The Power of Pause: How deZEN Cultivates Culture & Connection
At deZEN, we believe that cultivating a beautiful outer appearance starts with nurturing what’s within. That’s why we pause twice a year as a team for intentional culture meetings. These are gatherings where we step away from the noise of the day-to-day and refocus on what really matters: how we show up for ourselves, for each other, and for our clients.
These meetings aren’t checklists or policy reviews. They’re grounding, expansive, and deeply human.
At the heart of this work is Nancy Belmont of Vessence, who has become our culture Shaman. Her presence sets the tone: passionate, conscious, and connected.
This time, we were also honored to welcome Stephanie Fellenberg, LCSW, of the Center for Positive Change. With deep experience in trauma-informed therapy and emotional wellness, Stephanie guided us through essential tools for working behind the chair with empathy and grace. Topics included:
Recognizing emotional dysregulation in ourselves and others
Co-regulating with clients in moments of tension or overwhelm
Using trauma-informed language to navigate tricky conversations
Reflecting on personal rituals to avoid burnout and stay grounded
We also explored worksheets and mindfulness tools like the “Box Breathing” method, and practiced real-world scripts for compassionately navigating client dynamics.
Because the truth is, hairdressing is emotional work. We hold stories, energy, transformation, and trust. And in order to hold others well, we have to know how to hold ourselves.
Our culture meetings aren’t fluff. They’re the foundation of our service. The ripple effect of this inner work shows up in how we consult, how we listen, how we problem-solve, and how we love on our clients.
At deZEN, we don’t just want to create beauty.
We want to create belonging.
SEE ALSO: Because I’ve Been Through Thinning Hair in My 40s (and Actually Found What Works)
