I had lived for over 15 years with severe Endometrosis, painful ovarian cysts, and so much more.

Since having had the surgery it’s been amazing! I have had no issues until last night when I ended up in the Emergency Room due to severe pain from a ruptured cyst.

I had a feeling I would be there for a while so I loaded my iPad with magazines and brought along the current book I’m reading.

Once I got into my room, I settled in and patiently waited for the doctor.

Instead of reading and enjoying my magazines I couldn’t help but hearing the ER doc complain about how many patients he’d seen, how many he was going to see, and how long he was going to be there.

The more he complained, the madder he got, and he even dropped a few “F-Bombs”.

Once he calmed down enough to come and find out what was wrong with me, he showed up, snatched the curtain back and sternly said, “What are you here for?”

After I paused for a minute I patiently explained to him why I was there. I could have easily given him the same attitude he gave me, and don’t think it didn’t cross my mind.

Would that have helped the situation?

No, it probably would have made the situation worse, and most importantly worse for everyone else. So I kept my calm.

I later overheard him telling someone over the phone, the ER was booked, and he was the ONLY doc there until 3am.

Okay…

“What are you complaining about,” I thought.

I get it, you’re tired, you’re working hard, you have ALL of these people to care for and yes it can be stressful, but to complain and react so rudely is totally unnecessary.

We’ve all been where he’s at and it’s no fun, that’s why it’s so important to keep your mindset in the right place.

The time he took to complain could have been spent delegating tasks to help things run more efficiently.

This would have taken the pressure off of him.

Use what you have and make it work, don’t complain about what’s not there.

Your mindset when you approach any situation will determine the outcome of a lot of things.

I see this all the time when it comes to cutting hair. Stylists will complain and have that “Woe Is Me” attitude instead of taking the bull by the horns and breaking through that negative mindset.

I’ve been there and I know what it’s like and that’s EXACTLY why I created Cutting Mastery.

No more excuses, no more feeling sorry for yourself in your current situation, and no more complaining.

Nobody ever becomes highly successful in life and has joy with a bad attitude.

Our thoughts are the only thing we can control in life, never give anyone the power to take you out of your zone.

Be blessed,

I always told myself that I would not cut, or chemically process my daughter’s hair.

Well…it didn’t quite workout that way!

As my kids grow up it’s very important for Ricky and I to let them have their individuality  and be comfortable with themselves…within reason of course.

So that’s why Ricky and I said yes to Nya when she came to us and sincerely asked if she could have a hair cut.

I also said yes, because I really needed to get the dead ends off.

My Mom just so happened to be around and actually got mad at me for agreeing to it! LOL

I sat Nya down and talked to her to make sure this was what she wanted.

Once I did that I had her show me some pictures of what she liked.

Almost everything she pointed to or showed me was some sort of bob, with and without graduation.

Because she’s a little girl and I didn’t want to give her a hair cut that was too grown, I opted for a graduated slightly asymmetrical bob just like the 45 degree cut I teach in Cutting Mastery.

I also have her this cut because of her texture. Curly hair that’s cut in a bob without
any layering is not at all flattering.

The end result was absolutely gorgeous on her and she LOVES her hair!

Here’s a quick iPhone pic…it’s definitely NOT with the good camera!

Kids Graduated Bob Hair Cut

I love it too because I taught her how to properly moisturize it daily and layer her products
to keep it healthy and cute.

If you like this cut, and want to learn how to do it…be ready next Tuesday May 14, 2013  @10:00am EST for the relaunch of Cutting Mastery.

Go to the link below for more information and to see clips from the videos.

See The Video Here

Be blessed,

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Making your decision can be a bit of a challenge, but you cant make a decision without having enough information. So, let me break down how each of them work from the perspective of the stylist.

Booth Rent

Here are the main things to remember when you’re booth renting:

1. In most cases you will have to provide your own products.

2. You have steady income in most cases no matter what business flow.

3. You are your own boss, and set your own schedule.

4. Unless you have an assistant, you don’t have to manage anyone.

5. You can individualize yourself and create your own image.

6. You pay for your own advertisement.

7. You’re responsible for your own additional training.

8. You must file taxes as self-employed.

Usually individuals who booth rent have already built a clientele. Depending on the salon you may also be able to take walk-in clients to build your clientele.

Booth rental is not ideal for someone right out of school, or a stylist that’s re-locating because you do not have an established clientele.

But, if the salon you’re opting to work in is in a great location with lot’s of walk-in’s you may be okay.

Commission

1. The salon owner provides the products, and in most cases provides training for the salon staff.

2. Job security.

3. Professional environment.

4. Usually operated as a team. You’re able to learn from experienced stylists.

5. Incentives and growth opportunities depending on the salon.

6. Some commission salons offer benefits packages.

7. Taxes already handled by the salon owner.

8. Marketing the business is done by the salon owner.

If you’re a brand new stylist and are trying to build your clientele. Going with a commission salon is the better option. You will get to learn from experienced stylists, and have a more structured approach to continuing your education.

There’s pro’s and con’s to every situation, but you have to do what’s best for you.

I’ve only mentioned a few of the pro’s for each one. Take some time to do some more research on this topic before rushing into a bad situation.

Take care!

Be blessed,

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Going through the process of going blonde is scary, and challenging, but once you get to the blonde you want you’ve GOT to keep up with it or else, you’ll end up with more hair on the floor than in your head.
That’s not with just blonde, that’s also the case for any type of color you’re going for when you’re lifting, or going lighter.

With my hair being VERY blonde I’m constantly asked any time I post a picture on either of my social media accounts, how I’m able to be blonde and keep my hair looking healthy.
My short answer is always lots and lots of conditioner, but I want to address this subject in detail.

There are so many naturals opting for color nowadays, so I feel it’s time to talk about it and share some tips with you about colored natural hair.
You can also use these techniqus on chemically relaxed hair as well.

So…here goes

For the times I shampoo’d my hair I always went to 1 of 2 shampoo’s Joico Silk Results, or Wella Shampoo for Coarse Hair.

Now that I’m a true blonde I always shampoo with Shimmer Lights a few times a week to tone out any brass in my hair.

When I’m planning on co-washing I use Its A Ten 5 Minute Repair For Blondes. My hair is not dammaged, but there toners in conditioner.

Now, if you’re not blonde there are shampoo’s available to enhance the color you’re wearing, or you can skip a few shampoo’s and co-wash instead to help preserve your color like Wella Color Safe Shampoo for coarse hair.

The key thing to remember is to either use a color safe shampoo, or co-wash.

While we’re talking about conditioners…

I found our the hard way not all conitioners are created equal! LOL

I also do weekly steam treatments with Penetraitt by Sebastian. I will sometimes mix Penetraitt with Moroccan Oil and sit underneath the steamer for about an hour or so.
If your hair is a high level (light) be careful with dark oils beause depending on how porus your hair is, it could stain the hair.

Remember, if moisture is the key to beautiful skin, it’s also one of the keys to beautiful hair.

So with that said, be sure to oil your scalp. Use a light oil that will not sit heavy and clog your pores. I love Moroccan Oil Lite, as well as Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
This is especially critical if you’re wearing your hair in a protective style like, Micro Braids, Sew-In Weaves etc.

Ok Marquetta, what’s the take away?

1. Use high quality moisturing shampoo’s that are color safe a few times per week depending on your lifestyle.

2.Choose your conditioners and oils wisely. You want to be sure you’re using high quality products. Skip a wash a few times per week and co-wash.

3. Steam Treat or deep condition your hair weekly.

4. Oil that scalp! Use a light oil to keep your scalp moisturized.

There you have it! Long of the short. Take time and and care for your hair just as your stylist would.
Doing this makes it easier for your stylist to keep your hair healthy during the times you’re not sitting in his or her chair!

I hope you enjoyed. Take care!

Be blessed,

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I read that and immediately thought of how bad and childish some of us stylists treat each other.

We as women can be very “catty” sometimes… let’s just be real.

Stylist downplay, or bad-mouth other stylists in front of clients. I’ve even heard clients sit in my chair and say how they’ve had previous stylists or salon owners talk badly about other salons.

We have GOT to do better.

I don’t care how bad a clients previous stylist treated her or her hair, it is NOT my place to downplay the work they did.

Take the higher road, say something positive and move on. Saying something bad or negative doesn’t make you look any better, it actually makes you look worse.

You look bad in front of the client, and it makes them and possibly other stylists feel uncomfortable.

If you must vent, do so with a close friend or spouse. Although, I’m sure it drives Ricky crazy sometimes he still listens if I have to get something off of my chest.

Let’s encourage each other and motivate each other to keep going, keep up with continuing education, and just to do better in the beauty industry as a whole.

Like the quote said, “Girls compete with each other. Women empower one another.”

As women, let’s follow that quote and encourage other girls who compete to encourage, motivate, inspire, And empower others!

Have a great week and I’ll talk with you tomorrow.

Be blessed,

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Just as I sent to touch her hair with the comb, she turned around and said…”Wait, don’t cut my hair. I only want a little bit taken off!”

I shook my head and replied, “Let me guess, you went somewhere and asked for a trim, and they have you a cut?”

“You got it,” She said. I explained to her how much I was going to take off and assured her she would be well taken care of.

I used the technique I taught in my Cutting Mastery System to ensure I didn’t take off too much.

I trimmed her hair exactly like she asked me to. Did she need a cut? Yes, but that’s not what she wanted nor was it what she was comfortable doing at the time.

Sometimes as stylist we do what the client needs instead of what they want. Sometimes I agree with that, but most of the time I do not.

As stylists we have a responsibility to educate our clients on what they should do and why. If we’re doing our job they will fall right in line and be on their way to having healthy hair.

9 times out of 10 this is true, and the times it doesn’t work out this way the client is usually on to the next salon only to possibly end up back in your chair to fix someone else’s mess.

Put yourself in your client’s shoes. How would you feel if you asked for a trim and walked out with a few inches CUT off?

Different story now huh? I know it is for me.

Let’s just do our part in educating the clients and making sure they know the consequences behind what they are doing.

Be blessed,
Marquetta Breslin

I’m well aware that my hair is colored with chemicals. When I say I’m natural, I mean I do not have a relaxer.

Now that I’ve got that out of the way let’s get to the subject at hand.

If you dont know what co-washing is let me explain it to you. Co-washing is short for conditioner wash. So, instead of using shampoo you’re using conditioner.

Why? It’s much more gentle and if your hair is colored like my hair, it helps to minimize damage that’s caused by hair color.

And, if you have kids, this will REALLY help minimize tangles! So, when you couple this with the detangling technique I demonstrate on 10 Styles For Your Child, you’re on your way to great silky shiny hair for you and your kids.

See “10 Styles For Your Child“.

Conditioners add just the right amount of moisture and hydration to reduce frizz and dryness.

How often should you co-wash? Well, really in my opinion you should be co-washing at least twice per week. Some naturals go weeks, months even without using regular shampoo to cleanse their hair.

Experiment with co-washing once or twice per week and see how your hair responds before jumping in head first and kickin’ the shampoo to the curb.

What should you use? My favorite co-washing conditioner is from Wella and it’s the Wella Enrich treatment for coarse hair.

A few months back I wrote a blog about my top 3 conditioners. Check it out. I’ve used all three and they work phenomenally.

So, give it a try! You wouldn’t believe how soft and healthy my hair is from co-washing, and that’s with the color.

I hope you enjoyed. Take care!

Be blessed,

DJ Traci Steele of Love & Hip Hop Season 2

Happy Monday!

I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news!

Last week VH1 aired the first episode of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Season 2, and at the very end Vellusia Remy hair made it’s national debut with the newest cast member DJ Traci Steele.

The beautiful and talented DJ Traci Steel who is a radio personality on Hot 107.9, a phemoninal DJ, a business woman, and the newest cast member of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta can be spotted through this season rocking Vellusia Remy Hair.

It’s a secret I’ve been keeping for months now and it was so exciting to see it all come to
fruition!

So, tune in tonight to VH1 at 8pm EST to watch the show and see Vellusia Remy Hair in action!

Traci is wearing 22″ Natural Black and it looks great!

P.S. You can find more information about Traci below:

http://www.tracisteele.com

Twitter – @tracisteele
Instagram – @tracisteele

Be blessed,

So the other day I was in line at Publix and as I was browsing magazines I overheard a conversation between a Husband and Wife.

It went something like this…

Husband: Look at her hair. She has blonde braids and they actually look nice. It looks nice on her.

Wife: Really!? I wanted to do that to my hair! Im glad you said that!

Husband: Yes, but baby that color isnt for everybody. I dont think you should do that. Try something a little different.

Wife: I didnt want to do it anyway!

I laughed at the conversation and paid for my stuff and headed back home.

Although my hair is blonde, braided, and very long, I’ve gotten so many compliments about how nice the color and style looks.

My favorite style to wear it in, is in a high bun!

Box Braids are trending this season, so if your hair needs a break, opt for Box Braids.

Ask for a medium to larger size, and try them long.

These are also great for little girls. I show you exactly how you can do Box Braids on your daughter with my 10 Styles For Your Child DVD.

TONS of parents around the country have ordered it and are raving about it.

Be blessed,
Marquetta Breslin

One of the biggest trends of 2013 will be… Box Braids! Why? Because they are versatile, easy to manage, and they give your hair a break as long as you follow the rules.

If you don’t know what Box Braids are they are just like Micro Braids in terms of technique, but with Box Braids the hair used is Kanakalon, the parts are bigger, and the width of the braids are also bigger.

These braids are demonstrated in my 10 Styles For Your Child DVD.

Ever since Solange Knowles was seen rocking her Box Braids they have been heavily trending with the celebs like Beyonce, Christina Millian, Venus Williams, and Jada Pinket just to name a few.

I’ve seen them in all different sizes and colors. Most people who are rocking them are just having fun and at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about.

So what do I think? I love them! I’ve never been one to wear box braids, but after having to deal with my Natural Hair while spending a ton of time in the gym I was desperate for something low maintenance, so I also opted for Box Braids.

So if you’re considering getting Box Braids here’s 3 things you MUST keep in mind to ensure yours are still trendy!

1. Do it big! Instead of getting your Box Braids small, opt for a medium to larger size. This will likely reduce the time you’re sitting to get them done. With 2 braiders on my head it only took me 4 hours!

2. Go long! Opt for at least waist length or longer. This will give you lots of versatility when you’re ready to style your Box Braids. You will be able to rock a high bun, pull half of them up, or just wear them down… go long… live a little!

3. Don’t even think about burning those ends! Ask your braider to dip the ends in hot water to keep them as straight as possible.

Box Braids are great and will give your hair a break. Have fun with them. My braids are very long, and very blonde to match my hair and I love them!

Be blessed,

P.S. The 1st Lace Wig Mastery Training Seminar of 2013 will be March 8 & 9th. If you’re interested now is definitely the time because I do not know when I will schedule another one for this year, so now is your time to apply.

P.S.S. Want to see the pics of my braids? Check me out on one of my Social Media pages. Instagram (@marquettabreslin), Twitter (@marquettab), and Facebook.