Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Ethridge.
Brittany, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started braiding hair in Elementary school, practicing on my close friends and relatives. By middle school, I had a clientele of ladies who would also bring their kids. After high school, I pursued a business degree but later dropped out to follow my heart. The Beauty Industry was always my passion and Plan B. My father sat me down one day and explained: “If you do what you like, you will never work a day in your life.”
While attending Empire Beauty School (Kennesaw), I competed in several school competitions, winning Long hair design and Makeup Artistry. I was then sent to Hershey, Pennsylvania to compete with all Empire schools. This year, my scores contributed to us winning the Over All Total School Award for the year! That was a huge accomplishment that had me interested in Avante Garde makeup artistry. I then teamed up with local designers and fashion show directors and supplied the makeup for their shows. Although I received standing ovations once introduced at the ending of these shows, I still felt something was missing.
I would later join a Dominican hairstyling salon to adopt their techniques of straightening and styling the hair. I became the top producing stylist that lead me into my first management position within the Beauty Industry. My job was to train the staff on operational task as well as assemble the style for finishing touches. Once I mastered the art of blowdry styling, I became bored with the idea of boosting a female ego once style was completed and begging her to trim her ends that I started to experiment with cutting men’s hair.
The feeling I got of appreciation from the opposite sex made me change career path. I have been perfecting my craft of barbering since 2011. I have worked for several corporate salons as well as well established salons here in Atlanta via commission, hourly, or booth rental. I have tried most salon setups and have found my home with The Boardroom Salon For Men.
I am a salon manager of a company that originated in 2004. The company has expanded from Texas and has broken grounds in Georgia. The salon is corporately owned and structured to bring Passion to the Experience of the client. This company caters to Business Professionals as well as the everyday Man wanting to Relax, Leave with confidence, Looking great. My staff consists of three beautiful Front Desk Associates and 6 Barber\Stylist that Deliver the Ultimate Client Experience from the time he walks into the time he leaves. Catering to our clients is our Top Priority. We treat everyone Presidential as we roll out our imaginary red carpet to welcome then in for the first time or to welcome them back for a touchup appointment. We value our craft and love the feedback we receive when we boost those egos and confidence.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One challenge I faced was the insecurity of working with a diverse clientele. Born and raised in Atlanta, I struggled with my identity and who I was behind the chair. This made it difficult to build relationships with clients. I did not feel accepted in a salon in Avalon wearing short stylish red hair as opposed to a salon in Midtown or the Westside. My professionalism, my skills, and wisdom were all second-guessed by clients and it made me feel like I was in the wrong occupation.
I overcame this insecurity by absorbing the criticism and perfecting my skill. I was then able to joke with a nervous client by telling them they were my first customer and I have to learn how to fade sooner or later. Starting with them. Clients can tell how a stylist or barber move around their heads if the outcome will be favorable. I built client retention at every salon and boost my confidence in the trade by stepping outside of my comfort zone and expanding my mentality to just be myself no matter the environment or location.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
The company I am currently attached to is The Boardroom Salon For Men. Originated in Texas in 2004. Some investors poured money into the concept and the business has expanded to Arizona, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. The company prides itself on Delivering The Ultimate Relaxed Grooming Experience.
We cater to men. Our specialty is men’s grooming. Our ideal client is a business professional seeking maintenance on a weekly basis. Not only do we cut and fade the hair, we also offer natural tone color, Hot lather shaves, eyebrow\nose\ear waxes, beard trims, and benchmarks. A Benchmark is our signature service that includes 15 additional minutes of spa-like treatment. Just enough time to get him relaxed throughout his busy workday. What sets us apart is our memberships and referral program. Memberships is UNLIMITED haircuts and services until your subscription expires.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would tell the younger me to trust the process. I would go to barbering school first and eliminate my student loan debt. I currently have a Business degree, Master Cosmetologist, and Master Barber. I must admit, because of me being indecisive, I have found my calling and gained so much wisdom that I can only be grateful to share my knowledge and passion with those around me.
Pricing:
- Benchmark -$60
- Express Cut – $45
- Hot Leather Shave- $60
- Buddy\Kid Cut – $30
Contact Info:
- Email: stylesbybrittany@yahoo.com
- Instagram: britt.stylez
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittany.ethridge.33
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/msstylesbybrit
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