A Visit To The Salon

Kara was excited, as today her mother agreed to take her to her favourite salon "Be Beautiful". Though she was 10 years old, the idea of going to the saloon always excited her. She loved going there. There was something about the ambience of the saloon, that attracted Kara. Be it the big beautiful mirrors, the giant chairs for the customers to sit, the hair wash stations, some beautiful music that plays in the background, the fragrance of amazing shampoos used in the wash stations, and to add to it she loved the welcome drink that was generally served to the customers.

Though she didn't get most of the services done there, yet she knew one thing that salon was a magical place that turned everyone into a beautiful person. Though her mom didn't fill in here with more details regarding the services rendered there, thanks to her reading habit that she read the menu once and she knew some of the services included hair cutting and styling, manicures and pedicures, makeup and makeovers etc.

She really wanted a new hairstyle for her b'day and hence have requested her mom to take her to the salon. She got super excited when her mom agreed and took her to the salon. As required her mom has taken pre-appointment for the service. Kara was really looking forward to a mom-daughter salon visit.

Since her mom was a regular customer, the staff at the salon knew Kara well and yes of course she got all princess treatment. She was every time complimented not only for her cute looks, long curly hair but also because she was a well-behaved girl.

Of all the staff who worked there, her favourite was Martha and Tony. Martha was an expert in giving manicures and pedicures, whereas Tony was the hairstylist who was really an expert in giving new hairstyles.

As Kara and her mom entered the salon, they were told Tony would be available shortly to give Kara hair cut, hence they agreed to wait for some time.

As Kara took the seat, she noticed there were two girls sitting in the chairs meant for a haircut. One girl had straight hair, while the other girl had curly hair. She noticed their hair looked so beautiful, she wondered what were they doing here for a haircut.

She said "Mom, their hair looks so pretty, what are they doing here? Kara's mom smiled and said, "Don't know sweetie, maybe they want to change their hairstyle something, just like you want to straighten your hair for the bday party.

She now wonders whether her idea of changing her hairstyle from curls to straight was right.

Just to understand what did the girls were planning to do with their hair, she decided to go near their place so that she can hear their conversation. The girl with the straight hair was telling another hairstylist that she needed to get her hair curls completely. On the other side, the girl with curly hair said to Tony she needs straight hair.

Tony examined that girl's hair and said," Ma'am, if I can be honest with you, think your curly hair looks perfect, don't go for straight hair. Instead, I can give you a new haircut and that would give you a fantastic look with these curls.

That girl was pretty rude and she replied, Am I here to take your hairstyle advice? No, I don't think so. So without wasting my time, get to work directly. I have to attend some party and I am getting late. So be quick and get this done quickly.

And let me tell you straight hair are in fashion now, my friend Payal got her hair straight and she got so many likes and comments on her social media page. At the last party, she was the centre of the attraction. Today she would be at that party and I want people to notice me, than her.

So, if you are done with your Gyan, get back to work.

As Kara heard these words, she felt bad about the way that girl spoke to Tony, but more importantly, she felt bad for that girl's thoughts.

As Kara came back and took her seat, her mom who was reading the magazine noticed she looked worried. After being asked she told her about the incident. Her mom said you know Kara let me share with you something that my father used to always tell me.

We wish to be someone else and well Life seems pretty rosy and comfortable on the other side. But instead of pondering how life would have been if you were someone else how about working towards improving your own life instead.

You know sweetie, we all are blessed with our own unique strengths and specialities But unfortunately, instead of leveraging on our strengths, we get stuck being focused on our weaknesses for too long. Life is a beautiful gift and instead of appreciating it being you all we do is get ourselves busy chasing something that is not our own.

Until you accept and believe in yourself, nothing is going to change for you. It's good to look up to other's for inspiration But it's not acceptable to look down upon yourself, no matter how difficult your life is. You'll find a lot of people criticizing you, hence it's become imperative for you to be on your own side.

Everyone's journey is different, so instead of wasting your precious time on being someone else So instead invest that time in being the best version of yourself It's always easy and convenient to be someone else But it takes a lot of courage to be yourself.

You have everything in you, that you seek outside You just need to learn to embrace and accept yourself.

Before you embark on the wonderful journey of Being Yourself, the journey would not be an easy one, it would be a bumpy ride but once you reach the beautiful destination, the hard work efforts seem to pay off.

So no matter what, Just be Yourself And see the magic happening all around you It's always easy to wish to be like others but it takes a lot of Being Yourself And letting the world wonder what does it take to be You.

Kara was listening carefully and said,' Mom, that's what these two girls are doing. They are trying to be someone else. And that's why that girl with curl hair thinks that if she gets her hair straightened, she would be accepted and loved by all. I heard Tony uncle telling her, that her curls look beautiful, yet she wants to get it straight because she is busy chasing to be someone else.

Also, I heard that the girl with straight hair was planning to get her hair curled because she loves an actress who had her hair curls in some movie, so she wants to get it done.

Her mother was listening patiently as if Kara was understanding a very valuable lesson. She smiled at Kara and continued reading the magazine.

In the meanwhile, Kara's gaze was fixed at those 2 girls, who were getting their hair service done.

Post their services were done, she noticed both the girls looked different. The hairstylist has done their best job, but they were not looking as beautiful as they were looking before. Guess, trying to be someone else comes at a big cost, she thought to herself.

Once Tony got free, Kara was asked to take a seat on the chair.

So, what can I do for the little princess Kara, Tony smiled and asked.

Kara's mom replied She wants to get her hair straightened for her bday. Even before Kara's mother could say something Kara intervened and said, Hi, Tony Uncle, how are you? So good to see you always. Actually, I don't think I would like to go for straight hairs.

Kara then said to mom, "Mom, do you think, I can get a bit of trimming done instead. I love my curls and just because Siya got her hair straight doesn't mean I should too. Afterall Kara is Kara, not Siya and I want to remain that way.

Kara's mom was delighted to hear this coming from her

Tony was happy to hear that, he said, 'It's so good to meet you always Kara, you are so much filled with love, warmth and respect for everyone.No wonder you are my favourite customer. Good choice on retaining the curls, Kara. You know I am very fond of your curls, and I am happy that you decided to retain that. Don't worry.Sit back and relax and let me do my magic.

At Kara's bday party, her friends gave her compliments on how beautiful her curls looked. Siya approached her and said Kara, Happy Birthday. You look so beautiful with those curls, I wish I hadn't got my curls straight.

She thanked Siya and thought"I am happy I choose to be Kara, rather than being Siya.