Perspectives: A Delicate Balance

Tate Paul Tate
CEO North America, Shortcuts Software

“With a ‘do more with less’ attitude overtaking the corporate world, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done. To maintain balance, I’ve personally taken to heart one of the core beliefs at Shortcuts: technology can help you increase productivity and spend less time tied to your work. Fortunately for salon professionals, we’ve adopted that same approach when designing products like auto text confirmations and Set & Forget e-mail marketing. These applications automate routine tasks that quickly eat away a stylist’s day. Personal time improves when there is no more e-mailing clients in the middle of the night because there wasn’t time during the day or letting manual con­firmations tie up the work schedule.”

Conti Luda Conti
Owner of Avanti Salon & Spa, an Oribe network salon

“In the 36 years I’ve been in the salon industry, I’ve rarely been able to focus on myself. In March of this year, however, I discovered a passion for Latin dancing and have been competing in national competitions with my teacher/partner since July. It is the ­ rst time in my life I’ve done something completely for myself. I look at dancing as a continuation of the beauty my staff and I create in the salon; it provides me the opportunity to feel feminine and express my feelings.”

Geason Janell Geason
Aveda Global Artistic Director for Make-up

“As a Libra, a sense of balance is important for my wellness. As Aveda’s global artistic director for make-up, it is not always easy to find that balance. My favorite tool is a product, either Stress-Fix Oil or Blue Oil. I carry both with me and during the day I will create a quick sensory journey with them and rub them on my neck and shoulders. During Fashion Week, I created these moments in the taxi going from one show to the next. They really do help me to clear my busy mind.”

Jennings Stephanie Jennnings
Director of Sales, Mindbody

“Without a doubt, my favorite tool for maintaining a balanced (and sane) life is my iPhone. It does everything and it has everything I need. It keeps me up-to-date with my kids (calendar, text, camera), my job (schedule, e-mail), my boyfriend (phone, e-mail, text), my social network (Facebook, Instagram), my favorite discounts and promotions (Gmail, daily deals), my other job, which is teaching fitness classes (schedule), my salon appointments (text reminders)…you name it.”

Shea Todd Shea
Senior Director of Marketing
Brands and Product Innovation, Aware Products

“My mother was a salon owner and stylist. A philosophy that she applied in her professional and personal life, is to always take the time to listen. Making a conscious effort to slow down and listen to what friends, family, customers and co-workers have to say has enabled me to appreciate the input and opinions of others. Taking the simple step of listening to others, has allowed me to gain valuable insights that have led to many personal and professional successes.”