05 Dec Starting a Career in your 40s

Never in my wildest dreams did I think finding a job in my 40s would make me feel as though I just got out of college.

My job for the past 14 years has been being a Mom to my two wonderful kids. Little did I realize that these kids grow up and start having a life of their own, which is great! This is exactly what we want for them but the less they need from me the more I began to wonder what can I do to fill my time?

I remember being 16 with my best friend Joanna putting on fake nails, doing our hair and makeup. It is something that I have always loved. Then friends starting calling me to help them get ready for an event, a celebration or even a night out. When I saw how happy they became with their transformation I felt exhilarated. Seeing how I could make a woman feel, I knew this was something I truly enjoyed.

I worked for 4 years at a spa in St. Laurent which I loved. If someone didn’t show up for work I would replace them. It was such a fun environment, people were always happy to be there. My hours were at my convenience so that I could be there for my kids in the morning and after school. Unfortunately the spa closed and I knew I would never find anything like that opportunity again.

Fast forward to 2014, after working on several friends for many different occasions I was being encouraged to start my own venture.

I began to think maybe this was a good idea and that I would do it differently. I would do it at the convenience of people’s homes. A place where they feel most relaxed and comfortable.

I know that the prices of a salon can be pretty hefty. After all, you have to pay the woman who washes your hair, the hairdresser and sometimes parking. It can cost a small fortune after only a few hours of being pampered.

With me, you can jump out of a shower, get into your PJs again and I pop right over.

When I first meet with a client I always want to know their vision, how they see themselves. We discuss what colors work best for them regarding makeup to match with their outfit as well as their hairstyle. You always want it to look a little different if you have an event from what you’re used. Give it some kind of “WOW” factor. If it’s just for a weekly blow-dry then we can achieve something more natural.

Trusting me with a person’s vanity can be a pretty big deal but many people that I would never have expected to be so encouraging and truly sweet have given me a chance. I’ve done many manicures, blow-dries and makeup sessions with all positive results and reoccurring business. I did an amazing Mother/Daughter Bat Mitzvah. When I saw their reaction to my work I was truly thrilled.

I really believe in empowering women by helping them feel their best.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve been to work with so many amazing women who have trusted me on some of the most important days of their lives. I’m often the first person they see on those days, bleary-eyed and sleepy at 5 am. I love that part of my job is to help calm their nerves and encourage their excitement and joy.

I’ve also had a chance to spread my wings by working on commercials, catalogues

I’m so grateful for my returning clients. The ones who trusted me when I was first starting out and with whom I’ve since formed meaningful friendships, I love being their go-to-gal when they feel like they need a little extra spring in their step on a big day.

There is really no better feeling than seeing the looks on the faces of these women when they first see themselves after I’ve

I also feel that as a community we should encourage not only our children but our peers. The world is so saturated with so many of the same things, why not try something a little different.

With grad season coming up, I’m so excited to help teenagers

-Heidi Rosen

hro@bell.net