Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittny Ryan.
Hi Brittny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey in cosmetology started at 18 years old, in 2012. I was dealing with a rather difficult home life and I had no interest in any subject in school. When it came down to choices for my future, my interests were art and music. I was involved in a lot of musicals in the theater department at Springfield high school, and I did people’s hair and makeup for the stage, including my own. That was the basis of my decision to attend cosmetology school. 1500 full time hours of school was required, and I had bills to pay so I worked evenings as a hostess and to go employee at Applebees to make ends meet. It was exhausting, but I was enchanted by the cos industry.
Right before my graduation rolled around we had a guest attend class to teach some tips and tricks. I caught word that she was looking for an assistant so I jumped on the opportunity. I worked as her assistant for minimum wage for one year. I learned foiling techniques, hair cutting techniques, how to give a proper facial, and how to give an amazing head massage. (Lots of things you don’t learn in school). I was a sponge for knowledge. Constantly searching to learn and hone my skills.
Between jobs, I met a successful salon owner, however it was a booth rental salon. I was immediately attracted to the idea of running my own show. I went back to grove city Ohio and took my managing cosmetologist test so I could attain proper licensure to become an independent contractor.
This was the long road. I was still at applebees, 20 years old so serving there at this point, attempting to build a clientele as a stylist with two years of experience. This was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done professionally. I marketed myself, took models and didn’t charge them so I could practice, and also advertise my own work. I sat, watched and listened to the 15+ stylists around me. I learned SO much just being involved. Very very slowly, I started growing confidence and tackling new challenges every day. I built relationships with people. Got to know them, their lives and their families, while also getting to know their needs through their hair and their overall style.
I worked at this salon for 10 years. 2014-the very end of 2023.
I now have my very own suite. My “one woman show” I like to call it. I do hair, nails, and facial waxing. I decorated and styled my suite to fit me and my needs. I run my own books and clientele. I sell retail and do inventory.
My entire clientele followed me from my booth rental salon. One of the most humbling yet exciting feelings of my life.
Almost 13 years in, and still growing strong every day!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing worth having comes easy. Just like anything in life, struggle comes in waves.
First and foremost: self doubt and imposter syndrome.
Many years passed where I truly didn’t feel qualified or knowledgeable enough to be performing the services I was. This is a harsh reality in the cosmetology industry. A lot of it was my age. I wasn’t taken seriously by a lot of people in my early twenties and that affected me mentally. To this day I will never judge someone’s capabilities based on their age. I sought out therapy, and perfected my craft. My mentality was always “I’ll prove them wrong. I am capable.” That got me through the hardest days.
Work/life balance: when you’re self employed, no one trains you in anything aside from doing the actual job, let alone managing your outside life versus your work life. I started feeling mentally and physically exhausted once I started working 40-50 hour weeks. I sacrificed a lot of social time, and quite frankly did a lot of damage to my mental health. I didn’t understand WHY I was so tired. Well, I was thinking about my clients, their problems, and their hair even after work hours. Once I taught myself to leave work at work, things improved. I also force myself to take time off now. I plan my whole year around week long breaks every quarter. I relax and sit down. I eat full meals, and focus on my personal life when I’m not at work. HUGE hurdle I still struggle with but it’s very real for anyone that’s self employed.
Covid: February of 2020, all salons shut down in Ohio. This changed everything for everyone for a very long time. We’re probably still affected now we’ve just gotten used to the new normal. I was off work for two months. For the self employed, that means zero income. Thankfully I had savings and we received back pay once we came back to work in April. People were afraid to spend money. Getting their hair done felt like a luxury to some. My clientele suffered for about a year and a half because of Covid.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I first started, I almost had to do every service imaginable in order to build a clientele and develop solid word of mouth.
Now I am SO happy to say I pick and choose which services I provide.
Hair color: taken by in person consultation only
Weft extensions
Facial waxing
All different types of gel nails
Hair cutting
Bridal hair and makeup
If I had to pinpoint what I’m most proud of, it would be my hair cutting skills. Men, women, and non binary hair cuts are a huge passion of mine. Face shape, and hair type are two very important factors that need taken into account when developing someone’s hair style.
I’m very proud also, of being able to tell people if I don’t think something will work for them. People come to a professional to learn (through their experience) what works and what doesn’t. Some are in need of guidance, some are not. I’m always happy to give professional advice, but will never force someone to take it.
Lastly, what sets me apart from others: my willingness to learn something new every single day. If Im lucky enough to be doing this for 30 years, I’ll still be looking to learn. This industry is always changing and always growing. I will never close myself off to further knowledge regarding both business and craft.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My first role model: my father, Robert Hurst.
I watched this man build his local irrigation business from the ground up. His natural instincts involving running a successful business both passed on to me genetically but he also has an incredible ability to teach. He’s helped with all things business. My work ethic I fully credit to him.
My friends are my family. To name a few, Megan Beauch, Nikki Falk, Allie Cocke, and my husband Chris Ryan. They have honestly been my biggest support system. They helped me move into my studio, build furniture, they help me create graphics and social media posts, they’re always calling me out on social media for potential new clients. The heart and soul of my business belongs to them.
Lastly, my insanely loyal, generous, and supportive clientele. Each and every person I’ve had in my chair deserves credit for any success I’ve achieved. At the end of the day, they understand I’m human. They understand I’m not perfect. I’m thankful for each person I have the pleasure of knowing both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brittny-at-definitions.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittnylynn_studios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1XT2xyjmVS/
