Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittni McGarry
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
You hear the stories of girls saying they have always wanted to do hair at a young age, playing and cutting Barbie’s hair. I was not like that. Getting close to graduating high school, I was lost on finding what I wanted to do with my next chapter in life. I didn’t get accepted to any colleges I applied to. My parents believed to furthering my education so my mom told me I needed to go to beauty school, so I agreed. It turned out to be the best decision. In beauty school I thrived and it sparked a passion in me. I didn’t learn a love of doing hair, but what really sparked was the connection with people. Graduating beauty school I got a job right away at a salon. I lacked a lot of confidence and lasted three months. Got another job at a salon and it started out great, until the owner decided to change everything. There was one month that I only made $100 working full time with a busy schedule. I talked to the owner about it and they said that they can make sure I make less money to get government help. That’s when I knew I needed to get out. I took that as a sign I needed to do something different. I worked at an orthopedic office doing clerical work for a number of years, while still doing hair on the side. One day I was inspired to talk to my brother in law who manages a few office spaces that if he ever had a space available I would love to rent it. Thinking it would be years later, he ended up talking to me later that week letting me know there was a space available and Urban Trend Salon was created. Still working at the orthopedic part time, and opening a new salon, building a clientele was a lot of hard work and dedication. I would work 12-14 hours a day for two years to build my clientele. In 2019 I finally took the leap to quit my secured paying job to finally be at the salon full time. Then 2020 happened… we got shut down for six weeks. I felt discouraged in my decision quitting my essential secured paying job, wondering how am I going to be able to pay my bills, but my clients supported me more than ever, buying products and gift cards. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. After the shut down was lifted I was busier than I ever have been before and it hasn’t stopped since then.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Remodeling for a salon felt like smooth sailing. Once it was finished the struggles came. Working two jobs long 12-14 hour days. Thinking what did I sign myself for up for? Lacking confidence if anyone would want their hair done by me since it’s a very saturated business in my area. Not knowing how to run a business, feeling exhausted and failing at being a mom. Two years felt like forever working those long hours building a clientele and showing up for my kids. There definitely was a light at the end of the tunnel after two years. Then 2020 happened, we were mandated to shut down for six weeks. Wondering how am I going to pay my bills, but my clients supported me more than ever buying products and gift cards.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner and stylist of Urban Trend Salon I specialize in all haircuts and hair coloring as in blondes and brunettes. What I am most proud of is taking the leap to start my own salon. Lacking confidence my whole life it has helped me tremendously to gain confidence in myself and to help others achieve their dreams. What sets me apart from others is my personality, attitude and my passion to make my new and existing clients feel like they are at home. I want them to feel as beautiful and confident with themselves when they leave and everyone feeling loved and welcomed.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband being my number one supporter, encouraging me to start my dream and when I would get discouraged he always lifted me up. My brother in law letting me build a salon in a space he manages and letting me remodel however I wanted it. My parents, sister, my in laws and friends help get word out about Urban Trend Salon. Everyone one of them have helped me be successful to this day
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @urban_trend_salon
- Facebook: Urban Trend Salon
