As I was checking my emails this past week, I noticed a few brides started their email with: "Hi There" or "Hello," but never is my name mentioned. At first, it felt a little impersonal and for whatever reason, it irked. So it got me thinking, the only time I would ever start an email or any letter with a "Hi" or "Hi There," is when I don't know that person's name or not totally sure who to address it to. Then the lightbulb above my head lit up, if you go to my website, I use both Ming and Justin, never specifying what I actually go by. Honestly, if I saw Ming Justin Cheung on someone's website, I probably wouldn't know what name to use either. I mean, Justin is clearly an english name...and yet it's used in the middle - but if someone was just trying to incorporate their Chinese name, why would it be placed first? Would it be too personal to use someone's Chinese name when there is english one to choose from?
So let's settle this Ming vs. Justin name debaucle. I go by both and this is why: My entire immediate family all have an english name....quite western ones at that and yet, I am the only one who has a full out Chinese name. Time and time again, when I'm on the phone or telling someone my name in a noisy environment or a perfectly quiet place, all they hear is "Me," "Min," (I HATED Min) or respond with "Sorry, what was that?" The worst is the blank stare and nod.
It was pretty annoying and so in highschool, my friends took it into their hands to give me an english name. I thought...well why not Mike, it's close to Ming... which was immediately vitoed. Then there was Shawn, Chris and Brian. Long story short, Justin was chosen. I ONLY used Justin previously when I was meeting new people or didn't feel comfortable giving my name out to vendors etc. Now I use it to apply for jobs and pretty much in any instance when I'm not with people who already know me.
So yes, you can call me by either name and I'll respond. The end.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Step 1...
Be on the look out for Puzzle Creations Hair Handbook - a detailed guide of simple, classic styles that will have the photog's going wild!
the 411 on us:
January 9th - Rani's Wedding!
Photoshoot at a downtown studio for our first ever Hair Guide
January 11th - Meeting with designer for our own line of Hair Accessories!
January 17th - Meeting with Bonnie Lui Events for our Summer Event/Fundraiser
-the hair guy
the 411 on us:
January 9th - Rani's Wedding!
Photoshoot at a downtown studio for our first ever Hair Guide
January 11th - Meeting with designer for our own line of Hair Accessories!
January 17th - Meeting with Bonnie Lui Events for our Summer Event/Fundraiser
-the hair guy
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
....I'd be rich!
If I got a nickel for everytime someone asked me whether I have encountered Bridezillas, I'd be rich!
The truth is - I have been extremely lucky to have only dealt with 3 Bridezillas EVER - but that's not to say I haven't had picky Brides. Sometimes I want to scratch my eyes out.
Having done this for a few years now, I've learned a few things about being in this industry. This is just another job (for the most part). I'm all about creating good rapport with people because I find I do a much better job when the relationship is there and there is a mutual respect. Although hair is apparently a 'major' thing for brides, it seems as though the minute it's done with and to their satisfaction - they move on, sometimes forgetting to even send a quick thankyou afterwards or worse yet, they totally pretend they don't know you when you see them. Then, there are those brides who will shout at the top of their lungs for you, testifying to your skills.
It's funny because when Brides do the latter, I get all embarassed - and when they don't, it bothers me lol. Honestly, it doesn't matter either way because in the end, I was hired to do a job and whether that relationship flourishes afterwards or not, I can't take it personally. My job is very different than, say a photographer who gets to know the couple for a long period of time. I have been blessed to have so many Brides recommend me to their friends and those who send me an email to check up on how business is doing. All in all, it still amazes me that I'm still doing this :)
So what am I really saying? Nothing really lol - all just an observation of how people perceive what I do!
-the hair guy
The truth is - I have been extremely lucky to have only dealt with 3 Bridezillas EVER - but that's not to say I haven't had picky Brides. Sometimes I want to scratch my eyes out.
Having done this for a few years now, I've learned a few things about being in this industry. This is just another job (for the most part). I'm all about creating good rapport with people because I find I do a much better job when the relationship is there and there is a mutual respect. Although hair is apparently a 'major' thing for brides, it seems as though the minute it's done with and to their satisfaction - they move on, sometimes forgetting to even send a quick thankyou afterwards or worse yet, they totally pretend they don't know you when you see them. Then, there are those brides who will shout at the top of their lungs for you, testifying to your skills.
It's funny because when Brides do the latter, I get all embarassed - and when they don't, it bothers me lol. Honestly, it doesn't matter either way because in the end, I was hired to do a job and whether that relationship flourishes afterwards or not, I can't take it personally. My job is very different than, say a photographer who gets to know the couple for a long period of time. I have been blessed to have so many Brides recommend me to their friends and those who send me an email to check up on how business is doing. All in all, it still amazes me that I'm still doing this :)
So what am I really saying? Nothing really lol - all just an observation of how people perceive what I do!
-the hair guy
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