Festoon News
Behind the Shampoo Bowl – A Look at Our Apprentice Program
My career as a hairdresser started when I was still in high school. I had no idea where beauty school might lead me, but I trusted my mom and enrolled in a program to teach me how to become a stylist. Since then, I’ve had many teachers and in turn, have taught many students. In fact, I love teaching people to do hair as much as I love doing hair myself! And our apprenticeship program is not only a cornerstone of our business model, but one of the favorite parts of my job.
With many different types of students and learning styles, each apprentice learns at their own pace. My current team of apprentices is the smallest I’ve had in years…and they want it that way! They realize that the right addition to their team is critical – a good teammate makes them better, stronger, and they have more fun.
One of the things I’ve grown more certain of over time is that I have lots still to learn. We all do! And asking questions is one of the best ways to get smarter, be more engaged in life and to grow. The more I teach, the more I learn. I am grateful for the continual exchange that happens throughout the training process and also for this sustainable business model that keeps our salon at its very best to serve you!
Many of you have seen our apprentices become stylists. Many of you have been shampooed and blow-dried by them. But many of you have no idea what it takes to go from beauty school graduate to apprentice to stylist – and why each step along the way is so important.
I’ve decided to share a few interviews with my apprentices, so you can see how their interactions with you – our clients – actually help shape their future and build their dreams.
-Melissa
Interviews with Apprentices
Melissa: Why did you choose to apprentice rather than go out on your own and become a hairdresser directly out of beauty school?
Kate: I felt like I didn’t have the right tools and skills out of school to be able to solve people’s hair challenges and I wanted to gain confidence and be the best I can be at what I do. There are many hair stylists out there that can create looks once and have no idea how to replicate that same thing the next time a client sits in their chair. Festoon teaches techniques that can be used over and over again and we are taught WHY we use them.
Melissa: Why Festoon?
Emily: I had interviewed and looked at a lot of salons before I finally chose Festoon. I knew right away that this was somewhere I wanted to work. As soon as I walked in, I felt so welcomed and everyone was so warm and so sweet – the vibe and energy was just there, and it was something I didn’t feel at other salons. The other benefit of training at Festoon is that the program here offers a full spectrum of education…we don’t have to specialize in cut or color. We get to do both.
Kate: I think I got lucky and Festoon chose me. I chose Festoon because we specialize in BOTH cut and color. I want to be a well-rounded hair stylist and be able to maximize my business. Other high-end salons make you choose one or the other. I can’t imagine choosing one or the other. Color is so creative and cutting is so technical. It’s like yin and yang, polar opposites, that just belong together.
Richie: Reputation and location! I walked by the SF salon everyday when I was in beauty school. It always looked like fun inside those big corner windows on Bush and Claude Lane!
Melissa: How long do you think it will take you to get to be a stylist?
Kate: I’m hoping I will be a Jr. Stylist by the end of the year. That would put me at 3yrs in the program…
Melissa: What’s the best thing about being an apprentice?
Emily: The best thing about being an apprentice is that you are constantly learning and watching a skilled stylist do things in ways that you wouldn’t think of before being on the floor.
Melissa: What’s the hardest thing?
Richie: Finding models for Monday’s class. Keeping a smile on your face. Having to keep up with stylists, clients and the rest of the salon staff when you’re so busy trying not details get lost. Keeping the clients happy and not letting things fall apart.
Melissa: Tell me about a funny thing that happened with a client….
Richie: Not sure if you can use this but once told the client I would be right back and wipe their foreskin! I meant forehead. We all laugh.
Emily: I was washing out a clients color and she kept raising her head, I soaked her so good it came all down her back and even through her underwear.
Kate: I’ve seen at least 4 clients take off the smock thinking that they still have their shirt on underneath…
Melissa: What are the benefits of booking with an apprentice?
Kate: You get extra special time (2 hours per appointment) and extra special attention (2 pairs of eyes -the apprentice and the instructor).
Emily: There’s a lot of up-sides booking with one of us. It’s cheaper for people on a tight budget and it’s a way to see how the salon works If you are a new client.
Richie: A quality service supervised by an educator at a discounted price and helping new stylists learn…a client who gives us a shot early-on will earn our gratitude and loyalty when we are Senior Stylists some day!
And now for a final quote from Kate: Some say we are fearless, that we’re not afraid to take risks because hey, “we’re still learning.” When you see stylists that have been doing hair for years, sometimes they get bogged down with their own inhibitions because they have made “this mistake” or “that mistake” and that may reflect on the outcome. Apprentices, well, you might say, “ignorance is bliss.”
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING (AND TRAVELING)!
The start of a new year is about renewal and vision – reviewing the previous year for lessons learned while looking forward to new opportunities brings a certain excitement. A blank canvas for what comes next…
January 2012 started off with travel and rich experiences to set the tone for the year!
At the beginning of the month, we traveled to Miami for the Davines “World Wide Hair Tour.” The event included 35 countries and felt like the United Nations of Hair. In the hallways I heard Russian, Italian, Spanish, Thai….. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I saw beautiful color, crazy haircuts (hair that is only seen at hair shows!) and gorgeous styling. We brought Gail, our Director of Education, so she could help us document the work and translate it to our team back home. Davines did a great job communicating their latest product innovations, their mission to support sustainable beauty and also launched Flamboyage! Stay tuned for this new hair color technique, which is truly revolutionary. Soon to come to Festoon within a few weeks…
We had to stop in and visit Oribe’s salon. It was a few blocks from the show and we wanted to see where the master works…Lo and behold there was Oribe! He graciously gave us a tour and welcomed us to Miami. It’s amazing to think that Oribe still does hair in between his vogue photo shoots. 
After 3 full days of hair we needed to get out into the sunshine. Gail had the great idea to take tour of the Everglades. Always up for an adventure, we hopped on a bus and off we went. The Everglades has a surreal beauty and an interesting history; It was a serenely magical experience touring the Everglades by airboat. I definitely recommend it.
Finally, I had to get my bling on. What’s Miami without bling? I stopped by the Luis Morais atelier for a personal tour of his workshop. His jewelry is handmade from start to finish and it’s sublime. He creates jewelry melding Rock, Faith and Icons. His work is available at the finest locations or by custom order.
Food? Sorry, it’s a no go. I searched high and low and seriously, the food was mediocre, the service slow and restaurants overpriced…a deadly combination.
After a week at home, I was off again to my annual Women Presidents Organization (WPO) retreat. I joined WPO about a year and a half ago. We have a local chapter of 15 women-owned businesses made up of lawyers, consultants, accountants, a wholesale jewelry business, an author and many more. These women are conscientious, smart and leaders in our community. I am blessed and grateful to be in their company. We had our retreat at the beautiful Carneros Inn in Sonoma. We had 4 speakers, worked on our business plans and inspired ourselves with stories and experiences. What an inspiring start to the year!
The beginning of a year always brings me to a fork in the road, assessing my vision for the salon, asking ourselves which way we want to go? What our focus and priorities will be. This year we commit to bringing you: online booking, more unique color services, deeper training for all of our staff, and continued commitment to our community and environment.
Thank you for choosing to be our guests at Festoon and allowing us to serve you.
Melissa
HELLO TWENTY-TWELVE!
New Years is always a time of reflection and gratitude for me. It also brings the opportunity to enliven my hopes for the coming year and to prioritize the projects I will focus on. So here’s a note of thanks to the year we’ve left behind and a hopeful welcome to the year ahead!
2011 was a year of holding my breath (not a good idea) and waiting to see what the world would bring me. But whether I held my breath or not, the year unfolded as it was meant to: We had fun, we supported each other, we were grateful, and we learned.
Highlights…
• Festoon moved its headquarters from SF to Berkeley – two doors down from our salon on MLK Jr. Way.
• We launched a new color & retail line, Davines – a luxury, results-oriented, European line from Italy at a great price point for our clients.
• We promoted 2 amazing stylists – Congratulations Kristy and Carmen!
• We created BECCA makeup bars in both salons and added a whole new dimension of beauty to Festoon – now you can get your hair done AND leave completely made over.
Personally…
• I watched my kids in wonder – growing and becoming so uniquely themselves.
• I’ve started juicing every morning – a great start makes for a great day.
• I got an iPhone – finally.
And a few of my favorite things from 2011:
• Persimmon Pudding from Chez Panisse (luckily I have a tree of my own).
• A magnifier and light app on my iPhone, so I can read a menu.
• Zara kids went online. I love their clothing options for children. Great style, great price. Great quality too.
• Davines Authentic Replenishing Body Butter mixed with their Authentic Nourishing Oil, this combo is the only thing that keeps me moisturized…and it really does smell like heaven in a bottle. The oil can be added to your bath, and also put in your hair (brush through, then shampoo.) Hair will be glossy and beautiful. You can get both of these at Festoon salon the next time you stop by.
Festoon’s Holiday Gift Guide
Our favorite gifts for your favorite people; These are a few of my favorite beauty products for giving…or for keeping all to yourself:
Something Special For Your BFF
If She Likes To Be Pampered: A Series of 3 (or heck, even 5) Blow Outs with our Stylists. Our Gift Cards make great stocking stuffers!
If She’s a Volumista: Dry Texturizing Spray by Oribe. Bigger, better, full-on glamorous hair. This invisible dry hair spray builds in incredible volume & sexy texture. Patented polymers absorb oil at the roots, leaving you with just-styled hair for days (and nights). $39
Treats For Your Boyfriend
Naughty: Oribe Rock Hard Gel. A modern cream gel for intense hold, architectural styling & shine. Hair does exactly what it’s told – whether spiked or slicked – and stays that way. Work through wet hair, comb if desired, style. Sets quickly; stays hard. $33
Nice: Oribe Gel Serum. Forget what you know about gel. This magical, gold-flecked potion with active moisturizing agents brings sophisticated hold with shine rather than stiffness. Gorgeous. Work through wet hair. Air dry, blow out—your call. $58
Gifts For the Jetsetter
Get the Green Light at Airport Security: GoToobs – The best travel bottle sized for airplane carry on! Squeeze every last bit. Easy to use & very convenient! Comes in three colors. $9.50
Ward Off Weather: Anti- humidity spray from Oribe for those blustery December evenings. Helps keep moisture to a minimum and adds great texture. Will keep that holiday blowout looking great! $38
For your Boss
To Get Them Out Of The Office For An Afternoon: Caretrico Custom Hair Treatments – Revitalize, restore & protect. These in-salon hair treatments are mixed by our stylists at the time of your service in order to meet your specific haircare needs. $30-$40
New Year’s Eve; All Glam, All Night
Solid Gold: Oribe 24K Gold Pomade. Sleek back your hair with super-rich gold highlights for instant lustrous glamour. Excellent for use on pleasure craft, in convertibles or anywhere a little 24-karat seduction is needed. Smooth onto wet or dry hair and style sexily. Rock all night and into the day. Add string bikini and dark glasses for your after party. Warning: Might shine your clothes, too. Undress with care. Shampoo thoroughly (maybe even twice). $49
Pucker Up: BECCA’s Butter Balm, infused with a nourishing emulsion of natural Tahitian Vanilla, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Honey, Vitamin E and SPF 20 is the ultimate lip conditioner, protecting lips against aging and sun damage while delivering moisture and softness. Wear it alone for transparent shine or as a base under your favorite lip shade. You’ll get rave reviews after that midnight kiss. $20
New Year’s day; Recover in Style
For The Deeply Deprived: Oribe Signature Moisture Masque. A super-rich indulgence—for you and your hair. This crème de la crème deep-hydrating masque transforms even the driest, most over-it hair, leaving it supremely soft and irresistibly touchable. Thick hair may splurge daily; others will love as a weekly soak. Massage, indulge (for as long as you want), rinse. $59
Paris in the Fall
I love Paris! I love the design and architecture of the city; all the pretty, shiny things; and the endless stream of inspiration found simply walking city streets among the people. Paris is a place I can return to again and again for a dose of beauty, fashion, food and culture. The city manages to keep its charm while always being fresh and new. For these reasons I decided to plan a trip to Paris with a dear friend for a week during the beautiful month of September…and my husband agreed to stay home and hold down the fort, taking care of the kids and Festoon. (Thank you John!)
Here are some highlights of our trip and a few recommended musts:
STAY: We rented a chic apartment in the Marais – the fourth arrondissement – a very fine area of Paris. It was quintessentially Parisienne with bustling street life situated in the historic area (think medieval) of Paris which includes Notre Dame and the Ile St Louis. You can see our apartment here. Mention “Festoon” when you call to make a reservation and save 50 Euros.
DO: Ride bikes. Check out Velib bicycles. I recommend riding on a Sunday when many of the roads are closed specifically for cyclists. Fewer cars and people on the road makes for a pleasant ride! Ride along the Seine and let yourself get lost.
On/Off boat on the Seine. I love taking tours. Yes, I am a tourist. How else would I learn that the Eiffel tower was only supposed to last 20 years? Or that the smallest bridge on the Seine has fallen 11 times? The On/Off boat is great because you can go from the boat to sight seeing on land and back on the boat to the next attraction.
Hammam and Massage. I am lucky to know people in the spa business who have turned me onto some great spa options. I highly recommend going to Themae spa. It is an intimate and beautiful spa with a great hammam. I have serious jetlag when going to Europe so I try to visit Themae as soon as I arrive (although they are booked usually a few days in advance!) I schedule a hammam – which is a beautiful sauna based on the rituals of a Turkish Bath – then an aromatherapy massage. It restores and prepares me for some avid sightseeing…and shopping!
Take the Metro. Save your feet. Paris has a great public transit system, easy to use and much more accessible than finding an elusive Parisian taxi.
Go for a run. When you’re waking up at 5 or 6 in the morning because you’re jet lagged, put on your running shoes and watch the sunrise. Paris is a late city. By starting early, you’ll have the Louvre to yourself. It really is magic.
SHOPPING: Whenever I travel and wherever I go, I always bring back something for my home. This time I bought the most beautiful linen curtains at Le Monde Sauvage; a Parisian boutique known for amazing textiles. My friend even came home with her own set of linen sheets. They are irresistible!
Zadig & Voltaire is everywhere in Paris. But even most Parisiennes don’t know there is an outlet in the middle of the city! Yes, the style is rock and roll fashion but if you like their stuff it’s worth checking out. I got a great leather jacket. Zadig & Voltaire Outlet: 4th Arrondisemont on Rue de Bourg Tibourg (it’s a tiny street)
INSPIRATIONS: Girls piling their hair in knots all over the head – some on top, some on the side – very unstructured and undone in a messy, sexy way.
All different lengths of hair, never too done or overly polished.
Boys looking like they just woke up and men’s hair that was all grown out.
Every version of flat shoes.
Pants were full and soft or skinny, skinny, skinny.
Preppy blazers.
Denim everywhere.
Motorcycle jackets.
A general lack of labels, diamonds and Uggs!
What’s my takeaway?
Yes, Parisiennes care about how they look but not in a cookie-cutter way. Each has their own special take on fashion and hair. It’s not perfect and it’s not manicured, it’s just theirs. The French saying “Etre bien dans sa peau” comes to mind, or to be comfortable in one’s skin. Being in Paris made me own that je ne sais quoi that makes me, me. And it inspired me to come back and help my clients find, celebrate and own their own unique beauty too.
-Melissa