"Keep Going"

OOH, I know all to well about struggle, so much so at times I feel like Ms. Sophia in The Color Purple " Almost sat in that jail and rot, then I looked up and saw you Ms. Celie and I said there is a God, there is A God". Often times we become overwhelmed by life and its'circumstances what we give and what it throws us back. In essence, life is waiting for us to catch on to the ultimate lesson: To Get Change you must Give Change. If we are waiting on some mystical spell to free us from our self inflicted madness, we will be soberly awaiting and arriving at the understanding that complacency gets us no where. Goals yield results. When I reflect on the times in my life that were the most difficult I found that in order for me to gain higher ground, I had to first gain knowledge of self. I had to admit that I wanted change and most importantly needed change. It was not an easy task. There were times I wanted to wallow in self pity, party with misery and all her company and harp on many excuses. Ultimately where did that leave me? I was still UN fulfilled and further away from my dreams than ever. For someone who thought I could handle strong drink (being an adult) I knew I played a great part in pouring my own troubles; the truth had a way of bringing me to my knees. I had to face my insecurities, list of excuses, failures, and my own personal fears. I had to admit, I wanted success but I didn't have a clear map or plan to go after it. This is where I had to take my big girl pill. This medicine was hard to swallow, I didn't have a clue on where to begin so I began with assessment.

I was allowed to see that life and everything and everyone around me was not going to be perfect however because life wasn't perfect it didn't excuse me for checking out of the race. Hell, I wasn't perfect. I didn't do everything right all the time, nor did I consider that my way was not the only way. I had alot of confessing to do. I had to learn that life is our greatest teacher, you live...then you learn. Life is about completion. Life is about beginnings and endings, cycles, seasons and discoveries through trail and error. Although it makes you crazy, skeptical and insecure it also at the same time makes you courageous, strong and resilient. Courageous enough that despite the odds you continue to believe, despite your naysayers you remain diligent and despite how bleak things appear you continue in faith knowing that faith is what keeps you resilient even when you think there's no fight left. Life will make you get up and keep going. Every day won't be sweet nor will every day be bitter but this one thing I do know every day will bring change and hope for a better tomorrow. In all that I've had to experience what I've gained most about hardship is this"the only way to overcome a circumstance is to go through the circumstance". Afterall you are not the one carrying you through, you are the one being carried. Life is very sobering. Once you can see clearly the truth about the matter you'll have the ability to see and light a path for others.

Be Encouraged & Be Well
April Ray

SALON RAY SERVICE MENU

MENU

Textured Services

Relaxer Virgin $87

Relaxer Re-touch $67

Texturizer $75

Cutting Services

Trim $13

Men's cut $15

Precision cut $27

Color Services

Base color $33

Virgin color $53

Color glaze $20

Color refresh $27

Semi permanent $18

Demi permanent $20

Hi-lites half head $58

Hi-lites full head $116

Color Blocking (consultation required)

Color correction (consultation required)

New client (color consultation required)

Extended Conditioning Services

Hydro Therapy Mask $17

Hydro Therapy Treatment $23

Protein Treatment $18

Conditioning Treatment $47

Updo's start at $58

Bridal Packages

(consultation required, 50%

credit carddeposit required

for parties of 4 or more)

Specialty Styles $67 & up

Weaving (consultation required)

Children Services $43 & up

Regular Services

Shampoo, Blow dry, Curl

starting at $50

Shampoo, Round brush

starting at $27

Shampoo, Blow dry, ceramic

press

starting at $50

*Extra charge for shoulder length hair or longer

Pamper Me Well

Manicure

Pedicure

Eyebrows

Waxing

(contact salon for prices)

*EACH SERVICE IS A LA CARTE

*NO CHILDREN ALLOWED UNLESS BEING SERVICED

My Wonderful Experience of an "All About Me"

Pamper Day

Recently on Thursday March 18, 2010 I had one of the most amazing experiences ever. I got a chance to encounter 5 angels in diguise @ Salon Ray in Farmington Hills, Mi. This incredible experience started when my name was entered into a contest unbeknownst to me by my wonderful cousin Jackie Smith.

When the salon owner April called and left a message on my voice mail to tell me I won. I thought it was a joke or wrong number (I Don't Win Things At All), but once I called the salon and found out it was true, I was excited and a little afraid not knowing what to expect since April stated just have an open mind and let them take care of me. (something else that doesn't normally happen).

So this was the beginning of my next new phase in my life and I was ready for the journey. From the time I set foot in the door @ 9 am until I left @ 6:30 pm these classy ladies made me feel like royalty and made me feel soooo special. As I spent the day with the ladies talking, sharing I was ministered to in my spirit, empowered, encouraged and pleasantly surprised. As I cried the WHOLE day from being overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude and thankfulness. I was shown by the Holy Spirit that this experience was not just about a free hairdo, massage, eyelashes, manicure, pedicure, facial, make-up and to top it off a new outfit to go out and paint the town with but it was about people (all of us) doing what GOD has commanded us to do from the beginning which was Love One Another and Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You!!

These classy DIVA'S gave so much of themselves so freely, not expecting anything in return or what they can benefit from it without having a TV camera in their face to show their good deeds. That's why I know without a shadow of a doubt GOD is going to open so many doors and and bless them beyond belief. At one moment when I actually stopped crying I asked April what made her decide to do this, and she responded that she knows it's hard out here and if she can make a difference in just one persons life then Job Well Done! And Mrs. April I agree 100%, this is your gift and your calling and because you were obedient and willing I believe with every fiber of my being that GOD will show FAVOR upon your business and open doors and cause you and the lovely ladies of Salon Ray Liz, Desiree', Joy and Sandy and as well as the chosen vessel over your family Mr. Ray, be blessed beyond your wildest dreams. Let the rain fall and GOD BLESS.

Sincerely,

Sybil Parrish

4/2/2010

The Ultimate Experience - Facials by Desiree'

Today I experienced a wonderful tantalizing treat - a facial by Desiree'. Although I have had facials in the past, nothing compares to the professional experience I encountered today at Salon Ray. It was very comfortable and relaxing, and exceeded my expectations. The results were amazing. My skin glowed and was so supple. I would definitely recommend everyone treat themselves to a facial by Desiree'. She is the best and a true professional.

Gail Douthard
June 4, 2010

Greetings,

It is with sincere effort this blog has been created to help you, the consumer reach the pinnacle of success. In our journey together, we will explore a new you, healthier and happier in mind, body and spirit. Enveloping on unfamiliar ground, together we will create the best image possible using every day tips to keep you at your best. It has been in my experience that change is never easy, however; once the change has been made the reward has been worth the while. So let us begin our journey together searching for our most hidden treasure: OURSELVES

Never be afraid to reveal our individuality, it is what keeps us alive, free & beautiful just like a butterfly.

Featuring Danielle Richardson
“Before”

Phenomenal Women: “The Woman Behind The Mask”

What can I say?

Danielle Richardson is an extraordinary soul awaiting “Great” things. Underneath her disguise, she is a vivacious spirit, unconscious of her ethereal beauty. Like most women, Danielle doesn’t see herself as the eye that is beholding “her beauty”. So I, the artist just had to have a love affair with the canvas to Reveal layers of Resilience, beauty & purity. Danielle has always trusted me to do whatever I’ve envisioned for her and so on this particular day we decided “Make Me Over”.
“In the Words of Danielle”
Salon Ray is much more than a hair salon. The quality of care, the love the attentiveness you receive there is immeasurable. I will give you one of many examples; my stylist April Ray knew that I had very little knowledge about hair care knowledge about hair care products, the best quality of hair and the best colors to compliment my complexion or to use Aprils’ words “the colors that will make your face pop”. Because she knew of my limited skills with making the best selections, April accompanied me to the beauty supplier, educated me on the different types of hair , showed me what products would work best for my desired styles and what colors would compliment me. But that isn’t all we then went to a clothing store to select fashionable wear to set off my new attitude. You are now looking at the end result. I share this with you because I am very thankful to April for her constant love and kindness. This time spent with her was very special. She made me feel as though I was her most important client. Funny thing is she has the ability to make all her clients feel that way.
Thank you so much April for doing what comes so easy for you…. Bringing out the Diva in us all.

Love Always,
Danielle

“Pass the Knowledge, Pass the Wealth”

I will never forget Thursday June 18th 2009. That was the day that I became an official apprentice for Salon Ray. It kinda seemed like I was starting all over and this was the first day of school and I didn’t know what to expect. Little did I know this was the beginning of my future. A future full of success and dreams to come true, with the help of one special lady named Mrs. April Ray. The Apprenticeship Program at Salon Ray has helped me have an open mind, find my creativity, and develop a passion for the art and science of Cosmetology. By being an up and coming cosmetologist it is my duty to observe and gain some experience from the Salon Ray apprenticeship Program. So here I am taking advantage of the education and opportunities that lie before me. Not only have I learned about the history and inventions of cosmetology, but the image I want to portray as a professional in the industry. I have not only gained knowledge but a sense of confidence. Confidence to know I will be the best that I can be as a student, and cosmetologist. It is Mrs. April Ray who believed in me enough to take me under her wing and show me how to fly.

She warned me that this journey would not be easy, and yes that statement was very true. I have learned that nothing in life comes easy. A wise woman once told me “if you have inspiration, education, self-preservation, dedication, determination, motivation, and implementation then the end result will be success”. That wise woman was April Ray. This was the lesson June 18, 2009. The day that changed my life and I became the first apprentice for Salon Ray.

Respectfully,
Joyai Williams