Attitudes: Well-Adjusted
By Michelle Troutman

The sun shines through the windows while stylists stand at their stations. Some wrap strands in foil and brush dye over them, others are putting the finishing touches on a client's new 'do, brushing hair and blow drying it. Attitudes is a world of colors, creams, sprays, shampoos, and serums, mixed with the flair of a stylist who is also part therapist and confidant.

Owner/stylist Laurie Laliberte bought the business two years ago from Jamie Cram, who opened it in 1990. Cram is studying nursing, but still works there part-time.

"Jamie was looking to sell it, and she had called me. Somebody had given her my name, and so I talked to her a little bit about it, and I really wasn't contemplating it seriously in my head," Laliberte says. "I talked to my husband, and he was great -- so supportive -- and he told me, he just said, 'You're just crazy if you don't do it.'"

While working at a local hospital, Laliberte went to beauty school so she could learn a trade to find a job and decide what she wanted to do for a career. She has been a hairstylist for 21 years, having graduated from the Maine State Academy of Hair Design in Waterville, and later became an instructor there. Before going into business, she had worked at Prime Cuts, Chic, and David Scott's Hair Studio.

Laliberte has a full clientele, but tries to take in new clients when possible, spending most of her days behind the chair. Her other duties include talking to salespeople, running errands, and making sure the business is organized.

"I feel like when I come to work, I just get to hang out with my friends all day long, chat with my clients, and I love talking to them, and learning so much from them. They become part of your family, because you're with them so much, and through everything."

She adds that sharing people's lives and being able to make them feel better about themselves is a great honor and is very gratifying.

Including Laliberte, seven stylists and two nail technicians, Laura Anderson and Cindy Burke (former owner of Designer Nails Plus) work there.

Since Laliberte became owner, she has added four more stylists and two nail technicians. She also sells handbags, sunglasses, wallets and jewelry. The jewelry is made by Sharon Carpenter under her line, Kaleidoscopes Creations.

Laliberte continues to attend salon training. To maintain her instructor's license she has to undergo extended training every two years before renewal.

"You're always learning, and you're always trying new things, and so, it's always changing, it's always fun. And I never have the same lineup of clients, like, two days in a row, so it's nice -- no day is ever the same."

Laliberte believes its success lies in being a "middle-of-the-road” salon run with a laidback, down-to-earth style. "I try to make the girls happy, and make it an atmosphere where everybody gets along, and give them incentives, even though everyone here is self-employed. And I'm very accommodating to clients. I try to get them in if they need to get in."

The economy has made her conscious of pricing, so she strives to keep costs lower compared to other area salons.

At the same time, she is mindful of the high turnover rate in the profession, so she tries to make sure the stylists are happy, too. Hours vary because everyone keeps their own schedule.

Betsy Tuttle, who has worked as a stylist there since 2002, says, "We've all been doing hair and nails for a long time, so there's no sense of competition, or high pressure, or stress -- we all work really well together."

Manicurist Cindy Burke's clients can range from 13-year-old girls to nail biting males in their 60s. To curb their bad habits, she gives them acrylic nails.

Natural nail care is coming back, but the acrylic enhancements are still popular, especially the ones with color. "They range anywhere from white to black, orange, yellows; the two tones, designs, airbrushing," says Burke.

As for popular hairstyles, trends tend to go with what the stars are wearing. Stylist Jennifer Cormier says, "Right now, we do a lot of stacked bobs, long layers; straight hair is definitely very popular; highlights are usually multicolored, light and dark mixed in," much like her own long strands.

"Young boys are wearing more longer hair nowadays, against their parents' wishes," says Laliberte, chuckling. "They're growing it out."

Laliberte says her strengths are updos, special occasion styles, colors, foils, and men's haircuts. Unlike some stylists, she doesn't mind cutting kids' hair.

"My absolute favorite is just doing something different for clients; I have some clients who will just come in, and have me do whatever I want -- that takes a lot of trust for them. They know it's going to be good. If I do something someone doesn't like, it can always be changed."

Laliberte often does her own hair color, or will have some of her co-workers trim her hair if they have time. "The girls tell me I'm one of the worst clients because I can't stand sitting having my hair done."

Her future plans for the salon include adding a few more stylists. The salon has just received a fresh coat of paint and she invites people to check out the new look.

"We welcome any new clients that would like to come in and try us out."

Attitudes at 145 Main St. is open Monday through Saturday by appointment. Saturday hours usually run from 8:00am to 2:00pm and Tuesday and Thursday they are open until 8:00pm: (207) 873-6411.

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