What is Juneteenth?
June 19th marks Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It specifically honors June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom.
Also known as Emancipation Day and Black Independence Day, Juneteenth is a significant day for African Americans, filled with both celebration and reflection. Since becoming a federal holiday in 2021, many employers have begun observing Juneteenth as a paid day off. However, there are opportunities to go beyond this. By encouraging employees to share their personal stories and cultural heritage, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for Juneteenth among all colleagues.
This year, we sat down with Michael Deallfordii, Vagaro’s Customer Success Trainer, to talk about what this day means for him and his community.
A Bit About Vagaro's Michael Deallfordii
While "Customer Success Trainer" captures part of Michael's role, it doesn't tell the whole story. He not only trains the team in soft skills but also directly aids Vagaro customers. He acts as a coach, helping them solve problems and get the most out of the software.
A more fitting title might be "Customer Experience Concierge." Michael is Vagaro's daily point person for customer relationships. He works to strengthen these relationships and improve customer retention overall. He ensures everyone across departments has the knowledge and resources to navigate the delicate aspects of client interactions.
This role is perfect for Michael, a natural problem-solver and people-person who connects easily with anyone. However, he acknowledges managing frustrations and negative emotions can be challenging. For that, he teaches a simple yet effective de-escalation method.
"The easiest way to help someone manage their emotions is with a smile," Michael said. "A smile and positive communication are contagious."
Upbringing Honors Black History & Juneteenth
Michael's upbringing was steeped in Black history and the Civil Rights Movement. His mother instilled in him a deep sense of pride in his heritage and the Black community he belonged to.
"In our house, everything important was celebrated and revered," Michael explained.
Juneteenth held particular weight in Michael's education. He came to understand it as a day that honors both the struggles of the past and the progress achieved.
Just like at work, he’s a resource for friends and colleagues who want to educate themselves about Juneteenth and its significance. Michael has a wealth of recommendations, from books and movies to other materials. These recommendations explore both the historical context of Juneteenth and the ongoing journey towards equality.
As a great starting point for readers of all ages, Michael suggests "Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free," a children's book that tells the story of activist Opal Lee and her fight to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Otherwise, Michael urges people to go out into the community and check out the plethora of inspiring Juneteenth celebrations and speakers.
"I want people to know the truth, but I want them to look forward to tomorrow," Michael explained. "For me, that's what this day is all about."
Family & Community Shape Michael's Work Ethic
Michael attributes his strong work ethic to his family and the broader African American community. He particularly credits his grandfather and great-grandfather, who was active in the Civil Rights Movement, as role models of strength, resilience, and optimism.
"My culture taught me to work hard and be memorable at whatever you do," Michael said.
Growing up, Michael felt an implicit pressure to work harder than his peers because of his race. He understood that achieving even minimal recognition would require extra effort. As a result, he consistently outperformed others to be seen.
Today, Michael aims to make going the extra mile a core value at Vagaro.
"I constantly advocate for this approach because it's what I do and how I was raised," Michael said.
Vagaro is the first company where Michael truly feels his efforts are valued, according to him. He regularly presents ideas about customer needs and solutions from him and his team to the company's leadership. He emphasizes that every contribution is acknowledged, appreciated, and rewarded.
"What I truly appreciate is Vagaro's willingness to listen to and actively implement employee ideas," he said.
This sense of being heard is a powerful motivator for Michael and his team. As a result, they approach work not just to earn a paycheck but to contribute to a community and leave a positive mark.
"By taking the time to listen to your employees, you can create a culture that inspires everyone to come to work with dedication every day," Michael concluded.
Juneteenth is a crucial day for Black Americans, yet its meaning is still unclear to many. As an entrepreneur, understanding these cultural celebrations is essential. Doing so not only exposes your business to a wider range of potential customers, but it also helps foster new relationships within the community and infuses diversity & inclusivity within your company culture. Vagaro fosters such a culture in part by valuing the unique perspectives and ideas of all our employees. We actively encourage employees to speak up and make a positive impact.
If you're proactive, hardworking, and passionate about making a difference, Vagaro could be a great fit for you! Check out our CAREERS page for new and upcoming positions and read more about black representation in the workplace from the perspectives of our Black employees.
If you're a beauty, wellness, or fitness professional in search of software that can flex, scale, and grow with your business, consider a complimentary 30-day trial with Vagaro. We back your success at every step.