Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Brittany Grigsby

We recently had the chance to connect with Brittany Grigsby and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Brittany, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely. One of my most recent proud moments was launching the official Hazel Elaine Grooming brand story. For years, I’ve quietly been building this vision—moving from Dayton to Atlanta, becoming an independent salon owner, and crafting a grooming experience that feels personal, intentional, and elevated. Seeing that story come to life on film, and being able to finally share it with my community, was emotional for me. It made me realize how far I’ve come and how much purpose sits behind what I do every day.

And honestly, my clients make me laugh all the time. The jokes, the conversations, the real-life moments we share in the chair remind me why I love this work. Those small interactions—someone leaving the salon feeling confident again or telling me their day just got better—those are the moments that make me proud of the space I’ve created.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brittany Grigsby, and I’m the founder and Master Cosmetologist behind Hazel Elaine Grooming, a private grooming suite located in Ansley Mall in Atlanta. I specialize in precision haircuts, grooming services, and overall self-care experiences for clients with short hair. What makes my brand unique is the level of intention and personalization I bring to every service—Hazel Elaine Grooming isn’t just a haircut; it’s a tailored experience that focuses on confidence, comfort, and connection.

I moved to Atlanta nine years ago and became an independent salon owner six years ago. Over time, Hazel Elaine Grooming grew from just a service into a full brand rooted in quality, community, and professional craftsmanship. In 2020, I quietly began developing my own grooming product line, starting with a handcrafted multi-use beard oil made with natural ingredients. I’m now preparing to expand the line and share more of the story behind the brand, including the journey that shaped me both personally and professionally.

What makes my work special is that I’ve built it from the ground up—no shortcuts, no overnight success. Just skill, intention, consistency, and a true love for helping people feel like the best version of themselves. I’m excited about the next chapter, growing the Hazel Elaine Grooming community, and continuing to elevate the grooming experience here in Atlanta.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what breaks the bonds between people most often is misunderstanding, unspoken expectations, and the fear of vulnerability. A lot of relationships—professional or personal—start to fracture when people stop communicating honestly or when they assume the worst instead of giving grace. Life moves fast, everyone’s dealing with their own quiet battles, and sometimes we forget that the people around us are human too.

But what restores those bonds is almost always communication, empathy, and accountability. When people slow down long enough to really listen, to understand each other’s perspectives, and to own their part in things, healing becomes possible. Even in my work as a cosmetologist, I see how powerful connection can be—sometimes a simple conversation in the chair can bring clarity, comfort, or a sense of belonging.

At the core of every strong relationship—whether with clients, family, or community—is intentionality. Showing up with compassion, being willing to learn someone’s story, and choosing to rebuild instead of walk away. Bonds break when we disconnect, but they’re restored the moment we choose to understand each other again.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things success never could—mainly who I am when everything falls apart. Success is beautiful, but it doesn’t challenge your identity. It doesn’t ask you to confront your patterns, your wounds, or your doubts. But suffering does. When I went through financial struggles, heartbreak, rebuilding my business, and moments where I truly questioned my worth, I learned resilience in a way success could never teach me.

Suffering taught me patience, humility, and the ability to sit with myself honestly. It taught me how to rebuild from zero, how to trust my own hands, and how to create something meaningful without applause. It showed me the difference between people who were connected to my success and people who were connected to me. It gave me clarity about my purpose and sharpened the voice behind Hazel Elaine Grooming.

Success can show you how high you can climb, but suffering shows you the strength of your foundation. And for me, that foundation is faith, intention, and the knowledge that even in my hardest seasons, I was still being prepared for where I’m going. Suffering gave me depth, empathy, and a story—success just gives it a spotlight.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the beauty and grooming industry tells itself is that skill alone is enough. This industry loves to promote the idea that if you’re talented, everything else will fall into place. But the truth is, success in this field takes far more than technique—it takes business awareness, emotional intelligence, consistency, branding, and real connection with people. Talent gets you in the room; discipline keeps you there.

Another lie is that clients only care about the final result. They don’t. They care about how they feel in your chair, how respected they are, how safe the environment is, and how intentional the service feels. The experience is just as important as the haircut or the grooming service.

I also think there’s a lie around the idea that everyone is “just doing fine” on the business side. A lot of stylists and barbers struggle silently—with pricing, burnout, boundaries, financial structure, or even self-worth. But the industry culture often pushes people to look polished instead of supported.

What I’ve learned through Hazel Elaine Grooming is that authenticity, education, and client connection are the real foundations. When you take care of your craft, take care of your clients, and take care of yourself behind the scenes—that’s when your business becomes sustainable, and that’s where the magic truly happens.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m finally doing what I was born to do—not what I was told to do.

Growing up, I was encouraged to take the “safe” route, to choose something predictable and stable. But every time I tried to fit into a path that wasn’t mine, I felt disconnected from myself. It wasn’t until I moved to Atlanta and started building Hazel Elaine Grooming from scratch that I realized my purpose has always been tied to creating, healing, and elevating people through the art of grooming and self-care.

What I do now isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling. I was born to use my hands, my creativity, and my presence to make people feel seen. I was born to build a space that allows people to exhale, feel confident, and reconnect with themselves. Hazel Elaine Grooming is the first place in my life where everything I am—my talent, my story, my growth, my resilience—fits perfectly.

So no, I’m not doing what I was told to do. I’m doing what my spirit always knew I was meant to do. And stepping into that alignment has changed everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hazelelainegrooming.booksy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazelelainegroomingofficial
• Facebook: Hazel Elaine Grooming
• Yelp: Hazel Elaine Grooming
• Youtube: Hazelelainegrooming official

Image Credits
Raluca Ro