Page 50 of Knot Your Sunshine
Elena:How's it going??
Elena:Did you talk to Naomi?
Me:* Just had a meeting with the alphas' franchise expert. And yes, I did talk to her, she's incredible! Got all the contracts drafted (and already signed).*
Elena:Told you she was the bomb.
Elena:And? How did the meeting go??
Me:Well... the consultant basically said my community approach won't scale. That I need to focus on profit optimization instead of connection.
Elena:WHAT
Me:So now we're going to have a test. His approach vs. mine. One week to prove which works better.
Elena:But your alphas pay him right? Shouldn't he do whatever you tell him? Why entertain this asshole?
Me:They hired him for his expertise, and I asked for their help with franchising. Can't exactly dismiss him without proving my approach works.
Elena:I guess that makes sense...
Me:Plus I REALLY want to wipe that smug look off his face. He clearly knows nothing about what actually matters in the hairdressing world.
Elena:Please destroy this corporate schmuck. Also, Mom says hi. She's doing rum shots with Julian and James right now.
Me:Of course she is! Give her my love. Let's call soon so you can tell me everything about the yacht adventure!
I'm grinning as I set the phone down, but the Facebook post still taunts me with its empty white space and that relentless blinking cursor.
Another buzz. This time it's Naomi.
Naomi:Just checking in. How did the meeting go?
Me:Didn't go as expected. Now in a test with the alphas' consultant about which approach is best.
Naomi:A test? If there's no signed paperwork for it, I can void it if you felt pressured.
Me:No, I want this test. Time to destroy their consultant who clearly thinks I'm clueless.
Naomi:Fair. Sometimes you gotta show teeth to be respected.
Me:Exactly. Not backing down from this fight.
Me:By the way, my alphas signed the contracts. Thank you, I feel much safer with that paperwork.
Naomi:My pleasure. Reach out anytime if you need me.
I set the phone down, smiling, and crack my knuckles. Time to find my people.
The post starts writing itself:
You know that moment when a client sits in your chair and finally relaxes for the first time all week?
Yes. That's the opening.
I'm looking for ten hairdressers who understand why a client will drive an extra half hour to your salon. Not just for great hair, but because she knows she'll leave feeling seen and heard.
A server appears at my elbow, setting down a plate of coconut shrimp arranged like a flower, pink-orange sauce pooled in the center.
