Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Reynolds.
Hi Bri, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, I always loved fashion. To the point where my dad would have me draw up outfits on paper models or notebook paper and keep them saved up in a binder. That’s where my dad and I came up with the name for my brand of what would be “b.taylor.” Fast forward to high school, I was in a long-term relationship for almost five years with my now-husband during my senior year. I knew if I wanted to make it big, I would potentially have to move to NYC or LA & I was torn about putting that stress on our relationship and being long distance. One day I was getting my hair done with my stylist of seven years, who my whole family went to see. Her name was Ali Robey at the time. As any client does at our appointments, that’s our time to vent, and I expressed to her the hard decision I was facing. She told me, “Bri, your hair looks just as good when you come in as when you leave. You can style hair, and hair is a form of fashion. You should check out the school I attended.”
Formerly known as “The process” currently now “The Keune Academy”. I was hesitant because I never saw myself as doing hair, just styling or designing clothes. She mentioned it to my mom one day at her appointment and said it’s worth a shot to just check it out! She wasn’t wrong. We went to tour, check it out, and I instantly fell in love with the fast pace, energetic and hustling energy! It truly shocked me how ready I was to start right then and there! I was eager to learn, on fire for hair and even more, the business of it. I wanted to soak up all that I could get through school as soon as I could, keeping 99% attendance, and get started with my career! During cosmetology school, I ended up earning several types of awards for retail competitions and client retention/sales. So much that I stood out to the owner, Brian Perdue, of Genesis Salon. He made an appearance at my graduation, which I was later told it was not typical to see, and personally asked me to come work for the company and to call the corporate office to schedule an interview and that they will be waiting on my call. That was the beginning of me working for Genesis Salon and Salon 124 for almost six years!
In my first two years as a stylist, I really honed in on my Instagram following, which wasn’t a super popular thing for the stylist to do at the time. I posted my work when I could and was featured in American Salon Magazine, and Modern Salon Magazine, just to name a couple, for some of the work I did. Fast forward a couple of years later. I had done famous baseball players and even their wives hair. I was also featured in Southern Living Magazine for my babylights technique. With both my balayage & babylight techniques that I was learning from celebrity artists in CA & the famous the Chrissy Rassmusen of “Habit Salon”, it grew an interest in my salon as a new stylist. Everybody wanted to learn from ME. Talk about nerve-wracking having 4, 5, 6 and even 10+ year stylists watch a “newbie” like me and stand around me as I did these clients’ hair while trying to explain the technique I was doing. But I’ll never forget it because I learned very early on that education & pushing myself out of my comfort zone grew me as a person and stylist. This Is what led me to Education.
I began teaching classes my 4th year as a stylist for students within the school for extended education on techniques they don’t teach you in cosmetology school. This helps future stylist be more advanced on skills & techniques entering into the salon world as they hit the floor for the first time after graduation. Leading up to my 5 1/2 year mark at my previous salon, I always knew I wanted more. I had created this brand and clientele for myself. Created interest of my techniques of coloring hair through teaching educational classes. Those were all stepping stone of my business that led me to opening my salon suite B.Taylor Beauty Bar on July 13, 2020! We have a few new exciting projects in the final stages that will be launching this new year and I am so excited to see how much the business will flourish in 2021. Who knew, during a pandemic that we would buy a house, get a puppy and open a new business in the craziest year of our time!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been easy! But I think that’s part of the journey. I have found that through those not-so-easy times, that’s when you see what you’re truly made of, like character building. Those are the times you put your nose to the grindstone and push yourself to your limits more than ever to really show who you are and who you want to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have a true passion for making my clients feel beautiful and giving them that total makeover to transform their look! I always tell my clients that I am a brunette that specializes in blondes and making brunettes blonde! I am just living my best blonde life through them! I am best know for specializing in blonding techniques baby light, balayage, and the famous “money piece”, to name a few. I am ABSOLUTELY obsessed with extensions, creating fuller, longer and healthier-looking hair! The custom color and the added customized cut for each Individual is one of the most fun challenges I get for each guest! Nothing beats the smile on their face and the confidence that radiates over them when they leave. The combination of the color, cut and extensions combined (the whole sha-bang) brings me so much satisfaction of the “transformations look”. We do virtual consultations to see if you are a good candidate for extensions, go over pricing, maintenance and more to answer any questions you might have! We do this through our consulting phone number listed on Instagram @hairby_btaylor.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say perseverance. Not taking no for an answer by going after what you truly want, taking chances even though it scares you to death and creating long-lasting genuine relationships with your guests! I am forever grateful for my clients that turned into friendships and connections that I have made through my business!
Pricing:
- Blonding services: $285-450
- Cut/style: $65
- Extensions: $950-$2000
Contact Info:
- Email: Hairby.breynolds@gmail.com
- Website: btaylorhair.com
- Instagram: @Hairby_btaylor
