01.10 : Prosperity comes when you practice restriction.

L'Shanah Tovah friends!

Today is Rosh Hashanah and if you know me well, I look forward to the Jewish New Year every year.  For me, it is a time of reflection and renewal.

I have been doing alot of thinking about the last six months of my life and career.  In six months time, I have opened a business and detoxified my life in terms of associates, friends, clients and "internet" relations that do not serve me any more.  I am not saying this to be selfish, but more so, to let you know that my life is fuller than it has been even with gaps in my schedule, nights alone, and not posting my WHOLE life on Facebook and Twitter.

I took today off from the salon and have been in my robe all day and in Andrew Christian underwear looking at my weblife, salonlife and personal life.  I am very happy with the stats on both blogs and the YouTube channel and am happy to say that they will continue being part of my journey for now.  "Rockstar Slums" is my beauty blog and is doing exceptional! We have the highest demographics in the US, Germany and Russia.  Most of the fashionistas that love that blog access it from iPhones, iPads and Macs and use Safari or Safari Mobile.  This very blog has a high readership weekly and again the US, Germany and Russia are my highest demographics, but most people access me from Google Chrome and Droid operating systems.  Crazy, how big brothery the Studio JRy Creative Department is getting, isn't it?

With Rosh Hashanah being today, I have thought about my priorities. Its very clear that my worklife is my life's purpose and my priority.  Building my brand in education is key! Diane Von Furstenberg told Rachel Zoe a few years ago, "when you learn, share." 

I am in that mode lately.  Business peers, my intership program and Joico are all on deck to see what Josh Cooley and Rockstars and Lambs Ltd can bring them. My goal is to create an education network that betters stylists and the clients that LOVE their stylists. My Studio JRy Creative brand is part of this through the use of this blog, the youtube channel and writing "Living Fabulously". As you can see, it's not all about the hair for me, it's about the betterment (is that a word) of people on the inside and helping them become in-tune with their authentic selves. 

In the year 5773 (Jewish year) or for you 2012-2013, I want to travel more, share more and love more.  Those are my three goals. In order to do all three, I have undergone a financial restructuring of Rockstars and Lambs Ltd.  This does not mean ANYthing bad.  It means, I'm taking control of inventory, money that goes out and controlling HOW money comes into the business and is taxed appropriately and paid out appropriately. For this reason, the hours in the salon are going to change slightly.

I am busiest on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Fridays are wondeful as well, Mondays have a 7/8 chance of being canceled on, so I have decided to only be open two Mondays a month 1-6. Once a month, we will close early on Wednesdays at 3pm as Wednesday evening is NOT very busy in my studio. When the demand comes for more times, we will open those back up in about 4-6 months.  

For a private atelier owner like me, NOT running the lights or water while we are not with clients is financially responsible. In 5773 (2012-2013), I want to make better choices financially.  In order to share, I must have.  In order to have, I cannot waste.

Here's to a prosperous and restrictive new view of my life and business in the new year,

Josh

Visit my fashion and beauty blog: http://rockstarslums.blogspot.com

01.09 : My Saturn Return and Rosh Hashanah

Good morning Rockstars + Lambs! 

It is 7:30 on a rather cool September morning in SoCo. I am contemplating what fall fashion I will be presenting to the world on my morning walk to work in about an hour or so.  Sipping coffee, going over fashion week coverage and really taking time to reflect on past events this year in my life.

As some of you may know, Rosh Hashanah is on Monday this coming week and I am a huge participant in the High Holy Days. For me, you DON'T need to be Jewish or study Kabbalah, it's a time of renewal, a time of celebration, a time of reflection on the year past and looking forward to the year approaching and seeing what we can change in our nature and core.  The very source that drives us is not our spirituality, but our energy in this world.  Like it or not, we are ALL made of the same stuff.  Matter is matter.  Rosh Hashanah reminds me of the Creator's intention for us when he created the world millenia ago. That may be deep for some, but that is how I see this time of the year.

So, as part of my "restructure" in my life, I took time (read last blog 01.08) to re-evaluate my mission with the salon, my life and my goals.  My birthday was a couple of weeks ago and I officially hit my Saturn Return.  If you're someone that studies the cosmos and astrology, you'll understand that every 28 years, Saturn ends up in the same spot it was in when YOU were born.  So, 28, 56, 84 (if you live that long). We start to look at those as milestone moments before big ages like 30, 60 and well, the afterlife. LOL.  

I have put myself on a serious debt diet and cash diet.  It has been a welcomed adjustment.  Not going out every night or every other night, cooking at home like a Food Network chef and even taking pleasure in doing my own laundry and chores.  I know, I know that sounds petty, but truly someone busy like me finds chores and daily life annoying, but when I changed my perspective and looked at the "blessing" in it, I realized... life's not too bad being mellow.

Part of the new renewed Rosh Hashanah view of my life and Saturn-look at my life has been letting go of my friends.  NOT LIKE THAT!  What I mean is, letting them go on and be who THEY need to be AND having other friendships and moving on into their own echelons. One of my dearest friends has been on my brain lately and I have had to understand deep down that the intimacy I share in words exchanged and times together are simply that, nothing more.  My search in life for a partner and my intimacy with this friend have skewed my vision of who he really is: a young man discovering himself.  I've already discovered who I was years ago.  I find it fair to say that I have had to make peace with that the fact that I am not "partner material" at this time in my life.  I am not someone's boyfriend or even close to someone's husband. 

Not only has this situation been on my mind, but ALL my friends have been on my mind, I have come to the conclusion that I do not trust easily and that I have, in actuality, a SMALL group of "friends", everyone else is an acquaintance.  What a blessing to be known and appreciated, but what a loss for many. I personally do not TRUST people.  I have had a hard time letting my guard down and when I do, I feel used and taken advantage of.  So moving on into the future, I will not be indebting so much on my friends, rather... meditating, praying, fasting and reading.  

I'm sure I'll have my occasional sloshed drunk moment still, though. (lol)

Fashion week this year has been a blitz of luxury if you've noticed and as Rosh Hashanah begins and Fashion week ends, I have realized, I have lived a lifetime of fashion weeks in my own right.  As a friend, as a businessman and as a thinker. I have begun and ended, returned from Saturn and released all my earthly connections of ANY obligation to me or any expectations I have of them.  As solemn as that sounds, it's very gratifying.

Think about it... I have put the universe and my energy into control.  No person can give me what the universe or the Creator has.

Words of advice from my favorite stylist/designer Rachel Zoe: "pick what it is you love and then the success will come..."

hearts,

jry

01.08 : Evolution begins with the REAL you.

Good evening Rockstars + Lambs!

It's a chilly summer-going-into-autumn evening in SoCo.  I'm sipping coffee and loving this day.  Today, I stepped away from the salon and came in to do my best friend's hair and have lunch.  It was fabulous!  I've had alot of downtime lately to reflect and learn to accept who I am and where I'm going and what needs to change in my life.

At last week's "Dancing with the Starz", I had a regain of confidence in who I am as a public persona.  The event, itself, went very very well and I wanted nothing more than to relish the spotlight as I do at these events.  The event, even though, not about me was a lot of fun.. I had great family, great friends and great photos taken of all of us.  As I looked through a few of the photos, I liked what I saw.  I included my family, I was sharing a moment/a part of me with THEM. I also, saw a realization of the fatty mcfatty I'm becoming.

I have taken time to take care of me and have noticed nothing but weight gain... how does that happen? I also noticed my discrepancies in my finances (once again).  I have learned two things about myself:

-Number 1, I live a decadent life... sometimes TOO decadent (according to my pictures)

-Number 2, I spend money like it's water. That shit's gotta stop.

This is a controllable situation.  According to Suze Orman, people in debt are fifteen lbs heavier from stress and you usually spend "more than" because you feel "less than".... this would be accurate.

I would be lying to say that August hasn't been a test of my sanity. I feel about the salon the way Oprah felt about starting a network.. it's tough.  I love my salon, everything is well, but it's tough behind the scenes.  When people and situations affect my bottom line, it really becomes sucky to have to accept it and move on.  People that cancel and reschedule all the time or do not pre-book absolutely annoy me.  It's not a hidden fact.

I don't hide this information about me because, as I've said before, THIS IS REAL LIFE. If you don't like me real, you won't like me fake, I can tell you that much. 

As I re-read last week's blog about my uncontrollable mouth, I was at piece with myself. I have accepted that if someone cannot handle this world of social media we use for self-promotion, they're probably very insecure and wish they could do the same.  I've also realized that there are moments when NOT EVERYBODY needs to KNOW EVERYTHING about me.

This past 16 days of August have taught me to be me.... authentically be me.  Even if it means being hated or given the evil eye.  It's really okay. I have also learned that my business is ready to transform five/six months in.  There are people that need to be sent away and there is a new rebirth of clientele that needs to be reached out to.

For this reason, we will be debuting Gentleman's Wednesday and Root-Retouch Friday.  For a special price, we will offer services and products at a different rate to better accommodate the guest.  We will also offer specials on retail those respective days.

As fall approaches, I am looking forward to Rosh Hashanah and the rebirth and start of a new year.  I always take these days out for self-reflection and will be doing the same this year.  Goals to work for are:

-weightloss and health

-personal security in my finances

-a new Mac

-a new Blackberry

-letting others in to help me.

I have fallen short of taking care of aspect of my life in the sake of wanting others to like me.  Well, here it is: the real me.

The real me talks too much, cusses too much, drinks too much, smokes on occasion, doesn't manage finances well, seeks a partnership in life, lusts after goals and needs to accept that NOT everyone is meant to be my friend.

Sounds hardcore right?

Nope... this is all part of my evolution to discover who I REALLY need to be... in business and in life.

Time to be more healthy, open-minded, financially responsible, more organized than ever before and a mentor to myself, others and those around me in my daily life.

Here's to Rosh Hashanah, a new year and a new revitalized ME,

Josh Cooley

01.07 : Keepin' it real... mouth and all

Good evening lambs!

Thanks so much for checking the blog!  It's been exactly one month since my last post.  I have neglected this blog horribly.  Tonight, it's about 8pm and I'm finishing a Corona and lime at Studio JRy and brewing some much-needed coffee.  You know me! Constant coffee lover.

Well, this week has been challenging, I must say.  My patience and time and integrity have all been tested in the past couple weeks.  I hope that at the end of this week, the event "Dancing with the Pueblo Starz" makes me smile.  Last week, we had our fashion competition "So You Want To Be A Fashion Designer" and it was awesome!  Today, a local paper printed extensively regarding the event and with as many press photos as I took last week, I was surprise NOT to be in the print edition at all.  This was, for me, another bash to my ego.  It seems as though the public in SoCo has put themselves on a Josh Cooley-detox. (I'll reflect on this detox later)...

In very good news, my longing to educate and possibly do hair shows again has come to some amazing news.  The manufacturer Joico has come calling.  I absolutely adore this brand and cannot wait to get on board.  The sad part about my first phone interview today was that they wanted me to start doing training Monday (that's less than three days away).  For me, it was very hard when I did work for CHI because of my growing popularity in the salon.  As much as I feel "unwanted" this week, this is still an issue.  I have to trust that if the Universe feels its time for me to take on this opportunity, time will be made available.

 

I do feel as though this will be a magnificent pairing and hope to get started in-training this fall. 

Tonight has been a hodge podge of thoughts.. mostly "what to wear" for "Dancing..." ...last year was a hit and I have no clue as to what look I'm going for.  I've taken my "Rockstar chic" vibe and gone a bit more humble.  Think: retired Rockstar in Beverly Hills.  My life has changed significantly in the past eight months to a more mellow me.  However, my staunch business savvy and firey mouth are still getting me in trouble.

Now to explain the Josh Cooley Detox:

Please understand that my clients mean the utmost to me.  Always have, always will.  I did, however, hit a point in my career where I had some bug-a-boos in my roster.  Always blowing up my Blackberry, always making critiques of my views on Facebook, YouTube and publicly and I hit a point one day where I was over it. 

As I went to the neighborhood bar to decompress one evening, I overheard another business over talking about a smaller business on his block. He dogged this poor lady to pieces.  She wasn't there to defend herself and I, of course, as a business associate and friend, went to bat for her.  I was so angry after my words exchanged with him that I came home and turned on my Blackberry to be greeted by six messages, three voicemails and an email, all of which were reschedules, cancellations for no reason or complaints.  All I could think was, "what the fuck?  Really people?"

I started to video blog as I do. 

In the vlog titled, "You don't get it. So shut up!" I describe what frustration I had for this man and his views of small business and even touch base on bug-a-boo people in my life.  As I posted, I knew it was a bit honest, I just didn't care.  We watch reality tv shows all day and still watch these pseud-celebrities and talk shit all day on Facebook, but my little vlog caused quite the stir with many people.  Not just clients, but business associates and friends.  

"You called people stupid" said one friend.

"So I'm replaceable, eh?" said a client.

"That video made me want to cry, Josh" said one business associate.

 "I told you, the internet is no damn good" said my mom.

A week or two later, I recieved an email from a former client calling me "condescending", "negative" and "difficult to work with".  

Did I fuck up? Maybe.

Do I think I was rude in the video.  No.

I really truly believe I was honest. My tone in the video is not a mean tone nor a negative one.  I do, however, feel that people watching need to take a deep breath and understand that not everything in our pretty little world is always sugary and sweet.  As real as I am, I am not an angry person.  I am passionate.  As passionate as I am, sometimes ill-minded business associates and client urk me.  But... this is 2012, people and we ALL have the right to express our feelings, thoughts,etc.

I think for most people, me defending my words shocks people because I do not hide behind the screen.  If you asked me what I said, I own it... I do not hide behind my persona.  This is me.  I am real.

As I re-read this clients email, she said she could never consider herself a client of mine because I deleted her from Facebook.  Well, honey, grow up.  Buckle up, because Facebook is not the hardest pill you will have to swallow in life.  She also mocked me and my success and was very sarcastic in her email.  I'll let her have that.  She was angry.  Would I have been angry?  No.  Irritated maybe. But I will say this, and stand by it, the video was NOT about her.  She misinterpreted the video and assumed it was.

Sad for her because I really kinda liked her.  and really kinda liked her business. 

I have evaluated this situation all week only to have a well-deserved meeting with my executive team at Rockstars and Lambs LTD.

What to expect at the salon is a new menu, new services, new pricing structure and new retail starting September 01.  What the Studio JRy branch of my business had to do was alter/edit the way we use social media.  As of now and from now until forever, both the Josh Cooley and Rockstars + Lambs Facebook pages are ONLY business or hair or fashion related.  No more negative posts, rants or personal sentiments... maybe a spiritual lesson or two.  The FB page will also deliver the vlogs and blogs as usual.  My YouTube channel and blog will remain the same because, truly, I like them that way.  This is ME behind the scenes.  No bullshit.  No Fluff.

I like to keep it real... and it will stay that way.  Can't wait to see you at "Dancing with the Pueblo Starz"! 

Mouth and all,

Josh Cooley

01.06: Balancing events, friends and JRy

Good evening Rockstars + Lambs,

I hope you're doing well this evening.  Tonight, I'm sipping Godiva coffee with the perfect amount of Italian sweet cream and waiting for some of the salon's laundry to finish drying. I have spent most of the evening baking, preparing lasagna and making salads for the week.  This afternoon, I cut out the salon early for a little "me" time at the spa.

I never thought pulling away from the day would leave so many people speechless and thinking I was angry at them or upset.  I turned off both my Blackberry and my iPhone and traveled strictly with my iPad.  My e-mail was blowing up with people trying to track me down.  There are some moments in my life when I think, "f--k me!" (not erotic- haha, but like 'bash my head against the wall' eff me).

Yesterday, we began working on an event I am co-sponsoring and producing called "So You Want to Be A Fashion Designer" with my good friend and fashion stylist Sam of Robot Exchange.  She specializes in bringing vintage wear and couture to the masses.  We filmed a bit for youtube and mass media and went through all the general rules with the four participating teams for this even that is happening in early August.

About two weeks ago (shortly after my last blog), I was informed that my fashion/trend/etiquette column, "Haute Mess" has been canceled.  In my heart, I knew the publisher was no longer wanting it or accepting my views or philosophy.  That's entirely okay.  For the last two years, I've had a ball writing it.  What I can leak to you is that I am working on a book loosely based and using excerpts from the columns.  

I always thought that if I ever lost the publication of my award-winning column, I would no longer be publicly relevant.  However, a week and a half later, I began working on this competition with Sam.  So, there you go.  I've gone from writing to producing parts of the events I'm taking part in.  

As you know, Sunday is my day to be with my family.  Even as a platform artist and color educator, I was ALWAYS home on Sundays to be with my family.  Last night, however, we started filming and presented the challenge to the teams.  So, today, I snuck out of the salon to take care of me and hung out with parents (I'll have to fore-warn people). 

This week is my mom's birthday and next week is my best friend's birthday.  I can't wait to see my best friend because he is walking as a model as part of a fashion presentation Sam and I are putting together.  This Friday, we also have a LGBT fundraiser to attend.  What can I say?  I HAVE TO include my friends in my projects OR I'd never see them.  That's why when I'm not doing something work-related, I cherish my time away from everyone.  So, if my phone is off, it's off.   It's all part of the balancing act that is my life.

A week after this competition is complete, we have "Dancing with the Pueblo Starz"... again, I've sponsored the show and am a judge. So, tonight, I've been tidying up the guest list.

Well, as you see, life after "Haute Mess" isn't too bad.  I'm forced now to take a more PUBLIC role (I thought I was already) and be out and about in our community.  As much as I make it feel like a task, it really isn't.

The biggest task, is making time for my family and friends without the interruption of both the public, my clients and my associates.

Well, my laundry is done and it's time to work out, mediate and live my fabulous life all over again tomorrow.

Hearts,

JRy

01.05 : Setting boundaries = fun.

Good afternoon Rockstars + Lambs,

I'm taking a break in the middle of the afternoon from the salon to blog.  I'm currently at Studio JRy sipping an ice-cold bottle of lemon water.  It has recently been (on average) 106 degrees in SoCo.  I'm dying at the salon as in our building only has a swamp cooler, hence, breaking in the middle of the day to come to my loft where there is central air makes life a little easier.  Especially when I have to finish a day in the muggy heat of 

R+:L.

So, not too much has gone on since the last blog I wrote.  Life has been good on a business level. There have been numerous phone calls from new word-of-mouth referrals.  I remember when I first ventured out on my own a couple years ago, I thought that having the largest ad campaigns worked the most to keep me publicly relevant.  Now, with the help of two hit columns and a major web-presence, I've pretty much stapled myself to part of the business community here in Southern Colorado.  

Yesterday, I took time away from the salon to be a domestic diva and do simple stuff like laundry, paying bills and even had time to see my colourist.  Thank you Jesus! I took a bit of ribbing about it as well from a very good client that wanted to get in on a timeline.  Unfortunately, sometimes, you have to say "no".  People do not realize that I have taken a look at the ENTIRE calendar year and sectioned off all of my days off from now until January 2013.  So, no, unfortunately, Monday, I was not going to make an exception.  Not even for a VIP.

This week, we're having a large sale at the salon in an effort to liquidate two lines that I'll be discontinuing.  Part of doing this now, is making room for the addition of one new line this fall at Rockstars + Lambs and bringing in a long-awaited men's line I've wanted since I opened, but haven't had room for.  In my heart, I wish I could keep everything, but just as clients ask for too much after hours, so do some of the manufacturers I work with.  

Tonight, we're totally ending on a high note.  I have a wine dinner that I'm attending with my parents and my aesthetician.  I was given news last week that my beloved aesthetician and business networking associate will be moving back to California at the end of the summer.  I kind of want to go with her.  We've done so much business together through the years that I don't know what to say... except, "I'm going to miss her... terribly."

Even though it's a staggering 103 degrees outside today, part of being at home this afternoon has been me pulling potential outfits for tonight.  If you've paid attention, I really do believe in the separation day-time and night-time clothes.  Nights = always pants for men.  Even in 103 weather.. and especially to a wine dinner.  A fresh tan, a shower and a quick change will allow me to put my "happy face" on for a night of eating, drinking, and being merry.

With that said, let's be merry this week.  The salon's doing well and the summer has been hot, but ultimately, I'm enjoying myself... all thanks to saying "no" and giving myself and others boundaries.

Stay cool, Colorado lambs!

xoxo.

Josh

01.04: Profits, Losses, Critiques and.... Collagen?

Good evening lambs,

It's yours truly, Mister Cooley pecking away at my laptop and updating my "behind-the-scenes" blog after almost a two-month hiatus from blogging.  Sometimes a break does a body good, well, a brain good at least... Today, I was stuck at home with a mild migraine.  I could feel the aura coming on about 8pm last night and at 4am this morning, I awoke in tears.  For once, I called off on my scheduled day at Rockstars + Lambs and decided to shut off the Blackberry.  

My migraine left me disabled in terms of most social media as well.  My iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and TV were all too bright and too loud until about 2pm this afternoon.  As of now, it's about 10:30 pm at Studio JRy, I haven't showered yet and am sipping coffee in my my Yves Saint Laurent frosted shades and sitting in an Alexander Wang tee and Andrew Christian trunks.  This is the equivalent to a gay man's Victoria's Secret ad.

Since I last blogged, I've had many engagements booked.  In August, I will be on the judging panel for a local competition called, "So You Wanna Be a Fashion Designer"... a week after that is the second installment of "Dancing with the Pueblo Starz". Believe me, this is a compliment.  I wish people understood what is was like to have this kind of attention on a local level.  As of June, "Haute Mess" entered it's third volume to rave reviews and I am working on a new installment of "Living Fabulously" for Accolades Magazine.

My only frustration in life at this time in my extra-curricular activities is #1) EVERYONE EVERWHERE seeks sponsorship dollars from me.  In July, I was asked to go to Beverly Hills for a fundraiser and have had to since decline.  The salon isn't even three months old and sponsoring at this time is almost pre-mature.  If I haven't even began writing checks on a local level, what makes people so interested in me sponsoring national campaigns? Also, both publishers has hit me with so many last-minute guidelines and last-minute deadlines, I'm not surprised I stayed home with a migraine today.  Some could argue that working on my blogs is diverting my professional growth, I would argue that it's not only therapeutic for me, but also a catharsis for my lambs to read and live-through vicariously (that's the point of both).

As part of mulling down this migraine, I have been subjected to alot of emails and comments made publicly regarding my demeanor.  Past clientele, friends and business acquaintances have told me I have a reputation for being hard to get along with and my rules a bit staunch for the average Puebloan.  Well, my darlings, buckle up.  Late is never okay and YES if I have to wait for you, we WILL reschedule.  In business, I do expect advanced notice, confirmations and that you conduct yourself as my business peer, not my mate.  I do, however, have a great relationship with a lot of business associates outside of our work environments.  Make no mistake though, just because we've had cocktails or dinner together, DOES NOT mean you may walk all over me. As the publishers and organizations I work with have no problem setting guidelines for me, I have reflected the same in my guidelines for them. That is BUSINESS people!

When reading an email last night, I was brought to tears at the fact that someone let me know she was leaving me for being a tyrant and inflexible with her time.  I can't be everything to everyone.  Part of me telling a heavy-hitting client she'll have to reschedule due to time restraints is being fair to the other 250 regulars that visit me. Am I expecting too much for people to be on time and keep their appointments?  I'm on time and I'm always there for my clientele.  I don't find it unreasonable to be off the clock at 6pm to enjoy dinner with my family or best mate or refuse to answer e-mails or calls on Sunday.  The people that find this "difficult" were gladly remembered on Migraine Monday. No more of that in the future.

As part of setting up standards these past few months, I've decided that after my first quarter profits and losses are reported for Rockstars and Lambs Ltd., we will be working on bringing more into the salon in terms of decor and marketing.  Also, Studio JRy is getting a facelift.  I need a new couch and a new desk and a new laptop and at the salon, more seating, nesting table and window dressings will be brought in.  Part of profits and losses will be the first official announcement of which retail line will be discontinued and in September this year, I will unveil to the public WHICH new line will be joining our fantastic retail line-up.  As much as I love all the brands I have in the salon, the point is this: if it costs me more money to stock than it is bringing in, it will have to go.

Whew!  As you can tell, I've been busy on the business-front these past six weeks since the last blog.  Hopefully, I can get back to a regular blog-schedule and keep you in the know... at the end of this and all the projects coming in July, I'm gonna need a collagen facial and about twenty spray tans.  

More to come, lambs... more to come.

xoxo,

JRy

Visit www.josh-cooley.com for more or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rockstarslambs