A billionaire gave advice in a magazine I read once (paraphrased): Wait at least 24 hours before telling somebody you are angry with them because in 24 hours you probably will not say things you regret.
What does this advice have to do with being a stylist? A lot! It is wedding season for me here in Basel, Switzerland. Have you ever seen the American TV show, “Bridezilla”? A reality show about misbehaved brides to be and how horribly they treat others. I have not encountered one of those but perhaps it is because I use the billionaire advice as much as possible.
Weddings for different cultures are vastly different. All weddings are very different. Why? Mainly due to the two families involved. In Switzerland I have the blessing and the curse of working with many different cultures. I thought Los Angeles and Chicago were challenging to work at. As an American stylist; Basel is my biggest challenge. I know it is hard to believe but it is true. The little city packs a big punch. People are speaking so many different languages within one wedding party. It can make my head spin. Please use your own imagination and experiences to consider how much is lost and found in my translations.
People are stressed sometimes. People can be just plain rude and it’s usually not the bride or groom. I believe certain people in the wedding party know that this is the one special day that they can take the opportunity to sabotage the makeup artist… and get away with it. For example, digging in my kit and misplacing important makeup I will need for the bride. Giving their opinions when nobody else asked them for it. Not even the bride who was looking very pleased with herself. You get the idea.
As stylists, always try to consider the human factor. I try to think what it is like to be the other person. We all have our faults and we all make mistakes. Won’t you agree that we see ourselves differently than others see us? I think this is where the high wedding stress comes from, the desire for others to see us at our very best. As a stylist I tell myself that the bride and her party are only human and quite frankly, not acting like their usual selves. This is not a typical day for them. For some, looking fabulous daily is not typical for them either. As a stylist, I try to have patience with clients because it is not their field of expertise and that is why I have been hired to do the job. I’m simply grateful for the work.
When one is challenged during a wedding styling job try to remember the billionaire advice and that some things are just not worth fighting about. By keeping the mouth shut, although very hard to do, this will help one gain better referrals for more future work from very happy clients. I will admit at times I could have been more confrontational, however, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep in mind that many times we are dealing with strangers and it’s a very small world. Positive word of mouth is the best advertising.
Please feel free to look at my, “Style by Victoria”, website to see photos of my hair coloring and makeup artistry portfolio. Have a good hair day!
Thank you for reading,
Victoria
Style By Victoria 