The Big Debate

Hi Everyone!

As you know, the economy is in a recession right now, which means there is not a better time to unite the industry and stand together. One issue that has divided opinions, however, is booth renting.

Some people view it as an opportunity to be your own boss and have your own business without paying the expensive costs of starting your own salon. But others view booth rental as passing on those expensive costs to the umbrella salon.

So now it is in debate whether the state should have a booth rental registration to protect the umbrella salons against fines from the booth renters.

I know this is a gray subject, but I want to know what you think. Do you think having a booth rental registration is unfair to booth renters? Or do you agree that the salons shouldn't have to carry the burden of the booth renters' mistakes?

The beauty industry needs unity now more than ever, so please don't hold back your thoughts and hopefully we can put this debate to rest.

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

FAB on Primetime

HI Everyone!

Isn't technology great? You can learn about anything in two seconds thanks to all the different technology tools out there today.

For example, the iPhone web apps. I personally think Apple is out of control with its random iPhone applications, but a pretty cool application it has is its "Cosmetology Industry News and Tips" web app. You can check it out by clicking here.

And did you know that "google" is an official dictionary word now? Try typing "salon" or "spa" into Google. You will find thousands of websites, homepages and blogs that have all sorts of cosmetology information, including stuff you didn't even know existed. It's great!

You don't even need a television set anymore to watch TV. Just hop on your computer and browse over to YouTube. You can watch millions of videos from around the world.

And even FAB PRO has jumped on the technology band wagon. FAB has its own YouTube channel, where you can find the latest FAB PRO videos. In fact, we have started our own TV show- FAB TV! You can now get your cosmetology news fix by checking out our bi-weekly episodes. We talk about industry news, legislative updates, fun stuff going on at FAB and more! The epidsodes will be posted on our website, but you can also view them on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to the channel if you have a YouTube account.

We only have one episode up so far, and we want to hear your reviews about it. Let us know what you liked, what you didn't like and what you want to see in the next episode. As it is my premiere television appearence, I can't wait to hear your thoughts about it!

So enjoy the 21st century and all its technological advances, especially FAB TV!

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

Wax On, Wax Off

Hi Everyone!

I am sure you have heard about New Jersey trying to ban bikini waxing. The practice has never been technically legal in the state, but it has still been offered by spas and salons. Now women, as well as spa and salon owners, in New Jersey are saying they have to fight for their right to wax.

Being in Florida, this doesn't seem to affect us right now, but Florida did recently banned fish pedicures. Do you think it could get to where they would ban bikini waxing too?

I think it does not make sense to ban bikini waxing. The only thing that would make it seem right was if there were a lot of injuries. But last year only two women reported injuries from bikini waxing in New Jersey. Additionally, women would just wax themselves at home if they couldn't have it done professionally, and that would lead to a lot more trouble.

What do you think about it??

The Association of Salon and Spa Professionals has unsuccessfully lobbied the board to legalize genital waxing and is now urging women to sign a petition. To sign it yourself, visit www.brazilianbikiniwax.org

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

The Original "It" Girl

Hi Everyone!

Barbie Doll just turned 50 years old, and she looks still looks amazing! For 50 years Barbie has been a role model to young children and she has always been a trend setter in the beauty industry. She even has her own holiday- March 9th is "Barbie Day"!

In honor of Barbie and her day, FAB wants you to style a look (on yourself or someone else) inspired by Barbie. Be as creative and original as you want! Then take a picture of your style and e-mail it to fabpro@fabprofessionals.org by March 31st. The photographs will be judged on creativity, hair, make-up and similarities to the Barbie Doll. The first place winner will win a gift basket and a $100 Target gift card! Additionally, your picture will be published in next month’s newsletter and featured right here on my blog! So start thinking of your look! Maybe Rock Star Barbie? Hippie Barbie? I would love to see a "Florida Barbie" personally.



Also, did you know that Barbie has her own blog? It's not as good as mine of course, but it is cute and fun. You can check it out by clicking here.

Barbie may be a doll, but she is always herself and has fun with whatever she does, especially in beauty.

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

"Snakes... why did it have to be snakes?"

Hi Everyone!

So we have all been chatting about the fish pedicures, but I heard about something else that makes fish pedicures seem normal- snake massages! That's right, snake massages!

A health and beauty spa in Israel is offering this treatment for around $70. It works by having you take your clothes off and lay down. Then six, non-venomous snakes are placed on your body and start squirming and slithering around. The spa owner claims that the feeling of the snakes on your body is soothing and helps your aches.

Personally, I think this would be quite the opposite of relaxing. Even though they are non-venomous, I would be too scared stiff to enjoy the massage. So I am not going to be hoping that this trend makes it over to America anytime soon. But hey, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Any of you think you are brave enough to get this slithering massage??

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

Lights, Camera, Hair!

Weren't the gowns at the Oscars last night gorgeous? But most of us (if not all of us) can afford those gowns, they are simply a dream. But their hair, now that's something we can do. I saw lots of beautiful hair styles last night, as well as some I am not going to be copying any time soon.


Right off the bat, Kate Winslet. She had an up-do of old glamour Hollywood that I think we will all agree looked sophisticated and beautiful. Another one of my favorites was Vanessa Hudgens. Her hair looked soft and framed her face, and I was surprised when she turned around to see a long, beautiful pony tail. I found it very pretty and classy. My favorite for the night though was Jessica Biel. The most common style for the evening was an up-do or a bun, but Jessica Biel wore her hair in a half-up style where her tousled waves fell beautifully on her shoulders.

As far as for the worst hair styles, there weren't too many, but I am sure you will agree with me when I say that Mickey Rourke should win the "Worst Entire Look" award. Moving on to the women, Lisa Rinna usually looks great, but last night her hair looked scary! She almost looked like a different person. It was just too much and too big.


And I wouldn't say the Reese Witherspoon's hair looked bad, but I didn't think it looked elegant enough for the Oscars. It just looked a little too messy for the event. Overall, I would give her a grade of a C.
So in conclusion, I saw many beautiful hair styles last night that I want to try out on my own hair, as well as some I did not favor at all. What do you think? Was there anyone I left out? Let me know!

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

And The Reality Is...

Hi Everyone!

Have you noticed how there is a reality show for almost every profession on television these days? There is a reality show about meter maids, exterminators and even loggers! So it is not surprise there are several shows (mostly on Bravo) about hair stylists and the beauty industry. One in particular that caught my attention last year is "Tabatha's Salon Takeover."

At first, I thought it was going to be a little brutal to watch. In the previews for the show, Tabatha just seemed to strut into these salons barking criticisms at the salon owners and stylists. However, once I started watching it, I really enjoyed it. Yes, Tabatha did appear a little "mad with power" and had no problem saying what she really thought- no matter how cruel it was-but she did know what she was talking about. I also really appreciated how they dealt with the business side of the salons. Tabatha had a lot of great advice that I am sure helped some salon owners watching at home. In fact, she had great tips for all businesses, not just the salon industry. The show ended last October and I am not sure when the next season (if there is going to be one) will be. While I did enjoy watching the show, I don't think I would want Tabatha to come to my business. She is smart and has original ides, but she can be so ruthless about it. I think I would be scared of her, as some of the stylists on the show look like they are. But I guess that is why it makes good television. So I do really like "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" and I hope it comes back for another season. Do you know if it is or not? Do you also enjoy the show? And are you feeling a little overwhelmed by all the types of reality shows out there now like I am? Let me know!

Talk to you again soon!
Blake