01/11/2026
Not a post I want to be making but I have to be honest, I'm feeling really deflated after this weekend's sessions.
What should have been a fully booked weekend slowly dwindled away throughout the week, leaving me with a grand total of just 9 sessions. This is under half of what I had originally planned and prepared for.
When I sent out reminders, I was genuinely shocked by the number of people who had simply forgotten they had booked. This resulted in lost retainers. Others hadn't even paid a retainer, ignored my messages and therefore had their appointments cancelled. Then there were the people who simply didn't turn up on the day.
The financial loss has been significant, and I don't think people always realise the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes.
Nobody sees the six hours it took me to set everything up, bringing my child along with me due to no childcare. Nobody sees the time and effort it takes to pack everything away afterwards so the shop can return to being a hair salon. And nobody sees the Sundays I sacrifice during the Christmas period, spending that time away from my children so I can offer these sessions to you.
I absolutely understand that life happens. Things get forgotten, plans change and unexpected situations arise. I am human, and I will always try to be understanding. But I also ask that you remember that this is my business, my time and ultimately what provides for my family.
I want to say a genuine thank you to those who recognise the time, effort and commitment that goes into these sessions, and especially to those who have still paid for a missed appointment. That kindness and consideration does not go unnoticed.
However, retainers alone do not cover the financial loss of a completely missed session. When someone doesn't turn up, that is a slot I cannot offer to someone else, and the time, preparation and costs have already gone into it.
So, going forward, I will be implementing a new booking policy for ALL sessions:
• A 50% non-refundable retainer will be required at the time of booking to secure your appointment.
• The remaining 50% balance must be paid on the morning of your session, before your appointment.
No retainer, no confirmed booking.
I hope everyone can understand that this isn't about being difficult or unreasonable. It's about protecting my time, my business and my livelihood.
I love what I do, and I love being able to offer these sessions, but I also have a family and a business to provide for. My time and hard work deserve the same respect and consideration that I give to every single person who books with me.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support my little business. It really does mean more than you know. ❤️
