Mothers' Day in the Salon: Recognising Every Woman's Journey

Inspiring Salon Professionals

Mother’s Day can be a complicated time, especially as we work predominantly with women and where we often find ourselves navigating the wide variety of emotions tied to motherhood. In this reflective solo episode, I talk about the challenges that come with this day, from the joy of new mothers celebrating their first Mothers' Day to the deep sorrow of those who have faced baby loss or maternal loss. I share my own experiences, including the reality of losing my own mother and how that has impacted my perspective on motherhood and the expectations that come with it. We also touch on the importance of recognising the choices some women make not to become mothers and how our understanding and sensitivity as salon professionals can profoundly affect our clients and our teams. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the diverse experiences surrounding motherhood and how we can create a more compassionate environment in our businesses.

It's a complicated time for many and in our role as salon professionals where the dynamics of motherhood are intricately woven into our daily lives as service providers. As I reflect on my own experiences, I share some of the diverse issues surrounding motherhood. This episode goes into the realities of being a mother while also honouring those who have faced the the emotional challenges of baby loss, fertility struggles, and the decision not to become a parent at all.

We recognise the spectrum of motherhood, from the joy of new beginnings with first-time mothers to the sorrow of those who remember a child they lost. It’s a day that can bring joy for some but can also be a poignant reminder for others of what they’ve lost or may never have. The complexities of these experiences are often overlooked in a business where we are expected to maintain a facade of cheerfulness and positivity at all times. I encourage listeners to take a moment to reflect on how these issues impact not just our clients but also ourselves and our teams. It’s essential to provide a supportive environment within our salons, acknowledging that not everyone celebrates Mothers' Day in the same way. We should approach this day with sensitivity and kindness, recognising the varying emotions it can evoke for those we serve. This episode is a heartfelt reminder to celebrate the diversity of motherhood and to be mindful of those who may be silently struggling on this day.

Takeaways:

• Mothers' Day can be a complex emotional landscape for those in the salon industry, reflecting both joy and profound loss.
• We must acknowledge the diverse experiences of motherhood, from new moms to those facing maternal loss and infertility issues.
• As salon professionals, we hold space for our clients' stories of motherhood, which can include pain, loss, and the choice not to become a mother.
• The pressure to return to work after experiencing loss can lead to delayed grief, affecting our well-being and our ability to serve clients.
• It's essential to create an environment where clients can opt out of Mothers' Day celebrations if it brings them pain or discomfort.
• Understanding and supporting the varied journeys of motherhood can foster a deeper connection with our clients and team members.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Jena - https://www.jena.so/partnerships/sue-davies
• Tommy's Appeal - https://www.tommys.org/about-us
• The Salon Inspector - https://sue-davies.com