Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Brown.
Hi Annie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Where do I even begin? I seriously feel like one of the lucky ones when it comes to my career. When I was 10 years old, I knew what I wanted to do with my life, and I’ve never swayed from that. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and was the youngest of four. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family. I graduated high school in 2005 and started at the Aveda Institute Columbus. I truly fell in love with all things hair!
I graduated Cosmetology school in 2007 (with a perm gone wrong) and hit the ground running trying to find my first salon home. At the time I was a new mama to my beautiful daughter and trying to navigate motherhood, along with pursuing my passion. After a few not-so-right places, I landed at Studio Fovero in German Village. Talk about being a huge part of who I am today. I assisted the stylists there for a year and a half and then got my own chair. From there, I began the journey of building my clientele – some of which I have to this day. I married my husband, Nick, in 2012, and we have three amazing kids.
About 7 years into my career, I needed something more. I knew I still loved doing hair, but there was something missing. I flew to New York and attended my first train-the-trainer event. I became an EVO educator, and it’s lit something inside of me I didn’t know existed. In 9 years, I’ve built some of the most amazing relationships within our industry worldwide. Education is a huge passion of mine. I will never stop learning.
Opening a salon was always on the vision boards. I wanted to create something of my own. In 2017, I took the next step towards that dream. I began renting a chair at a hybrid salon in Bexley, Ohio. The mentorship I gained there was priceless. I learned the ins and outs of running my own business and furthered my education in a huge way. That’s really when my passion for the business side of our industry came through. I attended my first extension training in 2017 and fell in love with them. I attended many trainings for the next few years honing in on my craft.
Through those years, I began having some pretty intense health issues. In 2022 I ended up having 3 shoulder surgeries and was out of work for 8 months. There really was a time where I thought maybe doing hair just wasn’t in the cards anymore. Little did I know I was so close to my dream becoming a reality.
January 2023, I got the keys to my salon. Goldie’s Hair Co. is located in Grandview Heights, Ohio, and she’s more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. After an 8-month remodel, we opened our doors in August 2023. We are home to 5 amazing stylists who are truly masters at their crafts. I couldn’t be more proud. This is truly just the beginning!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
To be totally honest, I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth sailing at all. My family has been hit really really hard these past 5 years. Mental health has had to become the most important thing to us all. I think, personally, my hardest battle has always been my health issues. I have an autoimmune disorder, and it hasn’t always made my job the easiest. All that to say- my work still is and always will be “my happy place.” so I never give up. I try to give myself grace and remember we are all human.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Goldies Hair Co.?
Goldies is a luxury hair salon located in the heart of Grandview; we are a cozy little spot wedged between Staufs Coffee Roasters and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. We are home to a team of five independent stylists who have dedicated years to perfecting their craft. Each of our stylists brings their own special expertise to the table. Not only are we passionate about our work, but we truly LOVE our clients and the community we are a part of. Goldies is a VIBE- with her warm, cozy environment you can’t help but feel like you are truly escaping when you visit. We specialize in good vibes, laughs, love, and, of course, luxury hair color, custom haircuts, and hair extensions. We cannot wait to meet you!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I am so insanely blessed when it comes to family. My parents have been married for 55 years, and I grew up with the best brothers and sister. It’s hard to pick just one childhood memory. I come from a big feelings family. On birthdays, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, we would always have to go around the table. We would have to either say something we were thankful for or talk about the person next to us. But on birthdays, it was the best- that’s when everyone has to talk about the birthday person, haha. I’ve always loved that tradition.
Contact Info:
- Website: goldieshairco.com
- Instagram: @goldies.hairco
