Thank you, Cele Khuen, for 33 years of service
Source: Progressions
It’s never easy saying goodbye—that’s why we’re saying ‘see you later’ instead. If you’ve been around the past 33 years, chances are you’ve been around Cele, and chances are your memories of her are pleasant ones. Ours sure are. She’s leaving behind boxes full of memories we’ll cling to when the salon seems a bit empty in the coming weeks.
Since the day we opened in 1984, Cele has been an integral part of our team. Which is why it feels so bittersweet to wish her well as she retires after 45 years in the salon industry. We’re sad she’s leaving us… but we’re also really, really thankful we had her.
Our owner Cindy Feldman began her beauty industry career as a shampoo assistant at just 15 years old. Her co-worker? 33-year-old Cele. Calling her a “great teacher of love,” it’s hard for Cindy to talk about Cele—and her retirement—without becoming emotional.
Source: Progressions
One thing’s for sure: one could learn a thing or two about love and life from Cele. When she gives herself to something, she gives herself wholeheartedly. She’s done just that in both her professional and personal life. She started her career when she was just 18, her talent shining through and enabling her to be on the floor after only a week of training. Within a year’s time, she was managing that salon. A Georgetown native, she married her high school sweetheart and they’ll soon celebrate 45 years of marriage. They have two children and six grandchildren, so we can kind of understand why she’s retiring—but that won’t make us miss her any less.
Source: Progressions
A few words come to mind when we think of Cele: professional, coach, mentor, role model, co-worker, friend and family. When you work with someone that long—since the day you open your business—it’s hard to deem him or her an employee. Family seems more fitting.
“She is always going above and beyond the call of duty,” Cindy says. “They broke the mold when they made Cele and those types of people—well, they’re rare.”
Though Progressions has changed throughout the years, Cele and her passion for people—and for life—has not. She gave us 33 years of her life and for that, we’re eternally grateful. We said it before and we’ll say it again: it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. See you later, Cele.
Source: Progressions
