We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Reyes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I’m very proud to say I am mostly self taught. I used to be embarrassed because I have been shamed by other hairstylists when they’ve seen me in a corner watching YouTube videos, or live streams on Periscope. Like most industries, there’s a status in the hair community that says where you were taught determines your potential. I went to a small hair school instead of a name brand one, I worked at a great clips instead of assisting in a high end salon, and I’ve never had a personal mentor. I wasn’t very skilled the first half of my career, and I could have stayed that way if not for the amazing leaps my industry has taken in social media and in person education. Thankfully I’m a visual learner, so I grew from watching others. Because I was so motivated to hone my craft that I went to hair shows, and traveled around the country taking classes from amazing artists. I practiced on mannequins, models, and eventually clients, then I became a color educator for Kevin Murphy in 2018. I’ve never backed away from an opportunity to learn and evolve, and I’m so proud of the art I create with my cherished clients every day in my studio . My advice to any hairstylist, whether they’re a master or a novice, is to never stop learning from each other. Our whole industry benefits when we teach, learn from, and inspire each other.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I fell in love with the art of hair design when I was attending Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts in southern Utah. The school shared its property with a professional theater company, and as students we got to intern with them. Watching the wig masters customize the color, cuts, and styles for hundreds of wigs was a fun and fascinating process and I’ve had the bug ever since. I’ve now been a Master Cosmetologist for 15 years and a salon owner for over five. I’m a passionate stylist, an artist, an extremely hard worker, and someone who tries to be their best in any task I tackle. I strive for every unique person I work with to leave my studio with their own custom creation that makes them feel like their best self. I’m proud of the connection I have with my guests, who are so much more then just clients to me. We tell stories, laugh, and share life’s heart aches. Studio spaces are already intimate by their small nature, so I truly value the trust and vulnerability my guests and I share with each other. I can promise your three hour appointment will fly by and it’s never awkward! I choose to carry the highest quality Kevin Murphy products and hair color which are free of sulphates, parabens, ammonia, PPD, and cruelty to animals. We use sustainable products that are bio degradable, use renewable energy, and have packaging made from recycled plastics. I care about the impact my industry has on the environment and I’m proud to work with a line that does as well.
Im a wife to my darling husband and Salon Manager Armando, and mother of a bright and hilarious 13 year old. I am an animal lover with the two best pups on the planet! I love spooky season and celebrate it six months out of the year. I’m a deep appreciator and seeker of the magic and beauty in all things. All of these things are woven into the love and thoughtfulness I pour into my work with each person that walks through my door.
What do you find most rewarding about being creative?
The people. I’ve always been a people person and I’ve found myself in a fantastic field for that. Through being a hairstylist I have met so many thoughtful and generous clients, a hilarious co-worker and friend of 15 years, and a community of other hairstylists that are a joy to be around. I get to make a living having so much fun every day.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The best way to support art and artists is to buy from them. I love makers and watching videos of their creations, but often times when I see someone putting their unique form of art out there I see many comments criticizing the price. Everyone has a budget, that’s a given, and if something you like is outside of your price range you can respectfully say so. We should be mindful that every kind of artist takes time, sometimes years, to perfect their craft. They invest in products and supplies. If you have a friend who is a creative buy something of theirs. and be proud knowing that your purchase breathed life into their next creation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenreyessalon.org
- Instagram: LaurenReyesSalon