Meet Rayven
Rayven is an editorial and session stylist with over a decade of experience.
A force in both salon and editorial spaces, through mentorship and platforms like Texture on Set, Rayven is leaving her mark on the industry and supporting other stylists along the way —both behind the chair and behind the scenes.
Besides having a range of mentors to help build her career, Rayven is also a Mizani Educator. With all of this experience under her belt, in this episode, we talk to Rayven about her experience and how up and coming stylists can follow in her footsteps.
Where to find Rayven: Instagram | Website
The interview
Here are all the questions we asked Jules, so you can fast-forward to the best parts.
[01:31] How did it all start and how did you get to where you are now?
[04:26] How did you get into session styling?
[07:28] What did your first mentor teach you and how did it help?
[11:29] What are some of the challenges you faced as you built your career?
[14:16] Thinking back to the first editorial that you did, how did it feel?
[23:14] what advice do you have for stylist who want to join a mentorship program?
[24:07] What are the mistakes you see stylist making when they step into the industry and how can they avoid it?
[27:25] How do you stay balanced and inspired by balancing high pressure shoots with client work?
[31:03] What inspired you to create Top Tier extensions?
[37:37] What is your one piece of advice for stylist who want to go independent?
[40:40] How did you go about building your personal brand?
[42:43] If you could run a project with your dream brand or artists, what would it look like and who would be involved?
[46:00] What's the next big thing for you?
Who has Rayven styled?
Rayven’s top tip for stylists
Rayven's top tip: Don't just build a client list. Build a brand, because the market is definitely crowded. Skills are amazing, but sometimes it's just not enough. Stand out in your uniqueness, your style, your vibe. Clients want to now who you are. Build those relationships. It's not just a business, you're not just doing hair. Every stylist has something unique about them. Show that. Some takeaways
For stylists 💇🏾♀️
Rayven has had more than one mentor support her throughout the years. Many people underestimate the power of having the right mentor to guide them and understand what their first steps should be. From her mentor Crystal, who helped her break into the editorial/session stylist space, to the infamous Naeemah La Fond, each person has played a role in helping her move into the next stage of her career. This kind of support is pivotal in helping her to understand how to position yourself and break into parts of the industry that you’re trying to get your foot into.
Something to remember, great mentors will provide you with a bit of business and personal support. Your wellbeing and life have a huge impact on how you can turn up for business, so it’s only natural that the right mentors should be interested in both. When you’re considering bringing a mentor onboard, ask to speak to some of their existing mentees and see if they are the kind of person to pay attention to the personal and professional, that will give you a better idea of whether they are a good fit.
In a space where delivery certain isn’t many people’s strength, choosing not taking things personally will help you manage yourself better in the editorial space. Feedback can be direct (if there is any) and you’ll often be left to figure out how to turn what you have into a piece that the creatives love. This will often mean reading behind the lines.
The beauty industry is busy. Events, talks, product launches and it’s important to decide which ones you choose to go to and say no to in order to reserve your energy for those that really count. Remember you don't have to be every where at once.
One of the best ways to build residual income in the hair industry is to sell products that your customers need. Take extensions for example. When clients have extension they don't usually want do much at home, if you can find a type of hair that is lower maintenance and start with a test supply, you can see if any customers really fall in love with the experience of getting the hair from you as well. Not to mention, your clients are already looking for solutions and are more likely to buy from you.
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Overcast, and YouTube.
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See you in the next episode!
From,
The Mane Hook-Up team
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