To the Rescue: Inventory Saves the Day

Amy Vixie, Owner, Four Feathered Sparrow LLC, Walla Walla, WA

I have been a cosmetologist since 1996. Being a part of the AHLC has been a huge asset and learning tool to help navigate this more recent part of my profession. Over the years, I have honed my skills in the art of cutting, coloring, and styling so that I felt confident to give any client that walked in the door a professional, finished look for their investment.

In 2015, I had a client bring me top pieces purchased from the internet in hopes that I could integrate them into her hairstyle. I felt frustrated with the poor construction, hair quality, and my inability to customize the color; the journey began to find sources that would help me satisfy this new customer demand.

I found an ad for the AHLC in the back of a trade magazine. In September of 2017, I attended my first AHLC show. The classes were so helpful, but I realized I had much to learn. I have attended every year since, investing in classes and developing relationships with manufacturers and vendors.

One thing I have learned is that you have to have inventory on hand for consultations, as well as same day sales. So, I started to invest in a small inventory of wigs and hair pieces. Manufacturers often offer discounts and year end closeouts on inventory. For me, that is a really fun part of the show, as I am always excited to add to my salon collection. At this year's conference, I found a beautiful hand-tied wig, medium blonde, 12”/14” length, along with a few other prize pieces.

The next week, my coworker Sarah approached me regarding a client that needed her head shaved as a result of chemo treatments. The 23-year-old had been diagnosed with bone cancer in her arm and she was scheduled for amputation the following month. Her means were limited. She lived on her own, was unable to work at her job as a CNA, and had to travel out of town for treatment. Sarah explained that her client was freaking out at the thought of having no hair, and she would be happy with anything we could come up with. Though I didn't know the client, understanding her situation left me feeling sad and helpless.

On the day of the appointment, Sarah motioned me into the consultation room. In front of me sat her client, with bright eyes, her arm in a sling, and medium blonde hair to her shoulders. I could immediately hear the fear and desperation in her voice as she reiterated that she would be happy with ANYTHING we could come up with. She told me that she couldn’t wait to get rid of her arm as she felt it was killing her, but the thought of losing her hair, in addition to everything else, was just too much for her. My heart sank as I asked her about her budget. She said that the Cancer Center would reimburse her X dollars towards a piece - it was the same amount I had paid for the gorgeous hand-tied wig at the show! I left the room and came back with the medium blonde beauty. My voice trembled as I told her “I think this was meant for you!” Sarah's jaw dropped and the girl’s eyes widened.

I explained the value of the piece and how special it was. At that point we were all more than a little teary-eyed. Having assured Sarah and the girl that I wanted her to have the beautiful wig, Sarah trimmed the hair to fit the girl's freshly shaved head. After the piece was trimmed and fitted to her, she looked even better than when she came in! No one would be the wiser.

We all hugged and shed a few more tears, all overjoyed with the outcome.

The AHLC has supplied me with knowledge and connections to help elevate my career, and has been the catalyst in helping create a tiny miracle that made a big difference in someone's life.