Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Raye Adams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hannah Raye, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
What’s the most meaningful project I’ve had the honor to work on? Last March I was found on instagram, asked to style hair for a tv show on USA NETWORK.
I remember this day vividly, it was my sons 2nd birthday, we had just finished having his birthday party. I was cleaning up all the party decorations and was able to look at my phone for the first time all day. I saw the 2 notifications. Whitney Dillon has followed you on instagram & Whitney Dillon sent you a message. Thats when my big break happened. Now for those who dont know this name, she is a nascar wife, influencer, and was a NFL cheerleader. I followed her on instagram and always thought she was such an inspiration.
Okay back to the story. She first was wanting to book me to style hair for her best friends baby shower, which I immediately agreed to. Then, a few days later she reached back out, telling me that they were filming a tv show called Austin Dillons Life in the Fast Lane, they needed a hair stylist and she wanted to know if i was interested, of course I was lol.
I worked on that show from the middle of March to the later part of June, this experience was something I never imagined I would ever get to be a part of, I still sometimes can’t believe I got it work on that project. Living in a small town you always think that you have to go to LA or New York for these things to happen, that what I always thought at least, so never stop dreaming and know that God has a plan for you bigger than your wildest dreams.
You want to know the best part out of all of this? a
After the show wrapped for the season, the cast and I are still great friends! I am so grateful for them, that opportunity and that chance of a lifetime.
Hannah Raye, 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?
For those of you who’ve never heard of me (probably a lot of yall lol) Hi! My name is Hannah Raye Adams, I own hiphiphairraye, a freelance hair and makeup business that travels to any destination for whatever you need glam for!
So how I got into the industry isn’t really anything to exciting. When I was 17 I started assisting at a salon about 20 minutes from my hometown, in May of 2012 I graduated highschool & that August I began cosmetology school. That next September I graduated and immediately began my journey as a colorist, bridal stylist & makeup artist at that same salon, I was at that salon of 8 years, then covid hit, and while I couldn’t do color I was still able to get my brides ready for their big day. When it was announced that we can go back into the salon I was honestly not looking forward to it, I didn’t want to do color anymore, I had become burnt out and had put all my passion into updos, styling and makeup. So thats when I decided I wanted to go out on my own, and pursue my dream of being a freelance hairstylist and mua.
The thing I love the most about this job is how I get to make people feel, the extra boost of confidence I can give them & the conversations and relationships I get to form with each of my clients. It brings me so much joy!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
The advice I would give to anyone wanting to grow their business online is to post but to post with purpose. Post what you want to do more of and what you want to be known for.
I found that in this industry the best way to do that is to get groups with similar aesthetics as you together for styled shoots.
When I started out I would reach out to so many people asking them if I could do their hair and makeup for free to get content for my social media, I would do hair and makeup looks that were my style and that I wanted to do more of.
I posted a few times a week constantly and purposefully and my instagram following really started to take off. I think I started that page a little over 2 years ago I think now has right at 3k.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think that anyone who isn’t in this industry sees my business and others like me, in a way where they think this is just a hobby or something I do for fun, and yes while it is so much fun, its a business that I have worked so hard to get off the ground and get a reputation for. I have put so much heart and soul into building this business and I hope that I can maybe change the outlook of “she just curls hair and puts lashes on people.”
With this business just every other business there is a lot of behind the scenes. I spend most of my weekdays answering emails, zoom calls with brides and other clients, sanitizing my kits, creating timelines for wedding days, kit restocking, confirming day of details with planners and brides, setting up appointments. That takes alot of time, which I love, but i think that most people assume we just show up and start getting people ready.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.hiphiphairraye.com
- Instagram: HipHipHairRaye
- Other: https://linktr.ee/hannahrayeadams?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b73fc196-aa50-48bb-b9b3-6149d54ed676
Image Credits
Photos- Ellie MCkiiney Photography, Megan Black Photography, Megan Rose Harrison,