Redken artist induction phase 1

Well, it has been a hot minute since I sat down and shared a blog post! I suppose completing Phase 1 of 3 of Redken Artist Induction in New York City is as good of a time as any to jump back in. So, let's get into it!

If you follow along on my social channels, then you know I tried out for and was invited to be a part of Redken's 2024 Class of Redken Artist Inductees. Part of becoming a Redken Artist(educator) is attending their facilitator training, Redken Artist Induction. It is three, four day Phases spaced out over the course of three months. This past week was my first Phase and "WOW" what an experience! I travelled to New York City on Monday and returned home Saturday, but there is a lot to unpack over four days of all day training. Let me leave you with my biggest 'takeaways' vs. a play-by-play of the week.

get out of your own way

I think that one of the big things that blew my mind through out training was how

often WE are the ones standing in OUR OWN WAY. Whether it was my fellow inductees, or myself, I was continually amazed at what we were actually capable of when we decided to shift our inner dialogue or "little voice" to saying "I CAN" vs. "I CAN'T".

Too often in life we let goals, dreams, and opportunities pass us over as we sit on the sidelines because our little voice tells us no instead of yes; is Negative Nancy instead of Optimist Ollie. When we all started training our little voices to encourage and empower, there was a tangible change in the potential of the room that was hard to ignore.

get uncomfortable

How many of us like to stay in our comfort zone?

I'll raise my hand!!! It was such a reminder that if you are comfortable you probably aren't growing; in many aspects of life! In this realm though, it was such a reminder professionally that if your aren't feeling uncomfortable or challenged on a regular basis, you're probably not doing a lot of growing. Growth happens OUTSIDE of our comfort zone if we can just be brave enough to push ourselves outside of it. There were many many circumstances on this trip and through this training that I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, and the level of growth I felt for myself and saw in my peers, even over such a short time period, was a testament to how important it is to get uncomfortable.

connection is important

As someone who works independently most days, one thing I was excited for(but also a little nervous for) was to be thrown in with a group of peer professionals. Imposter syndrome is real! Remember the little voice? Oftentimes when I attend larger events professionally it is hard not to feel like the "small town hair stylist". Spending almost a week with all these individuals really reminded me why it is important to put yourself out there. We all need people to encourage us, hold us accountable, and push us to be better. Connecting with so many like-minded individuals focused on personal and professional growth was huge for raising the bar as well as a reminder of how special what we do as hairstylists every day really is, but also how important connection on any level is.

You are you, and that is good enough

Remember the imposter syndrome I mentioned as the "small town hairstylist"? Yeah, that may never entirely go away, but this week was a pretty good reminder for myself that I will share with all of you as well. No matter what arena you are in, there is something special you are that no one else is; you are yourself. When there are lots of personalities around it is easy to sit back and diminish that little candle inside, but no one can be you. Your spark, unique life experiences, and presence all add to something special. It was a strong reminder that God does not make mistakes, He makes us exactly as we are supposed to be and He places us in rooms that need our special gifts. Part of our job knowing that secret is also to share that confidence with others we meet so they can also realize their special gifts.

Presenting some of our material on stage

I feel so grateful to be selected for this journey with a group of really talented stylists, and getting the opportunity to learn & grow under some truly spectacular mentors under an awesome company is more than I could have ever thought would happen. I feel so full post-Phase 1 and am excited & hopeful to see what Phase 2 and 3 and beyond bring. For now, I am thrilled to be home with my guys and go back to a little bit of "normal" life before it's time for my next big-city adventure in October!

All the blessings until next time,