Today we’d like to introduce you to Riian Aldridge.
Hi Riian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Riian Aldridge, known on social media as Beaute’ Boss. I am a licensed cosmetologist specializing in braiding, weaves and natural hair in Dayton, Ohio. I started braiding at the age of 9, mainly my younger sibling’s hair at that time. I believe it was a gift that my mom passed down, she didn’t really teach me 1 on 1 how to braid but I grew up watching her doing hair at our house. By the time I was 13, I was also braiding clients, a lot of my mother’s clients were now mine because she had completely done away with braiding for other opportunities.
I continued braiding hair as a side hustle through my late 20s until one day it donned on me that from my hair money I had purchased 2 cars, taken a few vacations, and was able to put away a nice savings.
Honestly, it was like a light clicked on in my head!
Not to mention during this time 2016-2017 the embracing of natural hair, authentic African American hair & hairstyles had began to really take off and beginning the onset into the billion-dollar industry that it has grown into today.
I started researching different business paths and decided first and foremost I wanted to at minimum obtain required licensure to fully prepare myself & be able to operate fully as a hairstylist. I signed up for cosmetology school, devoted 13 months, and obtained my cosmetology license. During school, I did so much research on successful chain salons, lucrative hair product lines as well as hair suppliers. From this, I began to hone in on what I wanted to do to take my passion of doing hair and fully maximize its full potential.
Fast forward after a few bumps in the road, a bunch of necessary lessons, I am operating the Braid Bar located in Dayton, Ohio. A walk-in American-owned braid salon offering hairstyles ranging from braids, wigs & weaves, natural hair, men styles, & dread locs services. The Braid Bar is soon to be fully staffed with 5 thoroughly trained professional licensed stylist ready to service the Dayton area with a luxury braiding experience, idea for the client that enjoys reliability, timeliness, professionalism, a relaxing and personable experience.
My long-term vision for Braid Bar is to have multiple locations in areas that are easy accessible for busy families, career-driven individuals that want to slide in and out the salon & not interfere much with their work schedule or have to use time off for beauty services.
So ideally a convenient walk-in salon offering popular, trending styles, beauty products, hair care & supplies that coincide to the services offered in each salon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My perspective of struggles are opportunities for growth. So, if there is one area to speak on from a struggle perspective, I’d have to say it’s been partnerships. I’ve learned partnerships work best when each person brings something completely different to the table and each partner is confident in what their gift/skill is, and each partner respects the others and allow each to be great in their space. So, in a sort like puzzle pieces coming together to create the masterpiece.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m starting to think maybe the first question, I should’ve broken down some of the info.
Braid Bar is a walk-in braid salon offering hair services ranging from braids, dread locs, natural hair, wigs, and weaves.
I personally specialize in braids; I pretty much can do any braid style and if it’s a newer style I can assure I’ll have it down within 30 days.
Im known for braiding and being extremely kind & professional.
I’d say what sets me apart is that I am forever learning and investing into myself as well as my business to better service and equip my brand for the best client/stylist experience.
The Braid Bar is all about experience, care & concern of its client’s hair care & beauty needs. We value and respect our clients’ time as well as their support to our business.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Podcast: Potter House on LA my spiritual food.
The Salontreprenuer
Jay Shetty
Oprah Winfrey
Echart Tolle
Books
Think and Grow Rich
The Alchemist
The Secret
Secrets of a Millionaire Mind
Every Word has Power
Contact Info:
- Website: http://beauteboss.glossgenius.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautebyriian.riian
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/Braidbar937
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=braidbar+dayton%2C+ohio&ie=
