So this is a first! Believe me, I’m just as surprised to see a ‘Beauty Post’ appearing on Small But Mighty as you are! I pride myself on being fairly low-maintenance and natural (other than my eyelash extensions — in the interest of full disclosure); when I do occasionally use make-up or hair products they are very ‘clean’: free of dyes, perfumes and parabens… For this reason, for the last several years, I have trusted my hair and skincare to a company that provides products and services that are clean, organic, and designed to be good for you. And for the most part, my experience has been positive; they did a great job when I decided to dye my hair ombre blue back in November (#YOLO), but my last experience was very unpleasant. I try to be a positive person, and when life throws me lemons, I try to take a step back and learn all that I can from my mistakes. For this reason, I’ll keep the rant portion of this post short, because I think the happy ending is much more important!

Back in early January, I was offered an audition for my very first TV commercial. It was very short notice (2 days) and because all of my headshots were from my pre-blue era, I made an urgent appointment at my go-to salon to try and get my blonde back. This was NOT a good experience! I had to see a new colourist due to the last minute nature of my appointment, which is understandable, but instead of greeting me with a handshake and a “Hi my name is….”, I got “What’s in your hair?” while she continued to work on another client’s head. In addition to this, the colourist suggested that it was going to take many (3+) hours and cost about $300 to return my hair to its pre-blue state. And, because there was a 20 minute gap before my colour service, she suggested I leave the salon and come back. She made the whole process seem super arduous, and acted pretty disinterested in helping me out in my time of need. So I did in fact leave, but I did not go back. As a small business owner, I feel that one of the most important things you can do for your clients is show them just how important they are to you! On top of that, you should be doing all that you can to ensure their experience is a positive one, and that you help them as much as you can (call me an optimist). I went to my audition with my blue pony tail, feeling self-conscious, and due to an unforeseen chopstick incident (among other things), I did not get the part

My big brother is getting married in April, and I am so unbelievably excited to be a part of his special day. However, faded blue ombre hair does not lend itself well to family portraits and wedding photos. So today, with a heavy heart I made an appointment at a new salon, expecting to spend several hundred dollars and many hours of my time in an uncomfortable environment. This did NOT happen. MY EXPERIENCE WAS AMAZING!

Today I saw a new colourist, Hanifah at the Gibson Square Fiorio Salon. On top of being unbelievably friendly and welcoming, she took time to explain exactly what she was going to do and options should the colour correction not work completely at this visit. She checked in on me every 15-20 minutes and was super efficient with her work. In fact, for $100 she restored my blonde ombre style, AND provided a masque treatment for my hair to minimize damage from the correction process. By the way, she did all of this in just over an hour! Hanifah also suggested I leave the highlights I had booked just in case for later date in order to avoid damaging my hair. She forewent income in order to put her client first! As if this wasn’t enough, when I went to pay for my colour correction, the salon gave me a coupon for $40 worth of free product because it was my first time there! UNBELIEVABLE! I left feeling so happy not only with my colour but also with the service I received, and that is the type of feeling I want my clients to have EVERY TIME I SEE THEM! My heart is full! I could not help but share this story of amazing customer service with you. I wish this was the status quo, and not something we have to highlight when we happen to encounter such a fantastic situation, but such is life!

So friends, if you live in the North end of Toronto (or even if you don't) and are looking for a new salon or colourist, check out @hanifahm_hair @fioriogibsonsquare; I'm sure your experience will be incredible! By the way, Hanifah used the Fiks Argan Oil shown in this picture on my ends and it is phenomenal!

**Neither Hanifah nor Fiorio Salons were aware I would be writing this post at the time of my appointment. I have no vested interest in this company, nor have I receive payment, product, or favours for writing this post.

Happy Long Valentine/Family Day Weekend Friends!

xo

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