A Reflection by Carissa

So as I reminisce on the year where evolving is my constant, 2021 has without any doubt been the year of my vulnerability, honesty and boundary setting. As they say “ Face your inner demons". These past 4 years have prepared me to face the Carissa of 2021. In reality, I've had to face myself and tell my inner child it's ok. The world can be crude but it doesn't have to define you. As my mummy would say “ Bring it home Kay” I am here to bring it all N BABY!!!

So let me reintroduce myself. Hi my name is Carissa Mckenzie Bernard and I am The Dr. As I sit in the 4:00 am silence with nothing but the noise of the appliances in my apartment, I sit in humility. Yes Humility, as 2021 has been the year where it all amounted to. I started at N in August of 2015 and 6 years later I am still here. Not because I only believe in the Big picture but because I was placed here (destiny). With a degree in Management and Accounting I saw myself soaring in the Jungle of Americas Corporate Structure, but that was MY blurred vision. Yep!! Blurred because it was short lived 4 years later. I remember telling my mum “ I am not living my life to compete with anyone, and this Corporate life NOT for me.” Thank God for my mother, she was very understanding. As long as we were educated she was “Good” and both my brother and I have University Degrees. Growing up in an African and West Indian Household, how dare you defy your parents dreams for you. (my African and Caribbean people can relate). Yes, long story short.

Fast forward to the present. I have been a Manager at N for 4 years now, and little did I know that my Accounting and Management degree would be the tools I would be using in my current position as Salon Manager. Looking back- then and now are so different, as now I am literally managing a team. Yes, a whole team with Angela looking on from the sidelines. When she specifically said to me “you would have to build your own team,” I was like “ok…..” But little did I know that discomfort and I were about to be partners. “ Like what the hell”. This means I would have to talk to people, manage personalities, and be vulnerable… Ammmm do you NOT know me? She would say “Yes Man, you can do it”. I guess I am because I am here to write about it…… It has not been easy, and on those days where I allow my emotions to control me, I quickly revisit this Quote:

“Every day, sincerely and without phoniness, try to understand and appreciate the people who work with you. Do your job well, learn your job well, but always remember that the people you work with are your most valuable asset. Embrace them. Honor them. Respect them.”

– Denzel Washington.

Check out our I.G stories this week as I take over. If not, see ya at the salon!!!! Have a great Holiday!!!