The best way to get even is to stay steady, focused, ready to take on risk and ready to fight back with those who hurt you. (in a business way) I have had all kinds of haters in this business. I have run a large salon, had employees, renters, commission, and crazy crazy women. When you are good you will have haters, you need to say steady.
Here is how to stay steady:
Be learning all the time, no matter how long you have been in the business. You need to be on time all the time, always there for your clients. Don't worry about what the other stylists think of you, you need to worry about what YOUR clients think of you and your work. Don't talk trash about other stylists. Just get them back by being better, and a classy person in the salon. I am telling you, your clients will appreciate your style and be committed to you. When it is time to interact with other stylists play the game. Chat wit them and act like you like them. I know this sounds catty, but you do have to live with them. Just keep your guard up, learn about a few secrets and keep them in your pocket. Play politics my friend...you have to, you must, if you want to be a player in this hard ass industry. Only the strong survive.
How to stay focused:
Know what you want! Do you really want to do hair? Is this a life time dream? Can I stand people? This business is a beast, and only the strong survive in this industry. Know what you want and keep that image in your mind on a daily basis. I am telling you if this is what you want, it will always be on your mind. It will be what you think about, dream about, looking at in people, in nature, you will know if YOU LOVE HAIR! Stay focused on your competition in the salon. Learn by watching them, listening to how they interact with their clients. This is very important, you need to be observant and aware of the competition. This will serve its purpose when you own a salon.
How to be ready to take on risk:
Always look to improve yourself. You are doing this just by reading this. Be ready for an opportunity that WILL come your way. If you are not ready the chance will pass you by until you are ready for your dream. Don't be afraid, "if you are scared you need to be in a 9-5 job" (Donald Trump). Remember this industry is not for the weak hearted....be strong, be brave and watch your back. Know your craft and be ready for your dream to come to you, and it will if you are looking. When they are talking smack about you, just know your something is on its way. If you are weak, learn how to make yourself strong. How do you do that? Read, learn, have strong people as friends and mentors. Go to therapy, do what it takes to make you a better you....... That is how to get back at your enemy in the salon industry.
Be Gorgeous and good luck.