We were lucky to catch up with Ciann Geren recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ciann, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I’m so grateful to have the freedom I get to experience in this industry. I get to make my own schedule and set my own hours. I am so thankful that I get to use my craft as a full time career, I have the opportunity to keep growing, expanding my business while still feeling fulfilled at the end of the day! Going into cosmetology school, I considered the stability to work in a normal job, but I am so glad I took a risk and continued to motivate myself daily to work towards my passion. The freedom of this industry is so amazing because in ten years I could be working two days a week doing what I love, while also raising a family, or traveling around the world! That’s pretty hard to beat.
Ciann, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Ciann! I work in behind the chair doing cut and color, and I’m also a freelance bridal hairstylist. Growing up I always thought I wanted to be a nurse, I loved to take care of people and feel like I was needed in some way. My best friend, Zoey Homan, was planning on doing hair and I knew it was something I would love to do, but I discouraged myself at the idea of it because of the lack of stability and the way society saw hairdressers. I was always watching YouTube videos of hair and makeup artists and thought it would be so fun to be in an industry like this, I never considered the idea for myself because my mind had been made up on nursing. My second year of college, I was late to schedule classes and my best friend convinced me to go to cosmetology school with her. I took a leap of faith and it was the best decision I’ve ever made! I quickly found my passion, after I got my license I assisted for a year and a half, this is where it all changed for me. I dived deep into learning the chemistry behind coloring, the craft of bridal hair, and I built a network of amazing people that I still work with now. My mentor, Lauren Funchion, taught me so much about being a stylist and business owner. One thing about me is that I’m always up for a challenge, over the past two years of being a licensed stylist I’ve always been a great problem solver in every environment. I think what sets me apart from other stylists is that I can be very personable, while maintaining professionalism. I love the consultation portion of my services I provide, I want to take the time to really understand what you want and I give in detail what is achievable. Aside from hair, I love to learn what you do in your free time and what your life is like! I always want to make people feel comfortable when they are with me. I am most proud of the growth I have experienced in this business, I did expect to see my hard work pay off so early on in my career. I was really scared of what the future would hold for me, thankfully I have had so many amazing friends and colleagues encouraging me along my journey. What motivates me is seeing others motivated alongside me! When I think of Hair by Ciann, aside from being a wedding stylist, when booking with me I want people to know they’re signing up for a great experience. I want you to feel like you’re talking to a friend, you’ll always feel loved and appreciated when sitting in my chair.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing people happy because of me. One goal of mine no matter what it is I’m doing is feeling fulfilled, which to me is feeling like I bring value into others lives. Seeing someone smile after a transformation I give them is so heart warming, not only do I get to make them feel beautiful, but talking them during the process is so fun. I love when people call me a therapist, I love being a listening ear on the good and bad days, giving life advice or just laughing with you!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
About 6 months ago I had to start fresh completely. I worked hard in cosmetology school and the beginning of my career as a new artist to build my social media content, then I got hacked on Instagram which upset me a lot. I used this opportunity to start completely fresh and trust me, it’s not an easy thing to do. I love to take content of everything, making reels, stories, posting professional photos from my brides. The best advice I have is that clients want to see YOU. I noticed the most interaction I get is when I show my face! People love to see your work, but more importantly they want to see the amazing person behind the camera and what kind of personality you have before they meet you! Booking with someone you have never met before can be intimidating, so you want your audience to feel like they know you a little bit before they meet you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: hairbyciann
Image Credits
Abby Reilly