Blog#1- My Workplace: Tues 10/11
1.What is my workplace called, and what does it do?
a. Handz Natural Hair Designs
b. Hair Salon (Provides people who hair for the public) ~ specializes in lockz
2.Is it a small business, a medium sized business, or a large corporation?
a. It is a small salon, but still has a lot of business and participates in a lot of extraordinary activities
3.Where is my workplace located and what does it look like?
a. 5353 Fairfax Ave, Oakland, CA
b. Its kind of small, and it is right next to another hair salon.
4.How many people work there?
a. Two different stylists .. there is an upstairs workplace and a downstairs also
5.What sorts of people does my workplace employ?
a. Hair Stylists with a cosmetology degree/license
6.Do most of the people there have a 4-year college degree, 2-year college degree, or technical certificate?
a. Some have a 4-year college degree, but they all have a certificate to do hair/cosmetology license. Going to a 4-year college is not necessary to work in a hair shop but can effect others parts of that job (ex.pay rate, rank etc)
7.Who does my workplace serve?
a. Anyone who needs/wants to get their hair done (girl,boy,old,young). The stylists are capable of doing many different hair styles [flat iron, braids, weaves, dye, perm etc]. Although anyone is welcome, almost everyone who gets their hair done is black/afr.american .. even though I did see a white lady getting a weave put in
8.What are the strengths of my workplace?
- Flexible work hours
- Meet new people/new opportunities everyday (keeps work interesting/exciting) *sometimes its not what you know, its who you know.
- Creative Expression/Variety (compared to answering phones all day), which helps stylist avoid boredom
- Independence/Own Boss
- No pay rate [earn more money]
- Participation of large events [hair shows/battles - competitions - awards]
9.What are the weaknesses of my workplace?
- Money is dependent on client [if client does show or there is a lack of clients, less money is earned since there is no pay rate]
- Working with different people/attitudes/complaints everyday
- Responsibility/Liability for clients hair (if you mess their hair up, things can get out of control)
- No time management=less money [again, since their is no pay rate, if the stylist takes longer on a clients hair then planned, it may run into the time planned for another client and can result in changing or taking a clients time -> less money]
- Longer work hours (some stylists stay at the shop working on hair to 12:00am, or even later), then still have to close up, go home, and prepare/wake up early for the next day
- Physical harm (most stylists stand all day/a lot of pressure is put on the hands EVERYDAY)
- Competition
- Continuing Education
a. Handz Natural Hair Designs
b. Hair Salon (Provides people who hair for the public) ~ specializes in lockz
2.Is it a small business, a medium sized business, or a large corporation?
a. It is a small salon, but still has a lot of business and participates in a lot of extraordinary activities
3.Where is my workplace located and what does it look like?
a. 5353 Fairfax Ave, Oakland, CA
b. Its kind of small, and it is right next to another hair salon.
4.How many people work there?
a. Two different stylists .. there is an upstairs workplace and a downstairs also
5.What sorts of people does my workplace employ?
a. Hair Stylists with a cosmetology degree/license
6.Do most of the people there have a 4-year college degree, 2-year college degree, or technical certificate?
a. Some have a 4-year college degree, but they all have a certificate to do hair/cosmetology license. Going to a 4-year college is not necessary to work in a hair shop but can effect others parts of that job (ex.pay rate, rank etc)
7.Who does my workplace serve?
a. Anyone who needs/wants to get their hair done (girl,boy,old,young). The stylists are capable of doing many different hair styles [flat iron, braids, weaves, dye, perm etc]. Although anyone is welcome, almost everyone who gets their hair done is black/afr.american .. even though I did see a white lady getting a weave put in
8.What are the strengths of my workplace?
- Flexible work hours
- Meet new people/new opportunities everyday (keeps work interesting/exciting) *sometimes its not what you know, its who you know.
- Creative Expression/Variety (compared to answering phones all day), which helps stylist avoid boredom
- Independence/Own Boss
- No pay rate [earn more money]
- Participation of large events [hair shows/battles - competitions - awards]
9.What are the weaknesses of my workplace?
- Money is dependent on client [if client does show or there is a lack of clients, less money is earned since there is no pay rate]
- Working with different people/attitudes/complaints everyday
- Responsibility/Liability for clients hair (if you mess their hair up, things can get out of control)
- No time management=less money [again, since their is no pay rate, if the stylist takes longer on a clients hair then planned, it may run into the time planned for another client and can result in changing or taking a clients time -> less money]
- Longer work hours (some stylists stay at the shop working on hair to 12:00am, or even later), then still have to close up, go home, and prepare/wake up early for the next day
- Physical harm (most stylists stand all day/a lot of pressure is put on the hands EVERYDAY)
- Competition
- Continuing Education
Blog #2- My Mentor: Tuesday 10/18
1.What is my mentor’s name and job?
My Mentors name is Debra Hudley, who is the main hair stylist and also owns the shop.
2.What is their typical day (or week) like?
Because her schedule is dependent on her clients, her workday may start as late as 1:00pm. Sometimes she has one client, and may have free time later, and other times she leaves the shop at around 12:00pm. I know that she has done my hair several times, and I would leave around 10:30 and there would still be clients waiting to finish or even start their hair. One week may seem everlasting because of the large amount of clients scheduled to get their hair done, and another week may seem easygoing because of the little amount of clients that come in.
3.How did they become interested in this field and what skills/education background did they need?
Debra started doing hair at around age 13. She would braid/style all of her friends hair, which turned into positive hobby for her, which is why she pursued getting her cosmetology degree at Laney College after graduating High School.
Blog #3- My Role: Tuesday 10/25
1.What is my main responsibility? What is my “title”?
Basically I am the “helper”.. I may be needed to sweep or wash someone’s hair. Whatever Debra needs extra help with , that’s where I come in. Sometimes if she is doing someone’s hair and she doesn’t need me to do anything, for a few minutes I practice braiding/styling on a life size doll head that she has until she has something else for me to do
2.What other types of tasks am I completing each week?
Washing hair, Sweeping, Cleaning/Folding Towels, Running To the Beauty Supply Store (to buy something), Disinfecting Combs, Mixing Dye/Dying Hair, Beading Hair, etc.
3.What is a regular day like? Describe it from start to finish. Use examples and tell stories.
A regular day may start as late as 1:00pm, depending on what time the first customer is scheduled. All the customers get their hair washed before they are started on, unless the customer has washed their own hair (which I have done in the past). Sometimes another client may come in and wait, and sometimes 4 clients at a time may come or be waiting to be serviced, signifying a longer workday. Although it may get crowded inside, there is always a good vibe, everyone always leaves a little late because of the socializing. Sometimes it makes the day seem extremely longer because of time but I have always had a good/interesting time inside the shop and I always meet someone new, and immediately engage in conversation. Last week, while a client was getting her hair braided, I walked in kind of upset, and the client started to talk to me about school and life. It seemed like she was reading my life but it was interesting and helpful because I had the opportunity to finally talk to someone about anything, and she didn’t judge me or get mad at what I was saying. I really liked her and she impressed me because she answered some questions about myself that I couldn’t even answer.
Basically I am the “helper”.. I may be needed to sweep or wash someone’s hair. Whatever Debra needs extra help with , that’s where I come in. Sometimes if she is doing someone’s hair and she doesn’t need me to do anything, for a few minutes I practice braiding/styling on a life size doll head that she has until she has something else for me to do
2.What other types of tasks am I completing each week?
Washing hair, Sweeping, Cleaning/Folding Towels, Running To the Beauty Supply Store (to buy something), Disinfecting Combs, Mixing Dye/Dying Hair, Beading Hair, etc.
3.What is a regular day like? Describe it from start to finish. Use examples and tell stories.
A regular day may start as late as 1:00pm, depending on what time the first customer is scheduled. All the customers get their hair washed before they are started on, unless the customer has washed their own hair (which I have done in the past). Sometimes another client may come in and wait, and sometimes 4 clients at a time may come or be waiting to be serviced, signifying a longer workday. Although it may get crowded inside, there is always a good vibe, everyone always leaves a little late because of the socializing. Sometimes it makes the day seem extremely longer because of time but I have always had a good/interesting time inside the shop and I always meet someone new, and immediately engage in conversation. Last week, while a client was getting her hair braided, I walked in kind of upset, and the client started to talk to me about school and life. It seemed like she was reading my life but it was interesting and helpful because I had the opportunity to finally talk to someone about anything, and she didn’t judge me or get mad at what I was saying. I really liked her and she impressed me because she answered some questions about myself that I couldn’t even answer.
Blog #4 Project Brainstorm: Tuesday 11/1
1.Describe what I am thinking I’ll do for my WLE project.
I want to make Debra a website, to overall increase her cliental. Since technology is big right now (most people use computer/smart phones etc.) I wanted to advertise her work in a way that will bring her more clients and new opportunities.
2.How did I come up with this idea? Explain my thinking.
After I added the “Handz” page on FaceBook, I thought that it would be even more helpful to make a website that could include more of her work and at the same time attract different people who may not even know that her Salon exists.
3.Why am I excited to actually do this project for the next 3-4 weeks?
I am super excited because I know that I will have an amazing time designing the website, but I also recognize that it will not be an easy task. I especially want to see the outcome of the website and how it will positively help Debra.
4.In Academic Seminar, you’ll get help in actually planning out your project, but for now, type your brainstorm of what you’ll need to accomplish in order to finish your project in the next 3-4 weeks.
- Talk to Joel about how to make websites (get a little extra help)
- Gather photos/reviews about the shop
- Talk to Debra about the layout of the website (what she likes; colors/music/links etc)
I want to make Debra a website, to overall increase her cliental. Since technology is big right now (most people use computer/smart phones etc.) I wanted to advertise her work in a way that will bring her more clients and new opportunities.
2.How did I come up with this idea? Explain my thinking.
After I added the “Handz” page on FaceBook, I thought that it would be even more helpful to make a website that could include more of her work and at the same time attract different people who may not even know that her Salon exists.
3.Why am I excited to actually do this project for the next 3-4 weeks?
I am super excited because I know that I will have an amazing time designing the website, but I also recognize that it will not be an easy task. I especially want to see the outcome of the website and how it will positively help Debra.
4.In Academic Seminar, you’ll get help in actually planning out your project, but for now, type your brainstorm of what you’ll need to accomplish in order to finish your project in the next 3-4 weeks.
- Talk to Joel about how to make websites (get a little extra help)
- Gather photos/reviews about the shop
- Talk to Debra about the layout of the website (what she likes; colors/music/links etc)
Blog #5: Progress on my WLE Project: Tuesday 11/8
1.What did you do at your WLE today?
Fold towels, sweep, take down braids, mix dye (less busy day-2clients)
2. What did you and your mentor talk about regarding your project?
How I will make the website and what Debra is interested in seeing on the website – also pictures/info that she feels that is necessary to go the website
3.What have you accomplished on your project so far?
I have gathered tons of photos, picked out a color scheme and music. I am finished a written layout/diagram of the website just to plan what need to go on it and make sure that important information is present
Fold towels, sweep, take down braids, mix dye (less busy day-2clients)
2. What did you and your mentor talk about regarding your project?
How I will make the website and what Debra is interested in seeing on the website – also pictures/info that she feels that is necessary to go the website
3.What have you accomplished on your project so far?
I have gathered tons of photos, picked out a color scheme and music. I am finished a written layout/diagram of the website just to plan what need to go on it and make sure that important information is present
Blog #6: Leadership Skills: Tuesday 11/15
1.What leadership skill(s) am I using the most?
Collaborate Productively and Communicate Powerfully
2. How well am I using this leadership skill at my WLE? How could I improve?
I am collaborating with my mentor and her clients very well, but I need a lot of improvement in my communication skills. Often I forget to call my mentor, or call late .. Recently I have not communicated well with my mentors and I know that I need to improve not only for this internship but in my everyday life also
3.How does this leadership skill help me do my work?
I have to collaborate with my mentor with whatever she has me doing (besides cleaning) .. if we don’t work as a team the program would be unorganized and I would be completing random tasks. If I don’t communicate with her properly, I wont know when to come in and what tasks I need to complete, and more importantly I will not be able to work because if I don’t communicate with Debra she will not let me come in
4.What leadership skill does my mentor use the most? Why?
Complete Projects Effectively, Debra has to manage her time wisely, if she takes to much time doing one clients hair, that will go into time that she is suppose to be starting another client. She has to manage her time very effectively in order to keep the flow of the clients, otherwise she will be working on one client for a day, which means less satisfaction and more importantly less money (needed to pay bills/maintain shop and supplies etc.)
Collaborate Productively and Communicate Powerfully
2. How well am I using this leadership skill at my WLE? How could I improve?
I am collaborating with my mentor and her clients very well, but I need a lot of improvement in my communication skills. Often I forget to call my mentor, or call late .. Recently I have not communicated well with my mentors and I know that I need to improve not only for this internship but in my everyday life also
3.How does this leadership skill help me do my work?
I have to collaborate with my mentor with whatever she has me doing (besides cleaning) .. if we don’t work as a team the program would be unorganized and I would be completing random tasks. If I don’t communicate with her properly, I wont know when to come in and what tasks I need to complete, and more importantly I will not be able to work because if I don’t communicate with Debra she will not let me come in
4.What leadership skill does my mentor use the most? Why?
Complete Projects Effectively, Debra has to manage her time wisely, if she takes to much time doing one clients hair, that will go into time that she is suppose to be starting another client. She has to manage her time very effectively in order to keep the flow of the clients, otherwise she will be working on one client for a day, which means less satisfaction and more importantly less money (needed to pay bills/maintain shop and supplies etc.)
Blog #7: What I learned, Reflection: Tuesday 11/22
1.What have I learned about myself (what I can do, what I like) because of this WLE experience?
I am very interested in going into this field of work (cosmetology) but I do not want that to be my only job/career. I know that I can go through all of the steps to attain a license with hard work, if I actually apply myself.
2.What challenges did I face during my WLE and how did I overcome, address, or learn from them?
I did not take this WLE seriously in the beginning, as well as school. If I missed a day I did not care about the consequence or I just would not go period. It was hard getting the WLE in the first place because I did not want to be apart of it, and I struggled to keep my workplace because of my lack of motivation to do the project in the first place. I eventually realized, or actually considered the fact that I would not be able to graduate, although I did not care at first, and to satisfy my mom I started to put some energy toward this graduation requirement.
3.What passions, values, or life lessons did I learn from this experience?
I learned that no one will do your work for you, and no matter how important the task is, it will not be accomplished without effort and care. Our mentors have worked hard to be in whatever position they are in, and if their career is in ones interest then the same is required.
4.How was my creativity put to use during my experience?
When doing hair, there has to be a level of creativity because everyone’s hair can’t look exactly the same but at the same. Each person may have a different style, so maybe one client wants braids going straight back and another may want a full head of designs.
5.How did my WLE placement affect me?
Because of the environment that the shop is in, and the people who come in and out of the shop, I feel very comfortable at my WLE. The lack of extra stress and professionalism actually motivated me to maintain my WLE and do my work because it is in my career choice and it suits me very well; I could see myself in my mentor’s position. Since my WLE was more laid back, I felt that it would be less wise to blow off since I actually enjoy going.
6.What do I believe now that I didn't before about this profession?
This career requires a lot of dedication and management, and the smallest mistake can have the largest outcome. If you are doing someone’s hair, you can’t just give up/stop working because you are tired/mad/sad etc. The client is depending on you to get their hair done nicely, and the other clients are depending on the fact that they have time set aside for them to get their hair done also. If time is not managed correctly they may not be able to get their hair done, hurting both the client and the stylist. (same goes for giving up)
7.What specific skills did I learn or practice during my WLE that are important in this profession?
Time Management: being on time is very important. Once my mentor told me not to come at all because I was running late, and I realized that if my mentor ran late for her clients it messes the whole day up
8.If someone were to ask me why what I did at my WLE was important, what would I say?
Every woman loves to get her hair done, especially when it is done right. Although it is not as professional as other work sites, I feel that it is an even more important job than others because I have observed from the clients and myself that no matter what is going on (recession/fights/depression/job loss etc) women (black women in particular; shop serves mostly African Americans) love and still desire to get their hair done
9.How will what I have learned from my WLE affect the choices I make in the future?
Honestly, I don’t know if I will want to change my actions, but I know that if I ever feel that I can’t accomplish anything or if I am feeling too lazy, I have what I have learned to remind me to do differently, and I take that into consideration I may change my behavior/choices outside of my WLE
I am very interested in going into this field of work (cosmetology) but I do not want that to be my only job/career. I know that I can go through all of the steps to attain a license with hard work, if I actually apply myself.
2.What challenges did I face during my WLE and how did I overcome, address, or learn from them?
I did not take this WLE seriously in the beginning, as well as school. If I missed a day I did not care about the consequence or I just would not go period. It was hard getting the WLE in the first place because I did not want to be apart of it, and I struggled to keep my workplace because of my lack of motivation to do the project in the first place. I eventually realized, or actually considered the fact that I would not be able to graduate, although I did not care at first, and to satisfy my mom I started to put some energy toward this graduation requirement.
3.What passions, values, or life lessons did I learn from this experience?
I learned that no one will do your work for you, and no matter how important the task is, it will not be accomplished without effort and care. Our mentors have worked hard to be in whatever position they are in, and if their career is in ones interest then the same is required.
4.How was my creativity put to use during my experience?
When doing hair, there has to be a level of creativity because everyone’s hair can’t look exactly the same but at the same. Each person may have a different style, so maybe one client wants braids going straight back and another may want a full head of designs.
5.How did my WLE placement affect me?
Because of the environment that the shop is in, and the people who come in and out of the shop, I feel very comfortable at my WLE. The lack of extra stress and professionalism actually motivated me to maintain my WLE and do my work because it is in my career choice and it suits me very well; I could see myself in my mentor’s position. Since my WLE was more laid back, I felt that it would be less wise to blow off since I actually enjoy going.
6.What do I believe now that I didn't before about this profession?
This career requires a lot of dedication and management, and the smallest mistake can have the largest outcome. If you are doing someone’s hair, you can’t just give up/stop working because you are tired/mad/sad etc. The client is depending on you to get their hair done nicely, and the other clients are depending on the fact that they have time set aside for them to get their hair done also. If time is not managed correctly they may not be able to get their hair done, hurting both the client and the stylist. (same goes for giving up)
7.What specific skills did I learn or practice during my WLE that are important in this profession?
Time Management: being on time is very important. Once my mentor told me not to come at all because I was running late, and I realized that if my mentor ran late for her clients it messes the whole day up
8.If someone were to ask me why what I did at my WLE was important, what would I say?
Every woman loves to get her hair done, especially when it is done right. Although it is not as professional as other work sites, I feel that it is an even more important job than others because I have observed from the clients and myself that no matter what is going on (recession/fights/depression/job loss etc) women (black women in particular; shop serves mostly African Americans) love and still desire to get their hair done
9.How will what I have learned from my WLE affect the choices I make in the future?
Honestly, I don’t know if I will want to change my actions, but I know that if I ever feel that I can’t accomplish anything or if I am feeling too lazy, I have what I have learned to remind me to do differently, and I take that into consideration I may change my behavior/choices outside of my WLE
Blog #8: Professionalism: Tuesday 11/29
1.Remember way back when you were looking for your WLE? In order to find my WLE and get hired, I had to…
I actually did not have to search very hard for my WLE because I had been serviced by my mentor when I had my hair done in the past. So I contacted her and talked to her about having an intern and we discussed what I would be doing and what she expected from me.
2.The most effective way of looking for a job and getting hired is by…
Making a list of who to contact and having necessary items ready (resume, cover letter, reference etc.) and being respectful and professional when meeting or speaking with whomever you are trying to work for.
3.As a result of my WLE, I think being a professional or a responsible adult in the work world means…
Communicating Effectively with your boss, being on time, and completing whatever work that you are responsible for. If you are unable to be present at work, make sure to (communicate) with your boss ahead of time.
I actually did not have to search very hard for my WLE because I had been serviced by my mentor when I had my hair done in the past. So I contacted her and talked to her about having an intern and we discussed what I would be doing and what she expected from me.
2.The most effective way of looking for a job and getting hired is by…
Making a list of who to contact and having necessary items ready (resume, cover letter, reference etc.) and being respectful and professional when meeting or speaking with whomever you are trying to work for.
3.As a result of my WLE, I think being a professional or a responsible adult in the work world means…
Communicating Effectively with your boss, being on time, and completing whatever work that you are responsible for. If you are unable to be present at work, make sure to (communicate) with your boss ahead of time.
Blog #9: Life at my WLE: Tuesday 12/6
1.What did you do today?
learned how to wash hair/blow dried hair/Learned different braiding patterns for weaving. .. scraped paint off of front window/swept and cleaned up shop
2.How have you improved as an intern?
Yes i have been doing better communicating and I have been getting more work done
3.What about your workplace makes it a great or not so great place to work
It is very a very warm and comfortable place to be and everyone always comes in with a good attitude or personality that attracts you. I always end up having a good conversation with a client and the day is always interesting because it is never a routine ... you never know how the day will go (good or bad) and i always have a good time and learn something new
learned how to wash hair/blow dried hair/Learned different braiding patterns for weaving. .. scraped paint off of front window/swept and cleaned up shop
2.How have you improved as an intern?
Yes i have been doing better communicating and I have been getting more work done
3.What about your workplace makes it a great or not so great place to work
It is very a very warm and comfortable place to be and everyone always comes in with a good attitude or personality that attracts you. I always end up having a good conversation with a client and the day is always interesting because it is never a routine ... you never know how the day will go (good or bad) and i always have a good time and learn something new
Blog #10: The End: Tuesday Dec 13th
1.What final thoughts do you have about your WLE?
In the beginning, I did not want to be apart of the WLE process at all .. My experience got a little better when I got an internship at a hair shop because that was in my interest. I still do not think that I did that well as an intern simply because I did not want to have an internship in the first place. If this project is based on how we will be in the work force then I think I will get fired because I was a bad intern
2.How will this experience affect your future decisions or goal?
Overall I do not feel that I will work well having a boss .. So I guess it will be hard for me to find a job or keep one. As far as my goals, I don't really care anymore. I X'd a lot of my goals off of my list because I just don't want to accomplish that anymore. I just wanted to finish this project and maybe end up graduating
In the beginning, I did not want to be apart of the WLE process at all .. My experience got a little better when I got an internship at a hair shop because that was in my interest. I still do not think that I did that well as an intern simply because I did not want to have an internship in the first place. If this project is based on how we will be in the work force then I think I will get fired because I was a bad intern
2.How will this experience affect your future decisions or goal?
Overall I do not feel that I will work well having a boss .. So I guess it will be hard for me to find a job or keep one. As far as my goals, I don't really care anymore. I X'd a lot of my goals off of my list because I just don't want to accomplish that anymore. I just wanted to finish this project and maybe end up graduating
