Britney Ryan opened her salon in Maumee just days after Christmas last year. After witnessing her weaving my wife’s hair into a cosmetic bouquet for our reception and hearing from the grape vine as well, we had to chat. Throughout our correspondence, Mrs. Ryan’s responses seemed like a craftsman coming into his own.
IH: Ryan, how did you get started in cosmetics? Did you receive any guidance or did you start out on your own from the beginning?
BR: After graduating from cosmetology school and passing the board exam, I immediately worked as an assistant in a small salon. There were three hair stations, a small spa room, and a nail corner. I tore the foil, swept the hair cuts, shampooed the customers, answered the phone, and cleaned the entire salon.
The teacher’s technique was really great. I saw her clients double-book, coloring one side and then cutting the other. She teaches you how to do razor cuts for natural texture, how to properly fade men’s cuts, how to blend layers, foil and blonde techniques, how to cover gray like you’ve never seen before, and for gray clients. He taught me how to mix colors. I took notes in my head every day and sought knowledge like a sponge.
Although it was a monotonous job, the most important thing for me was to see and listen. Working for someone is essential to understanding that you are not only responsible for making that person feel confident and beautiful, but that you are also a shoulder on which to cry, laugh, and be there for them. is. It’s more than just “doing your hair.” These are traits that can only be learned in the field.
I was eventually allowed to photograph the models, most of whom were friends and family. My now husband was a customer. My entrepreneurial spirit was always bubbling under the surface, and I was desperately trying to get more customers.
Through that experience, and while working a side job as a waitress at Applebee’s, I met Peggy George, owner of Definitions of Design. Her face lit up when I told her about my training. As I was talking to her, I kept thinking, “That’s someone who knows what he’s doing.” I am an independent businesswoman. We arranged a time to meet and shortly after I started working at Definitions, where I remained for 10 years.
IH: What do I need to do to obtain the necessary certifications before becoming an official stylist?
BR: Cosmetology certification requires 1,500 hours of documented student interaction and classroom work. I went full time from 8 to 5 at the Regency Beauty Institute in the Netherlands. After completing that, I took the Ohio Cosmetology Board exam in Grove City, Ohio.
Including the written part and the practical part, it will take a whole day. Fortunately, you will know whether you pass or fail on the same day. The practical portion requires them to demonstrate specific haircuts, manicures, chemical skills and hygiene knowledge and is scored on the spot by board members.
After moving on to the definition, an independent management license was required to become a booth renter. By the end of 2014, I took the exam again, got my license and left.
IH: You mentioned that when you volunteered at my reception, you branched out into other areas of your work.
BR: It took me a long time, but after 12 years in the industry, I finally learned just extensions. Now I can confidently perform the technique and my clients are able to earn another certification.
IH: Out of necessity?
BR: You can learn any part of the job, but it’s necessary.
IH: So you need a space where you can show off what you’ve learned.
BR: Of course.
IH: Your studio is still in its infancy, starting after Christmas last year – congratulations!
BR: Thank you!
IH: So far, as a small business owner, what have been the challenges in this particular space? On a side note, just out of curiosity, are there any people you consider to be competitors?
BR: One thing at a time, bud.
The simple answer is: Time management and work-life balance, taxes and medical care, disability, and retirement planning are things I want to set up with my husband.
I want to enjoy life while being the best at my job. I don’t have a boss to tell me what to do, but I have said no to many social gatherings due to work and my mental health.
Conversely, I book all my own customers and manage all supplies, retail stores, and inventory. If something slips through the cracks, you only have yourself to blame.
still! It’s always about taxes. Self-employment is a 1099 form that tracks all of your own income and expenses. My advice is to invest in a solid accountant. It’s worth every penny. As the story progresses, the more you create it, the more complex the story becomes.
I have a retirement plan set up and independent health insurance as well. I went without it for the first five years of my job because it was affordable. Thankfully, I now have a great financial advisor (Tim at Northwestern Mutual) who has been very helpful.
Because of the competition, which brings me to the third part, we are all lucky to be here, nearly five years removed from coronavirus. It’s not in my head. I do not and will not poach other stylists’ clients. We are all trying to make a living here.
IH: Who do you think has influenced the work you do?
BR: My first influence was definitely my dear father, Robert. He followed in his father’s footsteps and started his own irrigation business, H&H Irrigation, after leaving the military.
He gave me business advice, tips and tricks. Like when I handed out flyers in my local neighborhood when I was at Definitions. I still have clients who have gone through that round.
Next up is Julie Bobash. Next I worked with her station and learned about the art of empathy. When others respect your time, you respect others’ time. You can’t sit in a chair without really paying attention.
Styles change consistently. You need to keep following trends. This allows you to find people like Ann Arbor’s Sarah Page. She specializes in weft extensions and also provides professional training in Belami hair extensions. So, of course, her work is amazing. She explains everything perfectly and is constantly changing her techniques to better fit her clients and viewers. Her own hair is dreamy and her makeup is always on point.
When it comes to my influence on makeup, it all started with me researching variations of makeup artists and investing in learning their techniques. Nicole Chapman, definitely. She and her sister work in the UK. They are both famous makeup artists and created the brand “Real Techniques” which are the makeup brushes that I use in my professional kit.
IH: It seems like you’ve completely revamped your work since opening your new studio.
BR: That’s inevitable when you have your own little kingdom.
IH: What motivates you?
BR: My creative freedom. Build confidence. Knowing what you want and knowing that you want it is my favorite part about you. It’s always the most difficult thing to do, but also the most rewarding.
I was so scared of someone saying, “Do whatever you want.” I was literally shaking when applying the color because I didn’t trust myself enough. now? Wow, that’s really cool. It’s very freeing. It doesn’t change anything.
IH: And that energy applies to everyday life as well.
BR: We open the studio, connect the lights, do some spot cleaning from the day before, and then greet our first clients. I personally don’t double book. This frees you from the schedule pressures that many chain store stylists grapple with.
Coloring takes 2 hours at my salon. A haircut takes 60 minutes for women and 30 minutes for men. Depending on what’s in your chart that day, you’ll need to keep a strict schedule in mind during your appointment. I give my clients a taste of my own process while ensuring they feel at ease the entire time they sit in my chair.
IH: Do you have a particular favorite style, such as hair or nails?
BR: Right now I’m obsessed with cutting shags. This type of cut, regardless of gender, is like a mullet with a little less intensity. It is characterized by the rich texture and movement of the hair.
One of the cuts I learned while working my feet was the “Farrah Fawcett”, which has been almost a traditional style since its heyday. It’s still my favorite. I still use the techniques I learned to make that cut to create new versions of it. Today they call it the “butterfly cut.” For a more toned-down variation, simply add so-called “curtain bangs.”
When it comes to colors, the so-called “shockers”, my favorites are copper and red. I use the “Rusk” color and am never disappointed in the vibrancy of the red. If you’ve never dyed your hair before, show them a picture of a deep wine red or bright copper color. That would make me foam at the mouth.
IH: What is your ultimate goal for this career or this particular business?
BR: The great thing is, we have no idea where this is going to go. At this point, I believe I have what it takes to own a studio where I enjoy sitting in my chair with some of my favorite clients. With a little delegation, you can become a really bad salon owner. I can travel anywhere or do wedding hair for anyone who needs me. The world is open to you when opportunity presents itself.
Instagram: @brittnylynn_studios
Linktr.ee/brittnylynnstudios
Facebook: Britney Lynn Studio
Address: 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee, OH 43537
Phone: 419-360-4861
