Meet Lauren Reyes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Reyes.

Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I wasn’t one of those hairstylists who always knew I wanted to do hair. I grew up doing theater, and I went to a performing arts high school in St.George, Ut. My school was also the host of Broadway summer stocks and we were lucky to have the theater professionals on campus most of the school year. My senior year I was able to assist with the wig makers on a show and I really enjoyed the art of crafting hairstyles. Flash forward to a couple years later when I was in college getting a sociology degree. The recession hit. I had a school counselor suggest that if I wanted to work in the direction the economy was heading, then I needed to get trade instead of a degree. I thought back to how much fun I had had making those wigs in high school and decided to go to cosmetology school instead of finishing my degree. I moved to Atlanta and enrolled in Cosmetology school.

It’s crazy to think that was 12 years ago. I have loved every minute of my career since I became a licensed Cosmetologist and I’m so grateful to that counselor because I know I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do. As a new stylist, I worked in different departmentalized salons as both a cutter and a colorist, but I was never fully satisfied just doing one or the other. In 2014, I moved to New Orleans and was in a non departmentalized salon and I was finally able to create complete looks for my clients. Working at John Jay was such a great opportunity as Jay himself was the president of Intercoiffure for over 20 years and had a great team of stylists I could look up to for technique tips and inspiration. While living in New Orleans, I met and married my husband who has a ten-year-old daughter. Then having a new family we wanted to move back home, so in 2015 we moved back to Atlanta. I opened Lauren Reyes Salon soon after and I’ve never looked back!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
That’s an interesting question! The mechanics of hair styling was something I picked up quickly. I’m a very visual learner which makes learning techniques that are shown to me fairly easy. I would say my biggest struggle was making a living doing hair. The first salon I worked in was pretty upscale. On the surface, it was a dream salon. The problem was I was only paid $7 an hour unless I had high enough sales in a week to qualify for commission. As a new stylist during a recession that wasn’t easy to do. In the year I worked there I don’t think I ever made more than minimum wage. I had no choice but to leave, and I went to work for a chain salon. I was actually able to pay my bills there so I loved it!

I stayed at the chain salon for a few years, partly because I loved the fast-paced work and nonstop walk-in clientele, and partly because I was scared to venture back out into the world of commission work. I think a lot of stylists living on their own can relate. I finally built up the courage to jump back in because I had hit a creative wall. I knew it was then or never. That was the best decision I ever made. It took a lot of long hours, amazing loyal clients, and the invention of Instagram, and I was able to build a full book of clients. I’m now fully booked three to four months in advance! I still don’t think “struggle” is the right word because, and I know this will sound cheesy, but I am so thankful for every step of that journey because they all put me exactly where I am now!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lauren Reyes Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
I am always so excited to talk about my salon suite! Lauren Reyes Salon opened two years ago and it has been the most fun I have EVER had in my career. I love being a business owner, and my community of clients have been so encouraging and supportive as I’ve worked out the kinks! I’ve changed everything about how I run my business since I opened my doors: my hours, prices, color line, and home hair care products have all changed. I even changed suites in my same building because I quickly realized I needed a larger space! I use only ammonia-free color and all the products in my salon are sulfate, paraben, and cruelty-free.

I use Kevin Murphy products and beginning this year all their packaging will be made out of recycled ocean plastic, which is really exciting to me as I am always looking for ways for my salon to reduce its carbon footprint. I love that I now have so much flexibility with running my own schedule, that I can travel to take classes all over the country to learn from the best in the business to improve my craft, I also get to teach within my community of hairdressers as this year starts my adventure as a Kevin Murphy, Gold Key color educator! I specialize in natural, dimensional coloring. I have spent years perfecting the art of subtle color. I’m best known for that style of balayage highlights. I love for your natural color to be the star of the show, and for the color, I give to be the supporting cast. I also love bold changes and creating a whole new look for those looking for one!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The luckiest thing that has ever happened in my life was when I swiped right on my husband Armando. True story, I m a TInderella! Without that swipe, I would not be the woman and hairstylist I am today. Since day one he has pushed me to stand up to what I believe in, and let nothing and no one stands in my way… He is just as passionate as I am and we make a great team! We have been together since I made $8,000 in one year to now having a successful business together. I don’t think I would have made my dream a reality without his vision and encouragement and he is such a vital part in the daily running of my salon. I told him I was thinking of opening a suite and he found the Salons by JC suite in Ansley Mall I am in, and I signed my lease that same day. He built out the whole space (twice), cleans the salon, assists with bookings, and operates 100% of our household functions so I can give the salon all my attention. Tonight he cooked dinner and did the laundry so I could do this interview. Without him, I absolutely could not do what I do the way I do it. Armando and my daughter Izzy are the luckiest things to have ever happened to me, Everything beautiful in my life I have because of them (and my dogs..).

Contact Info:

• Address: 1544 Piedmont Ave NE Suite 117
  Atlanta, GA 30324
• Website: styleseat.com/laurenreyessalon
• Email: hair_church@yahoo.com
• Instagram: hair_church
• Yelp: Lauren Reyes Salon

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