Such a GREAT weekend.

This weekend was fantastic. Friday I worked and made some good retail sales. Saturday I spent the day with Cayle. Saturday night I went to see Troy's band play at the saloon. Sunday I spent the day with Cayle and he went swimming with my Daddy. Sunday night I went to see the one and only Seether.!! And who was close enough to catch a guitar pick and feel the sweat fall off of the band members.? This girl.! What an awesome time that was.! I had so much fun this weekend. I've made almost $24 extra dollars on my upcoming paycheck from all my retail sales.!!! I worked today 10-2. And sold $150 dollars worth of products today. I can't believe it.! I absolutely love my job.!! It feels good to be earning my own money. It feels good knowing that I'm almost there. It feels even better knowing that this is the best thing for both Cayle and myself. I get my first paycheck on the 10th of June. I'm so excited.!! I finally found out everything I need to to have a bank account and I plan on using Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union. They're giving me the best options and I've never had any trouble with them before when I go in to cash check for hair services I've done before.

Tomorrow I don't plan on doing anything except spending time with Cayle and maybe cleaning a little. There's absolutely NOTHING else I plan on doing. No freaking way. I need to catch up on my sleep though. I've lost a lot over the weekend. Here's some pictures from Cayle's first time in the pool this summer. By the way...I'm ready for fall/winter.

Having a better job makes me feel like a better mom.

Today was my second day at work, and I really feel like today went better than yesterday. I learned more. And I felt like I had a better handle on things. I sold $100 worth of products in retail in 2 days. And I get 8% of that. I'm getting some decent time in. And I felt very accomplished today when I unloaded, priced, and stocked 6 boxes of products on my own. My shifts fly by. It feels like I'm maybe there for an hour or two but when I look at the clock it's almost time to go. I always have something to do so I'm never bored. And I get to meet a lot of nice people. I feel like a better mom now that I have a better paying job. I'm expecting around 125.00 on this pay check. That's better than what I was making. Granted, I can still work my housekeeping job, and I think I will for a little while but, I just can't help but feel a sense of pride in myself. I'm proud of myself. I feel like I'm proving everyone wrong every minute I'm there. I feel like I'm doing better than most people my age. I'm 20. A college graduate. Working at my dream job (almost). And plenty of opportunities to advance. I still have plenty of time to spend with Cayle. And I get weekends off.! The only complaint I have is that I need better shoes. My zebra flats may be trendy and cute, but they're giving me blisters and don't offer my feet any support. So I think I'll invest in some better shoes ones I have the opportunity to. But I love my job nonetheless.

My BOWtique is getting some recognition as well. I have my first order. And I'm excited about it. I really hope I get more business soon. I plan on making the baby items for all to see soon. I just haven't had the money or the time to invest in it. But things are looking up. And I'm on my way to a very successful life for both me..and my best friend <3. My little man.

My first day at work.!

I knew I was going to love Regis.!! I definitely feel like I made the right choice. I got there today and filled out all the paper work. And after that I got to dive in. My boss, Terrie, taught me how to work the books, how to use the computer for sales, and more.! I met a lot of really nice people. And I could tell everyone was really close and I hope to work my way in the knit as well. I even sold shampoo today. Two liters worth.!! I get 8% of my retail so I would say that's a pretty good start.! Considering the total was almost $40. It's a little overwhelming only because it was the first day and I'm still trying to get the swing of things, but I'll get there. I definitely need some better shoes. My zebra print shoes are giving me blisters. But other than that. I love my job. It feels great getting into the field for real. I've sent my papers off and I'm waiting for them to get my name in the system then it's test time.! I work tomorrow 10-2. Can't wait to show what I can do.

Just wanted to share :)

Cayle and I had a mother & son photo session over the weekend and I wanted to show everyone my favorites. Again, if you are interested in booking a session with her, her name is Haylee and her facebook page is Haylee Robinson Photography. It's $30 a session any place of your choosing. We did our session at Coolidge Park in downtown Chattanooga. :)

Also I've added some new merchandise to my BOWtique. Please take a look if you get a chance. Place an order at any time.

Erica's BOWtique.

A lot of you may know that I've started my own boutique. I've discovered a hidden talent for making hair bows and other little trinkets. So why not.? I'm a hair stylist so it seems to fit. But I wanted to give everyone some details on what I was planning on selling and any suggestions are welcome.

Firstly (and obviously) I will be making several kinds of hair bows. From something simple as the 'bow tie bow' to a more complex bow like my newest creation of the loopy bow. I have some for ponytails. I plan to make some for every occasion and holiday. As well as for sports teams or whatever occasion I am requested for. I'm even willing to make pieces for weddings and proms.

Secondly I've planned on making tie blankets (the blankets with the pieces of material tied around the edges) for adults, children, toddlers, and infants. Prices will vary on size, but no blanket will be over $20. I plan on making these in any color for any occasion and if I can find the material I will even make sports themed blankets. Everyone needs a cozy blanket.


Thirdly, I plan on making several baby items such as, diaper and wipe holders (they hold a couple diapers and a pack of wipes for a quick trip to the store or to grandmas house), height charts to hang on the wall that are about 4-5 feet tall, tutus, infant head bands for little girls, hair bow holders (these will be made out of a wooden letter of your child's first name with several ribbons hanging down for the bows to clip onto), baby toboggans with flowers on them, nursing covers, burp cloths, and I've also had a suggestion for pillow case dresses. If I am able to make them I'll be more than happy to sell them. I am also planning on making baby name quilts.

And last I will be making special decor for holidays such as wreaths, pillows, and table cloths if anyone is interested in those.

I am open to any suggestions as to what you want to see from me or any products you are interested in knowing more about. Please 'like' my BOWtique on facebook and place an order any time

www.facebook.com/ericasBOWtique1103

Thinking above and beyond this tiny town.

Has your heart or mind ever told you that you're meant to be somewhere or doing something else.? Both my mind and heart do. I feel like I'm meant for so much more than this town. I've wrestled with the concept for years of moving to a new place and starting a new life. And for once in my life..I'm really and truly considering it. I feel like it's what I need. I feel so trapped in Chattanooga. I'm not happy here. And my heart is always always ALWAYS telling me I need to be up North..or Northwest. In a place like Boston..or Seattle. Very urban. Somewhere where hair business is great and I could make a decent living. But then, there's another part of me that would even consider moving out of the country. Overseas. To Ireland. Or even London. That's probably the dreamer in me. I just can't shake the feeling that I have, that Chattanooga isn't for me. It's not where I'm supposed to be. It's not where I feel like I will find happiness. I need to see Boston. I need to see Seattle. I need to see overseas. I need to know why I feel like I need to be there. This isn't just an urge to go on a vacation. Something is telling me I need to be there to see these places. To maybe even move my life there. Of course, it'll be years from now before I can even consider moving that far, but I need to at least have some peace of mind. But for now, I want to see how living on my own will do. Maybe that's the freedom I'm craving. Something about moving so far is like a taste of freedom. Like a great escape. Chattanooga suffocates me.

I think part of my bringing all this up is this weird.. transition I'm going through. With graduating from college and stepping into a career..I feel slightly..overwhelmed I suppose. It's a weird mood. Almost like I can't believe it's here. And feeling so vulnerable because for the past 2 years I've always known what to expect..and stepping into this new phase of life not knowing. It's scary. I've got a lot going through my head. Mostly questions of the unknown. Will I make friends.? Will I make ends meet.? Will I be able to move out when I want to.? Will I even be any good at this job.? What if I end up lonelier than I was before the job.? Who will I meet.? Where is this going to take me.? So many questions running through my head. I don't know what to think..or even where to begin. I know that I've come too far to start doubting my abilities and what I am capable of. But it's still a scary transition going from school to work..not just work..but a career. This is a big deal.

Also, this isn't as serious as everything else, but I'd really like to see my boutique business (for lack of a better term) really soar. When I made those bows last night..I really enjoyed myself. I put a lot of work into them to make them neat. To make them something I thought everyone would like. It would be nice if it would pick up. Things take time. I'm well aware of that, but I'm going to try my best to promote, and put 100% effort into everything I make. Let's just see where it takes me.

This is me rambling today. ;)

Hair bows.!

This was my first attempt at a bow. So I started simple. Opinions are welcome :) More bows to come :)

This is what I will be selling as the 'bow tie bow'. I am willing to make any color or pattern with any embellishment for any occasion.

This is what I call the 'pony ribbons'. These bows are made for ponytails or updo's. These can also have as many ribbons as you like and in any colors. :) This is also a first attempt.

These are the 'simple bows' I can do any color and add embellishments (buttons, charms, bottle caps,etc..) Again, this is a first attempt.

Good things coming this way.!!

Well..this is it.!! I finish school on Monday.!!! I'm so excited, so proud, and just so happy.! I can't believe the day has finally come.!! Not only that, but I go into work on Thursday to sign the paperwork. So the job is MINE.!! Not only have I finished school, I've got my foot in the door at a very successful salon, I'm on my way to getting my license and having a successful career. Things are really starting to feel like their falling into place, and all the hard work I've put into this is paying off.

Today I did some hair cuts on Troy's sister and brother-in-law. I was so proud of both cuts. His brother-in-law, Marten, wanted his hair like Johnny Depp's hair in secret window. He got me tons of screen shots from the movie of every angle of his hair..which made it very easy for me. I got it to look just like the picture.!! It's always exciting when you can get it 'picture perfect'.! His sister particularly likes her hair very short so we used the clippers on her with a 1 inch guard. We left the top a little longer. And she loved it. Marten said that was the best hair cut he had ever had. My technique was also different from what he described from the other stylists he's been to. He said the last girl was really violent with his head and didn't pay any attention to what she was doing. I fixed what others had failed to do. It's a rewarding feeling to know people are happy with my work. She even paid me $20 for the cuts and said that they wanted to come see me again. Clientele is slowly but surely building. :) It takes about 2 years to build a clientele base.

Tomorrow, Cayle and I have a mother son photo shoot at Coolidge park.! I can't wait. My old friend from high school does photography now. She charges $30 for a one hour session. Any place of the customer's choosing. And we get a disc with all the pictures plus edited ones. Like her on Facebook Haylee Robinson Photography.

Also, I've decided to pick up a new hobby that could bring in some extra money, but I want to see how many people are interested before I invest a lot of money into it. I've decided to make hair flowers, bows,hair ties (like the cheer leaders wear), head bands, hats, and blankets with ties and selling them. I got some ribbon to make a few trial run bows. But I want to get an idea of who all might be interested in them. I know a lot of people who have little girls and people who are pregnant with little girls who might enjoy these. And who doesn't like a soft warm blanket.? Please let me know if you or anyone you know who might be interested in stuff like this. It would help me out :)


This is an example of the type of blankets I want to make. I think they're perfect for anyone at any age.!

And this is a picture of what Marten wanted his hair to look like and when I got done with it...it did.!

Also, please keep Troy's family in your thoughts. They lost their dog of 12 years to an accident last week. RIP Sally.

Mother's Day 2012

I had a really good mother's day. I woke up to a dozen roses from Daddy. Mom got yellow ones. I got pinkish purple ones. Daddy always tries to find the color closest to purple for me since he knows it's my favorite color. "Cayle" got me a card and and a home waxing kit for eye brow waxing. I've been wanting one forever because I never have the time to get them done and I can probably charge people to wax their eyebrows or lip as well as hair services. I learned how in school so to in school so I might as well get some use out of it. Daddy and my brother cooked breakfast for my mom and I. I colored mom's hair and cut daddy's hair. We had Little Tokyo Express for dinner. And of course Cayle was super loving today. Which made it so much better. :) Thank you everyone who wished me a happy mother's day. I hope everyone else had a happy one as well.

I have 6 school days left.!! I graduate next Tuesday. I can hardly believe it.! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I need to call my boss and see when I can officially start. I'm so excited.!! I got part of my graduation money and went work clothes shopping this weekend. I got 6 shirts and 2 pairs of pants.! $200 down. I don't know how much more I'm getting but still..that's great.!

Tomorrow night after school Troy and I are gonna spend some time together..we've both been so busy and haven't seen much of each other lately. We go to our concert Memorial day weekend. :)

Saturday Kay and I spent the day together. We ate lunch and ate sweets.


It's been a good weekend. I can't wait for these next few weeks to unfold.

Why is it that..(venting blog. you've been warned)

..School always gets put on the back burner for me.? Seriously. I've had it. School is always seen as optional for me because I don't have a set time to be there. Well..mom is sick and can't keep Cayle and throws a damn fit about me trying to make arrangements for him. I can't take it. Here I am 2 freaking weeks away from graduating and I am missing out on SIX HOURS tonight. So that has the potential to put me a day behind on graduating. Joy. Just when I gave my boss my exact date of graduation. What a great way to start work.!! Lying to your boss.!!! :D I'm going to have to find some way to make it up or I'm sunk. This isn't the first time my school has been put on the back burner for some garbage like this. What about all the trips my parents have gone on and I've been without.?? Dinners for my dad's work.? Oh and don't forget football practice and after school activities. I know I'm not the most important person...but I'm sick of what I NEED being only an option.

I can't ask my grandmother to keep him she has enough to deal with. Because my freaking irresponsible piece of crap sister is about to get evicted from her house because her and her lazy deadbeat husband are sorry lazy people who don't get it that you need a JOB to pay your bills and you can't mooch off of an 85 year old woman. They're over 3,000 dollars behind on their rent. Well..it's not like they don't have everything else handed to them on a silver platter. My grandmother spends every dime on their utilities. They take her only car. So she can't go anywhere. She puts gas in it. So they don't have to buy gas. But they run it all out as soon as they get it. So my grandmother doesn't have anything. She sits at home and eats crackers for dinner at night because she doesn't have any money for food or anything else in that case. They suck her financially dry. And I want nothing to with my sister or her lousy husband. Yesterday..this ticked me off more than anything. My grandmother comes over and asked if I can go pick up my nephew from his friends house because my sister nor her husband did and his friends parents had plans that they had to cancel because his parents didn't come get him. And his "dad" was out in that general area and could have gone right by on his way home to get him and he didn't. So I had to use MY gas in MY car to go get him and bring him home. When I have just enough to get by every week. I really hope they don't think they can mooch off of me when I start bringing in a paycheck. Because guess what.?? It's not happening. I'm happy to let my grandmother have money if she needs it. But not my sister..because my sister does nothing to help herself. I'll just lie and say that I haven't gotten my check yet. She will not get a dime from me. Especially since she has a job she doesn't even go to. And lies to everyone about having a check. Her husband won't take a drug test to work..wonder why.? Yeah right.

I'm so frustrated right now because it feels like I'm screaming at the top of my lungs and nobody cares to look up. I just hope I can even it all out. I'm gonna just take a breath and try to look for the positives in all this mess. I really need to learn my anxiety... eh.

I got it.!!

I got the job.! But getting there was TOUGH. Originally my plan was to work at the Regis salon in Northgate Mall. That's where my instructor was sending me. She even talked to the manager (Mandi) over there. But when I went online to put in my application there was only one listing for a Regis salon hiring in Chattanooga. So I assumed it was the one for Northgate. Well, the next day I get a call from a woman named Terry asking me to come in Friday for an interview. I assumed it was the assistant or district manager. Well, the time came for my interview (which I thought was at northgate) and the receptionist told me that Terry works at HAMILTON PLACE. I was completely mortified. I thought I had blown my chances completely of my dream salon. So the receptionist at Northgate had me set up a time to talk to Mandi. So I did. Only because I was in such a panic thinking Terry wouldn't interview me. I called Terry explaining to her what had happened and asked if I could still come in for an interview. Luckily she was very understanding and asked if I could make it there in 20 minutes. When I finally got there we got right down to business. She asked me about how much longer I had to go until I graduate, what I felt like my strong points were, if there was anything I didn't enjoy certain procedures, if I could work nights and weekends. She also asked if I would be interested in doing some receptionist work until I got my license. Of course I was interested.! I want to learn the ropes of Regis before I just dive in. Anyway..she gave me some magazines to look at to keep me up on the latest hair trends. I really like Terry. We ended the interview with the promise of a call from her about her decision. I was really nervous.

The rest of the day was spent with Cayle and Kay's brother in law Justin at his house. We didn't do much. Just rested. And I cut his hair and paced the floor hoping for a call. And at 5 I did. And she said she wants to start me as a receptionist until I got my license. Then with my license I can bump up to a stylist. I couldn't have been happier. So I posted on facebook that I got the job. Then..this is when the trouble starts..The manager of northgate commented on the post and said 'Ummm...where?' I told her Hamilton place hired me. But I felt horrible. I feel like I betrayed her. And I hate doing that to people. So I sent her a message apologizing for the mix up and thanking her for her time and that I hope there wouldn't be any friction between us for this situation. She said that if I had waited and come to see her on Monday she would've hired me. But she wished me the best. I still feel pretty lousy about that. I wish I could think of something to make peace with this situation. I would like to maybe send her a card or something apologizing for the mix up.

But the benefits of this job are going to be great.! I get 8% of my retail. Wage is minimum wage. And I get a commission for the work I do. I get insurance (health, dental, and vision). I get a 401k. My uniform is black white or grey, no jeans, and closed toe shoes. And they do contests every so often to where if you sell enough of the Regis line products you get a vacation to awesome places.! California anyone.? We have classes quarterly to teach us new ways to color, cut, style. And they're free.! Mandatory as well. Terry also explained that everyone is willing to help any stylist in need. And to not be alarmed if someone else is watching me work. I like that it's not every stylist for themselves. Fresh out of beauty school..I still have a lot to learn. A rule at the salon is that my hair and make up must be done before coming into work. Which is fair enough to me. I can also get over time any time I want it. As long as I cover my schedule and there is a station available. Everyone helps with trash and towels. But my job is to answer the phone, book appointments, assign clients, and to collect money. I'm so very excited. It feels like all my work has paid off. I've got everything panning out. I'm gonna keep staying positive and hope for the best. I have to perform a hair cut for my boss when it's time to bump up to a stylist position. I suppose to assess my skill level. I'm pretty nervous about that one. I can't help but be a little overwhelmed with the transition I'm going through, but you know what.? I am so proud of myself. I'm going to have my career in my dream salon. I cannot be happier. Even though there was a few bumps getting there..it all seems to be worth it. I hope I make some friends while working here and maybe even meet some new people. I start in two weeks. Wish me luck. Here goes nothing.!

Things are looking up.!!!

I might have a job at my dream salon.!!! Thanks to my instructor.!! Today I went into the office to ask if my instructor (Susan) and the owner of the school (Kristie) wanted anything from Kumo Hibachi place since I was going down that way to get my dinner. Kristie said "You're about to graduate aren't you.?" And I told her May 22 is my last day. She asked if I knew where I might like to work. I told her my ultimate goal was to get on with Regis Salon. She said "I can get you on right now." She knows the manager over there. She called to speak with her. She told her I was about to graduate this month and that I would spend my entire career there if I was happy. She mentioned that I still had to take my boards and what not first. When she got off the phone she looked at me and smiled. She said "Mandi said she would save you a spot". I was so giddy.!!! I can't believe I have this job potentially falling in my lap. My DREAM job.!! I couldn't be happier. I guess it really helps to know people in this industry. I'm so thankful Kristy got me this opportunity.!! I just put in my application and I'm going to call the manager tomorrow and schedule a time to meet with her and talk about the job. I really hope more than anything this pulls through for me. It would make everything completely worth it. And if I'm happy there I'll stay. I am not one to job hop if I don't have to. I am so proud of myself. I can't believe the moment is almost here where I will have a diploma in my hand.! I can't be happier right now.

Just because things are going great right now, doesn't mean I'm going to stop working. I still have to pass my boards after all. I KNOW I can do this. I've worked and worked. And I know it's about to pay off. I notice my skills sharpening. I made a ten dollar tip yesterday doing highlights and a cut. I got the cut to look exactly like the picture my client showed me.!!! I'm getting my feel for things and really discovering a deep passion for this line of work. I'm just so happy right now. And so proud. Wish me luck with this Regis job.!

Cayle is doing so well. We're spending the weekend together looking for my mom a mother's day gift. A possible trip to the zoo, and spending some time with Kay, her hubby Josh, and her brother-in-law Justin. We're going to make smores and just relax together. Justin and I have actually been getting a lot closer since the proposal of moving in together came about. I like it. I like having someone else I can talk to about everything. And since he's gay we have a lot of stuff in common..like our taste in uhm..everything.!! The other day he surprised me with a backpack FULL of scrapbook stuff he found for me down in Georgia. I was so thankful. And so giddy.!!

Things are looking up. I hope it stays that way.