We were lucky to catch up with Breanna Peart recently and have shared our conversation below.
Breanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
My business name definitely gets one of two reactions: curiosity or disapproval, and frankly that was the point. The story behind the name is as layered as it comes, an ex partner of mine once attempted to paint me as “the succubus” and I thought, yeah, I can play into this.
The term “succubus” has historically been drenched in negative connotations—this demonized, mythical creature that seduces and overwhelms. It’s a patriarchal old chestnut used to police women’s sexuality and agency. So, in true “Bre” fashion, I thought, “Why not reclaim this? Why not turn it into something empowering?”
At Succubus Hair, I take what was meant to suppress and convert it into a banner of empowerment. It’s about acknowledging the power and allure inherent in all women, and flipping the narrative from fear to admiration, from oppression to liberation. I celebrate autonomy, creativity, and the unapologetic expression of one’s true self.
Choosing this name was my way of poking the bear of conventional norms right in the eye—with a hot pink glitter nail, mind you! It’s a declaration: here I harness my own power, craft my own tales, and no one tells me how to look, feel, or be. Succubus Hair isn’t just about stunning styles; it’s about wearing your identity loudly, proudly, and without a single ounce of shame. It’s a place for those who dare to stand out, speak up, and reclaim their stories. It’s a homage to all the people who were never allowed, didn’t fit in, that this space in my chair, you belong. Not only belong but you’re celebrated.
Breanna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
From a young age, I wasn’t the kid playing outside; I was indoors, painstakingly recreating the covers of teen magazines. My early entrepreneurial spirit had me setting up a hair wrap station at the bus stop by fifth grade, charging $1 per style. I’ve always been driven to help people feel beautiful, especially since I grappled with fitting in myself. Growing up with thick, unruly curls in the early 2000’s and never quite feeling accepted in salons marked by sighs at the sight of my hair volume, I knew I wanted something different not just for myself but also for others.
Choosing to follow my passion for hairstyling was a decision to show up authentically, not just for me but as a lesson for my daughter too. This led me to drop out of nursing school, disappoint my family, but importantly, to never quit pursuing what felt right. Succubus Hair, isn’t just about standout platinum blondes and vivids or edgy cuts; it’s a place of nonconformity and acceptance, where clients from all walks of life can feel seen while maintaining their edgy, authentic selves, even in a corporate world.
One thing that sets me apart is my approach to photography in hairstyling; it’s about capturing the true essence without succumbing to the over-edited standards that flood our feeds. I believe in authenticity over false advertising, which my clients deeply appreciate. My proudest moment came from what seemed initially a career setback; leaving a dream job over ethical discrepancies showed me that maintaining integrity is more crucial than any superficial recognition.
My brand—Succubus Hair—stands on the pillars of authenticity, anarchy, and love. As for what’s next, I’m diving deeper into the creative process, focusing on storyboarding and producing photo shoots that retell narratives in a way that’s both fun and fulfilling. I want to keep creating spaces and visuals that empower others to embrace their true selves without fear.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to transform ideas into tangible expressions that resonate with others. It’s about connecting with people on a profound level, challenging norms, and sparking conversations. Every piece of art, whether a painting, a poem, or a hairstyle, carries a piece of the creator’s soul and perspective, and seeing that inspire or comfort someone else is profoundly fulfilling. It’s not just about the creation itself, but about the impact it has—how it can alter perceptions, evoke emotions, and inspire change.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
One aspect that might be difficult for non-creatives to grasp about the journey of an artist is that the drive to create is incessant—it doesn’t just shut off. Our minds are continually observing, processing, and imagining, often moving faster than we can keep up with. There’s a persistent urge to manifest these ideas into reality, which can be both exhilarating and exhausting. This constant flow of creativity isn’t something we can easily pause or ignore; it’s an integral part of who we are.
For those not immersed in creative fields, it might seem like our work is sporadic or inspired by sudden bursts of creativity, but the truth is, it’s a continuous process. We are always building on what we’ve learned and experienced, pushing boundaries, and exploring new possibilities. This relentless nature of creativity can be challenging—it demands resilience and a profound dedication to craft, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity.
Understanding this can help bridge the gap between creative and non-creative fields, revealing that the essence of artistic work is deeply rooted in persistent passion and constant intellectual engagement. It’s not just a job or hobby; it’s a way of living and seeing the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Succubushair
- Facebook: Succubushair
- Youtube: Succubushair
Image Credits
@ebphto @photosxreyganl