I was cleaning out a purse from last winter and found a sample-size bottle of OPI AvoJuice Skin Quencher lotion in Gingerbread Juicie that my hairstylist had given me around Christmas time. I had forgotten all about it since I switched purses, and boy, I am so glad I found it again! I had forgotten how delicious the scent is (even if it’s holiday-themed), and it has that silky smooth moisturizing quality to it, so it doesn’t leave my hands greasy or sticky feeling.

It reminded me how much I love my hairstylist. I have been going to her for about 17 years! She knows my hair and my personality, and can usually guess what I want done as soon as I walk in the door. She may not be the most edgy, creative stylist that’s recommending the latest in hair trends, but she can make my hair match any photo that I show her. She’s become that kind of great family friend that I invited to my wedding and baby shower. She always supports any of my fundraising events, and we can always talk “Chiefs” together when it’s football season.

This kind of relationship is something every stylist should work to achieve. Creating a list of lifelong clients is the key to a successful business in the service industry. Thankfully, beauty schools have realized that just teaching hair technique is not the only part of good beauty training. Cosmetology schools like the ones on BeautySchool.com are now offering business classes as part of their beauty training programs. The more successful, business-savvy and well-rounded students they can graduate, the more their school will be sought after as a quality beauty training program! I’m not sure where my stylist went to beauty school, but I know that I have to book my appointments with her 6 weeks in advance if I want to get in on time. That says something!