Pausing to Be Better

Once a season we pause. We turn away from work and toward the other parts of our lives. We travel. We go to restaurants in the middle of the day. We read, we sleep in, we dust off our hobbies, watch clouds, notice birds, bake cookies, cocoon, and paint our toes. And for one week a season, we can’t be found.

That’s how we see it here at THE BEAUTY FACTORY. Every season, we step away from the daily hustle, the schedules, and the non-stop energy of the salon. Why? Because we believe in something simple: breaks make us better.

The Power of the Pause

In a world that’s constantly telling us to go faster, do more, and never stop, we choose to slow down. And it’s not just because we enjoy sipping coffee in the middle of the day or catching up on sleep (though, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love that?). It’s because taking time away from work—yes, even work we love—does something powerful for our minds, hearts, and hands.

The truth is, stepping away makes us better at what we do. It sharpens our creativity, boosts our productivity, and deepens our self-awareness.

1. Productivity Through Rest

You know that feeling when you’ve been pushing yourself too hard, for too long? The burnout, the exhaustion, the constant mental fog? It’s the body’s way of telling us to hit the brakes. Studies have shown that regular breaks, especially extended ones, actually improve long-term productivity. When we rest, we’re not just avoiding burnout—we’re giving our brains the space to reset and recharge. It’s like hitting the refresh button on your computer.

When we come back after a week of doing everything but work, we’re sharper. We move through our days with more energy, more focus, and more joy. The tasks that once felt overwhelming suddenly seem manageable again.

2. Creativity Unleashed by Stepping Away

Here’s the funny thing about creativity: it rarely shows up when we’re forcing it. The best ideas don’t tend to arrive when we’re staring at a computer or stressing over our to-do list. Creativity shows up when we least expect it—when we’re watching clouds float by or sipping tea on the back porch.

Taking a sabbatical opens up those unexpected moments. By stepping away from the salon, we give our minds the freedom to wander, to think in new ways, to make connections that wouldn’t have been possible if we were still knee-deep in appointments and schedules. Unplugging from the daily grind makes space for inspiration to find us, often when we’re not even looking.

When we return, we’re full of fresh ideas and creative energy that makes our work better and more inspired.

3. Self-Awareness and Growth

Sabbaticals aren’t just about productivity or creativity—they’re also about reflection. When we step back from our routine, we start to notice things. How we’re feeling, what we’ve been avoiding, where we want to grow. This is the gift of self-awareness that time away from work brings.

Spending time with our families, reconnecting with hobbies, and simply being gives us the chance to recalibrate. To check in with ourselves and ask, “Am I happy? What do I need? How can I grow?” And when we take care of ourselves—when we truly listen to what our minds and bodies need—we come back better. Better for ourselves, better for each other, and better for the clients we serve.

Why We Do This Every Season

At THE BEAUTY FACTORY, we believe that rest is not a reward—it’s a necessity. It’s something we all need, not just to survive, but to thrive. Taking a sabbatical isn’t just a perk of working here—it’s woven into the fabric of who we are.

When we take a break, we come back better at taking care of people, better at being professionals, and better at taking care of ourselves. So, once a season, we’ll pause. You won’t find us behind the chair, but you might find us at a local café, reading a book, or exploring a new corner of the world. Because we know that when we return, we’ll be ready to give our best—rested, renewed, and fully alive.