Danielle and Coach Ani take on the topics of drama and feedback as they share stories demonstrating how protecting the energy of the salon from the ever-present salon drama is vital in creating an amazing atmosphere and experience that benefits both the client and the artist. For Big Money Stylist, we go over the following formula each month: Week #1: Power Week #2: Production Week #3: Profit Week #4: Protection In This Week’s Episode…..PROTECTION Point #1: Protect Your Bubble There was a time when Danielle realized that the people she was surrounding herself with were also influencing her decisions, but they were not actually people she wanted to spend time with. It’s important to pause and ask yourself about the people you have allowed inside your bubble. If they’re taking away your energy, then they’re not worth your energy. QUESTION Who are you allowing inside your bubble? Why?   Point #2: Be Open Danielle: Art is ever- evolving; it’s subjective. But you can always learn cool new tricks. If someone had some feedback for me, even if I didn’t agree with it, I would still try to be receptive and take something from it. Coach Ani: Our platform artists are successful, amazing artists who are always asking for feedback on their work. That is a huge mark of someone who wants to be better and values growth: someone who wants feedback. QUESTION How would your life improve if you were open to feedback?   Point #3: Respect the Reps As Danielle has put her work out there, she has come to realize there is always room for improvement. Even now in her position where her work is solid and her pictures are getting better and better, there are still some brands and salons she follows and gives them props for what they do. Danielle: Regardless of how good your work is, you have to have respect. On a business level, some salons are a little more ahead of the game than I am, and that they have more reps than I do. I’m always in the place of knowing I’m good, but having respect for others as well. QUESTION Where in your world are you not giving props to those who are ahead of you in the game?   Point #4: Teach Your Assistant Assistants are going to fuck some shit up. It’s just going to happen. Instead of yelling at or berating the assistant, it’s the artists’ job to guide and teach them. Danielle teaches her artists from day one that if an assistant fucks up on hair, it’s on the artist. “If you haven’t better directed them, then you’re a shitty teacher.” QUESTION How are you treating your assistant?   Point #5: Final Thoughts Coach Ani: I would consider where you sit: are you the one sitting in the back talking shit, or are you the one trying to create a culture where you want to build something? Danielle: Are you someone that cannot take constructive criticism, where your ego is so big that anytime anyone tries to help you-you emotionally close down? QUESTION What are you hearing and taking from these questions? Quote of the Week: “I think that people are either insecure or they feed off drama because they’ve decided that’s their new purpose or passion. Don’t be a mean girl; find another path or purpose.” — Danielle White “I don’t want all the friendships and relationships in my life to come together because of shit talking; I want them to be based on building something cool and amazing together.” –Anianne Rivera