Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Rayanna
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?
My journey started when I was 22, fueled by my love for the beauty industry and the dream of building something meaningful. I took a leap of faith and opened my first salon in Atlanta, even though I wasn’t actively doing hair at the time. I didn’t know how to grow my clientele yet, but I was determined to figure it out. Shortly after opening my salon, I started investing in learning how to run a business. Before I knew it, my marketing strategies had me fully booked.
At 23, I moved back to Detroit to be closer to my family while continuing to grow my business. It was in Detroit that I hit my first six figures as a hairstylist—a milestone that showed me what was possible when you fully commit to your vision. From there, I moved to Los Angeles, ready to challenge myself once again. I built a new clientele in just 30 days and opened another salon space in less than a year of being in LA.
It was during this time that other beauty service providers began reaching out to me for guidance on how to grow their own businesses. That’s when I transitioned into coaching. I realized that everything I had learned along the way—from growing my clientele to building passive income—could help other beauty professionals achieve their dreams too.
Now, I help beauty service providers not only build their businesses but also create a life they love. It’s been an incredible journey, and honestly, I’m so proud of where I am today. I’m preparing to travel the world with no return date in mind, all while showing others that it’s possible to turn their hard work into freedom, financial stability, and fulfillment.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. In the beginning, I had no idea how to grow my clientele or run a business. Opening my first salon was a huge leap of faith, and while I was excited, I was also overwhelmed. I invested in courses and mentors to learn everything I could about marketing and business management, but it took time to see the results of that effort.
Another big struggle was starting over in new cities. Moving to Detroit and then Los Angeles meant leaving behind the clientele I’d worked so hard to build. I had to put myself out there repeatedly, market myself, and trust that my strategies would work. Thankfully, they did, but it wasn’t easy to constantly be in “hustle mode.”
There was also a physical toll. Doing hair full-time is demanding, and I started experiencing wrist pain that made me realize I couldn’t keep working like that forever. It forced me to step back and reevaluate what I wanted for my future. That’s when I started focusing on building passive income and helping others through coaching.
One of the biggest personal challenges has been learning to trust the process and believe in myself. As an entrepreneur, there’s always uncertainty, and it’s easy to doubt if you’re making the right decisions. But every setback taught me resilience, and every success reminded me that I’m capable of creating the life I want.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The struggles made me stronger, and they gave me the tools I now use to help others overcome their own challenges.
We’ve been impressed with Beyond The Salon Social Club, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Beyond the Salon Co., is dedicated to helping beauty service providers take their businesses to the next level. We specialize in showing hairstylists, makeup artists, lash techs, and other beauty professionals how to diversify their income, grow their clientele, and ultimately achieve financial freedom.
What sets us apart is our personal and relatable approach. I’m not just teaching concepts from a textbook—I’ve overcome the exact struggles that I am coaching them through. I’ve experienced the struggles of building a clientele from scratch, opening salons in new cities, and transitioning into a new chapter of my career. I’ve lived it, and now I use my experience to guide others.
We’re known for empowering beauty professionals to move beyond the salon by creating passive income through digital products, branding themselves as industry leaders, and exploring new opportunities that allow them to work smarter, not harder. Whether it’s coaching programs, ebooks, webinars, or our upcoming events, every offering is designed to give beauty service providers the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive market.
What I’m most proud of is how personal and transformative our brand feels. Beyond the Salon isn’t just about business—it’s about creating a life you love. From helping someone go from barely having clients to being fully booked, the success stories of my students remind me why I started.
For your readers, I want them to know that my brand is here to support them at every stage of their beauty business journey. Whether they’re just starting out or looking to scale, we offer resources and strategies tailored to their needs. Our tagline, “From Fully Booked to Financial Freedom,” embodies our mission to help beauty professionals dream bigger, work smarter, and achieve their goals.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a dreamer. I had a big imagination and was constantly thinking about what my future could look like. I was independent and determined, always wanting to figure things out on my own and carve my own path. Even at a young age, I knew I loved beauty and wanted to work for myself. I’d always gravitate toward anything creative, whether it was experimenting with hairstyles, playing with makeup, or imagining what it would be like to have my own business one day.
My personality was a mix of being ambitious but also very creative—I loved anything that allowed me to express myself and think outside the box. I’ve always been drawn to things that spark curiosity and passion, and I loved exploring new hobbies and learning new skills. I think deep down, I always knew I wasn’t cut out for a traditional 9-to-5. The idea of creating my own lane and building something meaningful has been with me for as long as I can remember.
On the flip side, I’ve always had a nurturing side. I’ve been the person my friends could turn to for business advice, and I genuinely enjoyed helping people solve problems and see their potential. I think that’s why coaching feels so natural to me—it’s something I’ve been doing in some way my whole life.
Overall, I was a mix of driven, creative, and compassionate, with a deep desire to succeed and make a difference. Looking back, a lot of the qualities I had growing up are still with me today—they’ve just evolved into the person I’ve become.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoachraya/
Image Credits
@legendaryshots.p
