one's me!"


It was absolute bliss to fall asleep next to my best friend and love where I'm at in life.


...Life has been amazing.


Alot of gossip and un-necessary drama has crept it's little head into the doorway of my life, but as I was telling my salon owner and friend, Janelle, "do I look like someone who cares about what the critics in my life are thinking of me?"


No. Not really.


I have found such an amazing bond with my new salon home and only have Janelle to thank for that. As I hear more and hear more about experiences at my last salon and people I was not able to reach in time and how unhappy they are, I think to myself, "wow... what's going on up the hill?"


And then, I think: "stop being critical, Josh. You didn't like it then and it's not gonna help you now."


I had a client of mine (not able to be reached previous to pre-booked appointment) call me from my former salon and leave me a long voicemessage. In tears, crying about my absense and how she hated me not being there.


She left a messsage today at the salon and on my cell phone telling me she had cried all weekend about how she was treated and the lack of detail and attention. I even had a Facebook friend who sees Nasia happen to comment on one of my posts telling me, "some lady was in tears because you were not at Headlines."


This client of mine fed me a long story about the negative remarks made and as I thought about her story, I started to sift out all the dumb shit being said about me and the negative critiques and only heard her "want" in her voice and "need" for attention.


One thing I may be guilty of is appearing to look uninterested, but deep inside, I listen. I know who matters and I know what humbleness brings, truly.


Not one person is below me!

Not one person is above me either.


So for someone to tell my client as they sit in their chair being inproperly serviced every bad thing she possibly can fathom about me, it only made that stylist look bad and only brought tears to my clients eyes and heart...


As my heart bled for the drama to stop, I realized that my old salon NEVER let a good thing go, I simply outgrew them and re-attached my heart to my sleeve after having it brused over and over again over an extended period of time.


As I prep for my new photoshoot and marketing campaign photos on Monday, I realize it's not about the shot Kevin gets on film, it's about the image I've projected to so many at all those sessions all these years behind the chair and realize that my heart is BIG and that there is room for so many and for so much ambition and dreams.


One thing another stylist cannot offer my guest is the invested interested and genuine attention we share for one another and as I strike a pose on Monday, 15 lbs less and 3 shades darker with my line-eyes and dewey bronze skin, I realize, it's not about the eyeliner, it's the energy being projected...


You all make it possible.


You, my salon lambs reading, Panda and even the stylist that will never be me.


Hearts,

Joshy.


To book your signature service, go to: http://www.josh-cooley.com/

To follow me on twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/prettyboyedu


PS: "Pretty Boy Education" manuscript will be previewd in September!!!

Monday, June 28, 2010

2.04 - A story about being written out of a story..

Good morning lambs,

How was your weekend? Mine was, well, overbooked. Ha ha. In a very good way.


On Saturday, I was super busy at my new location and came to my parent's estate to change and get settled before taking my mum to attend a party for one of my VIP A-List Salon Lambs and as I sat to rest for a second, my blinking eyes solidly sealed shut into nap land and then took a detour to sleephood.


At around 11 pm, I awoke to see no one in sight in the living room, TV still on in the kitchen and silence through out the house. It all dawned on me, "damnit! I missed my party."


Had it been 9 pm, I still would have attended. Being 11 pm and still needing to dress for the occasion, I sent my A-Lister an apology and explanation via Facebook only to realize hours later how much I was missed and to be honest, it felt good to hear I was missed. I did, however, feel like I dropped the ball royally. It all sounded so amazing and spectacular and to my dear friend and good client Brandy, thank you for understanding. You rock and I value you like no other. We'll hook up for lunch soon, that, I can promise you!


As I sit her at 3:30 am on Monday morning, I have settled down a bit after listening to some Gaga via internet and paying both personal and professional businessman bills and stare of into candlelight and laptop light and think about all the things and people I'm grateful for.


These last few weeks have been spectacular as I welcomed many new faces in my life and said a much needed "au revoir" to others.


Yesterday afternoon was the birthday party for my dear godson Jaxton and it felt good to see him so excited over everything he was being given. He was so attentive for such a young age! And as I watched his eyes light up over the goodies being given and observed the amount of people there visiting this special blessing in my life, I began thinking, "why don't we greet our dyas like that?"


Why can't we have little wonders every day?

Why can't our eyes light up like Jax's every time we see someone?


I began to think of all the positives in my life including my kick-ass supportive mum and dad. Nasia, my best friend who has seen me through good and bad times and Panda who I have an undying respect for. My salon lambs have graced me with gifts and so much knowledge and respect. It's such an honour to truly love what I do and have a newly revamped appreciation for the art of respecting the individual and creating a look for them. My love of art, electronic music and fashion thrills me as I plan my day and then it all comes back to moments of purity for me, like watching Jaxton giggle over the ball pit I bought him for his birthday.


For one instant, I wanted to be 1 years old in the ball pit playing next to him. Enjoying his pressence.


One person that has really stepped up when so many have stepped out of my life is my good friend Andrew. The other night, out of the blue, he text me and asked me if I wanted to go out for frozen yoghurt. I haven't had that in years!


The night turned into a really fun evening of just hanging out and talking about absolutely nothing at all. We had lunch earlier in the week, so a second outing seemed like a bit much I thought, but hanging out with him has proven so much for me. I would have NEVER been able to do that before!


As I summed up my time with Nasia at the party and she filled me in about things at my former salon home, she mentioned people's disliking my blogs. It's such an old non-issue and unnecessary drama to hear about (which she later apologised for bringing up).


She told the girls, "Josh has been BLOGGING for YEARS! Even before he worked here! Way before I knew him... it's what he does."


My mum's reply was, "you're a writer."


My reply, "people enjoy reading them and I'm NEVER rude or demeaning."


I'm sure there has been stuff that made people cringe. But for alot (maybe including you reading this) it's simply, a story.


And when people don't like reading about themselves, I simply write them out of the story. It's kind of a sad thing, you know? Who would want to be written out? Not me!


So, as I hop back on Facebook and look at the contacts in my Blackberry and re-think some of the things I've said in the past, it makes me think of writing a few negative nancies out and opening up my life for more positive forces.


So, with that said.. I have to wish my favourite "Monster" in the world a happy birthday once again.. and remember what it was like to have the gleam in my eyes and embrace all the good things coming my way, everyday.


As for all the negative boys and girls out there griping about my blog- you're simply being written out of the story.


I'll miss you, but it's been fun.


Hearts,

Joshua Ryan.


Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/prettyboyedu

or check out my website http://www.josh-cooley.com/

Monday, June 21, 2010

2.03 - A story about going underground..

What's up lambs?



It's your favourite pretty boy here up at 11:51 PM, sipping on some limeade and getting ready to hit the shower and turn in, but before that, I thought I'd blog abit.




So, it's been quite a couple weeks. Comprising what a 60-hour work-week was into 30-hours a week has actually been kind of nice! I'm excited to see how all this turns out. I took some time on Saturday to visit my old salon and as it turns out, I don't really miss the environment. Truly! In fact, I may have gotten out in the nick of time. I'm not a big cheerleader and right now looks like their implementing alot of "team"-like stuff and I simply would have been rolling my eyes i the corner. More and more I see why I made the move I did and why it was so goddamned needed. (Excuse my g.d.)




So, with this new found love for Joshua Ryan. I have taken alot of time to work out at the gym! Yes, I am at the gym ..like... alot! I've been tanning again and getting lots and lots of compliments from my salon lambs and acquaintances...




"you look so rested!"


"you seem so calm"


"you look happier"


"I'm glad you moved"




Wow! Was it really showing that bad, lambs?




I take it, yes.




With the newly rejuvenated me, I have taken the liberty to enjoy my time given with my guests and really "listen" and spend time with them. It's so super important to me that they understand they are the ONLY thing on my brain! Truly.




I feel like my work here in a more intimate, smaller studio, allows me to do that. With the new image, comes a new visual image in my marketing, I'm thinking to echo the more laid-back boy Josh I'm used to being, the cards and promotional material should actually suppor that vibe. My photoshoot is a couple weeks away and I have been working out and tanning all in the hopes of scoring the PERFECT shot!




Think sk8r boy meets the punk version of me... yep... pink hair will be back, eyeliner, black nails and well, shorts, and silk-screen independently designed shirts.




My love for all things local has brought me to support the t-shirt shop next door to our salon called Last Leaf. At Last Leaf, Mo, the owner/designer, personally designs and silk-screens each design. I'm in love with my yellow shirt that is so see-thru, you can see my nips (LOL-- it it were wet) and so breathable with the photocopy of a pistol or revolver. A newly purchased yellow shirt I have has a silk-screen image of horn-rimmed glasses and a girl with mascara-ed eyelashes... yep... that's a me all the way, a pair of sk8 short and some converse makes for a great photo sessions with the unforgettable Joshua Ryan.




I'm really excited to present this image to all of you.




In reading and editing my book, "Pretty Boy Education", I'm thinking of writing my transition into the plot of the book... what do you think? I think it would be the perfect twist ot my memoir of a Rockstar Stylist.




Just because I left a 3,500 sq. ft salon does not mean I'm not as successful at a 1,000 sq. ft. salon! In fact, I'm MORE succesful. I've become more underground and found myself again: I'm more true to myself in the downtown neighbourhood of indie t-shirt shops, alternative cafes and self-made Rockstars stylists, designers, and artists..




The more I wake up early and spend more time downtown, I realize, I have found out what made me a Rockstar Stylist in the first place: I have always played the track my OWN way without any interference. And generally, when someone interfered, I was not happy with the finished product.




So, with that, I leave you with a smile and a peck on the web-cheek til next blog and stress to you: BIG is not always BETTER, sometimes UNDERGROUND keeps us GROUNDED and reveals more of who we really are on the inside...




Hearts xoxo.


Josh
PS: Above is a REAL design by Mo from Last Leaf Designs located next to my new location, Trendsetters Hair Studio, drop in and tell him Josh sent you! visit http://www.josh-cooley.com/ or follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/prettyboyedu




Saturday, June 19, 2010

2.02 - A story about trusting your gut and finding an entourage..

Good morning lambs!

What? Good morning!! Yes, for once I'm blogging in the morning.


I'm sitting here sipping a cup of coffee at the kitchen table, Blackberry sitting next to me, and listening to Food Network in the background.


It's so funny because today is a Saturday morning and it has been (seriously) years, since I've stayed home on a Saturday. All I can tell you right now is that I feel "rested".


Since my disconnection with my former salon team almost two weeks ago, I've had a wonderful time showing off the new space to my guests and growing my business with some fresh faces in the mix. The next step in my life is getting my ideas out of my head and put on paper or set into action.


For once in my life, I don't feel boundaries or "standards" put on me by someone else.


The last week and a half has been inspiring, with my friends all commenting on how I'm back to normal and fun and seem less stressed. The sad part of the last weeke and half is that even though I have seen my friends, it seems like I haven't. I saw Nasia about a week ago and played with Jax, my godson, and discussed his birthday. Panda has been spending alot of time with company and out of town and Andrew is working PrideFest in Denver this weekend (go, Andrew! yay!)


The week has been full of a meetings that I actually had time for. Like, a meeting with my designer and a meeting with my photographer discussing the new image. Part of the new image has been lots of working out on my behalf and lots of time for updates online and working on the book, Shampoo Boy, etc.


Even though it may sound like I have alot of time on my hands, that's not totally the case, I have been booked since I left!! I remember the last words from the salon owner telling me, "you're not established! You'll never retain a guest there."


Well, I have... and I've done even better working less hours and maximizing my time.


I slashed 60 Hours into 30 Hours and came out ahead.

Funniest part? I'm happier.


I may being taking it all solo, but man, I've found a HUGE entourage of people supporting my decision to seperate from a large-salon and have found that sometimes BIG name does not always make BIG success. Integrity does... taking chances does.. having a heart does.. listening to my gut does.


Thank God I trusted my gut this time around and thank you all for making it a successful decision.


xoxo.

Josh


check out the NEWLY re-vamped website http://www.josh-cooley.com/


follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/prettyboyedu

Friday, June 11, 2010

2.01 - A story about a castle up the street and a cabin in the forrest..

Greetings lambs,




Greetings?





Yes, greetings.





It's about 1:30 am and I'm sipping a cup of detox tea after I finished a 32 oz bottle of Vitamin Water and working out. Thank goodness I took a shower shortly after because my spray tan I had applied today was turning viciously orange. Pretty, but a little too Middle-Eastern in hue. LOL.


Anyway, as you may have read (or may not have read) from my Facebook or texts or through just knowing me, I made a huge transition in my life. Okay, let's correct that: a SHOCKING transition in my life. I resigned, okay, another correction, quit my position as salon manager/soon-to-be creative director/rockstar stylist/make-up artist position at a very renowned salon in my area to work at a salon that is at least 3x less the size and 5x less the traffic. Bold career move? Yes. Expected? No.


From previous blogs, you may have gotten the undertone that I have not been happy at my salon home the last couple of months. Sad things is, I'm passionate about what I do. In fact, my passion and devotion to my salon lambs may have been the only things that saved me from myself or possibly going insane.


My best friends were constantly being brought up into the mix of back-room gossip and my life was publicly chasticed by many noteable figures in my environment. With that said, I emotionally built myself a wall, a cell with bars and shut myself off completely from the team. Completely.


The last four days of last week were the hardest. I did not want to talk. I did not want to look a single soul or even play music. That's hardcore! It was beyong emo! Beyond irrate! So angry that I literally felt crippled. As I shopped for salons in my head, I realized that down the street and up a turn or so was a salon I've had my eye on for a while. The owner is genuinely nice and in my age range. The salon is about 1,000 sq. ft. and remind me of Panda's loft. The vibe is young like when I first found hair and fell in love with my bff Anthanasia and the chatter in the backroom is non-existent.


My name? Very well known. The salon owner's reaction to this bold move? She was complimented. "Josh, you are master! You are so educated and so awarded in this industry. What a compliment to have you on our team!"


That simple excitement was all the validation I needed and I knew that afternoon I would leave my castle up the road for my cottage in the forrest.


As I prepared (in my head) to leave, I said to myself, "don't tell a soul".


I told a friend and told my parents my ideas, they agreed. A day later, my friend said go for it, my mom and dad were divided. "Do you think the timing is right? Why don't you see if things blow over..."


Nope. Three years has been long enough and two months of unhappiness is enough.


With intentions of staying the week, I prepared myself and my guests for my departure. As I turned in my letter of resignation, my bff couldn't believe it! Panda couldn't believe it! The staff couldn't believe it! In fact, one staff member asked, "you're actually going through with it?"


Yep.


A day later, I get a phone call telling me that legal action will be taken against me if I take my guests. I never took a single thing... I won my guests hearts through the principles I practiced from day 1 of doing hair: generosity, integrity, passion and education. They all led to my success and popularity. Those of my guests that did not understand me or don't wish to seek me out simply don't get me. That's understandable. Josh Cooley is not for everyone. I would think integrity mattered at the end of the day. And the last couple of months, I found myself questioning my own integrity in the surroundings at work and the people involved in my professional life. With the acception of Nasia and Panda, I didn't really have a connection within the last few weeks and I know they're in my hearts, text messages and daily lives forever. So no worries, so, as I typed my letter and make the decision, I realized I was walking out of the dark and into the Light.


I suddenly woke up and realized that I want to have an intimate experience with my guests. I want my guest to matter and I want to dedicate ALL MY time to them when I'm in my creative space. I realized that I do not need 60 hour weeks to be happy. I want to work more like 30 and be an artist.


It's not about the numbers for me. I did however go Platinum more than any other stylist! I was not the most popular according to the sources, but my last two months I've landed in the top 3 financially and my last week I was THE top stylist.


I don't need a brand name to make me. I made me. And that's when I realized that my new image had set in and that the old one didn't matter.


As I sum things up, I want you all to know I miss my famly at the castle up the street, but my cottage in the forest is lovely and acccomidating.


My photoshoot is going to be amazing for the new business cards and promo packs and I'm finally living the life I knew I could without the judgement and constraints of others interfering. And for once, I realized, a day off, makes it all feel better..


And at the end of the day, a life full of love and pocket full of dollars didn't amount to shit, it was the integrity and decisions you made that shaped how you loved and how you spent those dollars..


INTEGRITY + GENEROSITY = PASSION + EDUCATION = SUCCESS ...


Peace,

Josh Cooley


to book with me at my new location, visit http://www.josh-cooley.com/