QB House - My First "Virgin" Visit

Today was my first (virgin) visit to QB House. Let me share my experience in this blog post.  

Previously I used to cut my hair in a leading Japanese brand hair salon. Each haircut was about $50 on an average. The service was good and the hairdresser always knew what I wanted. But I wanted to save costs as I was having my hair cut every 2-3 weeks. Yes my hair grows pretty quick. My last haircut before this QB visit was actually to a Malay Barber, who sorta gave me a “disastrous” haircut, in my point of view. No disrespect to Malay Barbers. I grew up having my hair cut by Malay Barbers under blocks of HDB flats. Just that the one I went to didn’t gave me what I wanted but worst. 

Alright, back to my first ever visit to QB House. I was introduced to it by my buddy, Selwyn (@krustyroll). Did some googling on the opening hours and which was the nearest branch to my residence. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by 2 friendly ladies at the shop. My initial thought was that the hairdressers were Men in their late 40s. I knew I had to insert $12 and take a queue card. But I didn’t had small change in my wallet. As I turned my back and walked away, the lady, while still cutting another gentleman’s hair, stopped me and asked if I needed change. I said Yes and she gave me nice exact breakdown for my $50 note. So I exchanged $12 notes for my QB queue card using the machine provided. For those who wanted to use their EZ-Link card, it was possible as well. There were 3 lights at the corner of the shop, Green – no waiting time, Yellow – 5-10mins waiting time, Red – 15mins & above waiting time. It was Red for me. While waiting, I was observing how they run the business and how they cut their customers hair. Of course, nervously hoping they will not “screw up” my haircut.  

Flow of Business : Before a customer sits down for their haircut experience. The hairdresser will sweep the floor and allow the vacuum hole on the floor suck in the unwanted hair, making the floor clean and looking presentable. Next they will brush and clean the seat before inviting the next customer to sit. While taking their seat, the customer would be greeted politely and asked how they wanted their hair to be done, with the hairdresser giving their suggestions as well. The hairdresser will cut/shave the hair to how the customer wants it within 10-15mins. Next they will use the mirror to show the front & back of the finished haircut to the satisfied customer. Once agreeable, they will then proceed to use the hair vacuum to “massage” and suck the loose and unwanted hair off your head & shoulders. Once done, the customer can proceed to collect their belongings in the designated cupboard before heading off. Again, to be greeted goodbye by all the hairdressers in the shop. 

I had the privilege to enjoy the above mentioned flow of business. Also I witness the kindness and patience of the hairdresser as they attended to the handicapped customer before me. I give this business concept and service two thumbs up. I will also recommend the same to any of you readers to go try this experience.

IMPORTANT LESSONS IN LIFE

We all feel like "shit" from time to time. While this is a normal feeling, you have to find a way to see yourself and your life from a different perspective. Just because things are not going "your" way at the moment, that doesn’t mean you’re a failure. In fact, it’s quite the contrary.

Here are signs that you are doing good and lessons in life:

1. Your relationships.

As we age, we should develop maturity. So maybe your relationships were drama-filled in your past, but if you have moved beyond that, then you are doing good.

2. Ask for help and support.

Asking for help does not equal weakness. In fact, it is a strength. No/Little people has ever succeeded solo. It takes teamwork to accomplish goals. Asking for help is a sign that you have grown as a person.

3. Raise your standards.

You don’t tolerate bad behavior any more – from other people, or even yourself. You hold people accountable for their actions. You don’t spend time with the “energy vampires” in your life anymore.

4. Let go of things that don’t make you feel good.

Self-love is success. Love yourself enough to say ‘no’ to anything that doesn’t make you happy, doesn’t serve your purpose, or drags you down.

5. Appreciate who you see in the mirror.

You should appreciate who you see in the mirror at every moment. But even if that doesn’t happen, if you do it more than you used to, then that is success. Love yourself. You are awesome and great.

6. Setbacks and failure are part of self-growth.

Not everyone can have success 100% of the time. Life is about victories and losses. So look at your setbacks as stepping stones to something better. In reality, there really is no such thing as setback. It’s all just part of a journey.

7. Have a support system that includes people who would do anything for you.

If you have figured out the people who “have your back” and recognized the ones who only pretend that they do, then you have succeeded. This is a painful realization, but once you learn to see the signs of betrayal, you can stay away from those people.

8. Don’t complain much.

Because you know there really is nothing to complain about. Unless you really have gone through some bad life experience and had unimaginable losses, most of what we all experience on a day-to-day basis is just mundane. And successful people know that. And they live in a space of gratitude.

9. Celebrate others’ success.

Just because other people succeed, that doesn’t make you a failure. Applaud the people who rise to the top. The more positive energy you give to other people’s victories, the more you will create your own.

10. Have passions that you pursue.

You know you have something wonderful to contribute to the world. You have unique talents and gifts. Not only do you know that, you pursue it.

11. Have things to look forward to.

Successful people create goals that they are passionate about pursuing. They let this excitement drive their life.

12. Make goals that can come true.

Even though “failures” are a part of life, you have to stick to your goals and dreams long enough to make them come to fruition. You will have some tastes of victory. It fuels you.

13. Have empathy for others.

A person without empathy is dead inside. Empathy equals spreading love and positive energy into the world. Successful people know this. They love others as if they are family.

14. Love deeply and open yourself up to be loved by others.

Love is risky, and sometimes scary for people. It’s the one thing we all strive for, but it’s also intimately tied to the one thing we fear the most – rejection. If you open your heart enough to love and be loved, then you are successful.

15. Refuse to be a victim.

You know that life doesn’t always happen to you. Many times, you are a co-creator of your life experiences. Successful people know this and refuse to be kept down by life experiences. The rise up and conquer anyway.

16. Don’t care what other people think.

You can’t please everyone. You know that the standards with which society judges people is many times unrealistic. So you just keep true to yourself and love the person you are.

17. Always look on the bright side.

Life can be full of disappointments – if you choose to see them that way. Otherwise, they are learning opportunities. No negative experience is ever wasted as long as you learn from it.

18. Accept what you can’t change.

There many things you can’t change in life. All you can change is how you view what happens. If you can change your negative perspective on situations to a positive one, then you are successful.

19. Change what you can.

There are many things you can change in life. Successful people don’t sit around accepting the negatives that are changeable. Get out there and do something about it!!

20. Be happy.

To me, this is the ultimate definition of success. It doesn’t matter what the balance is in your bank account, how big your house is, or how many fancy vacations you take. If you are happy, then you are succeeding in life.