Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryann DuNann.
Ryann, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in the Beauty Industry 19 years ago, originally I got my Esthetician License and worked as a Makeup Artist for various Companies. I had always had dreams of moving to Los Angeles. Those dreams came true, and I made a move at 22. After several years in LA, I moved back to Northern California for family issues. While I was up there, I decided to go back to school to get my Cosmetology License at Paul Mitchell.
After graduating, I moved back to LA. It was always a dream of mine to open my first Business before I was 30, after a lot of work, by 29 I opened my own Salon in Atwater Village. Several years later, unfortunately, due to poor Business Partners, I left my Business and decided I needed to be on my own. I really wanted to focus on enjoying the Art of my craft, so I currently rent a chair at a Salon one day a week, and most of my business has turned into Mobile Hair.
I work out of clients homes, hotels or businesses. I get to style hair for Red Carpet Events, I also specialize in Weddings. Working for myself and freelancing gives me the flexibility to take the jobs that I want, and work with other amazing Artists doing what we love. Being artistic and creative. I have built myself and my brand up to be living the dream I dreamt about so long ago.
Great, 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?
Anytime you go after a dream, it’s definitely not easy, or a smooth road. There have been many struggles and tears along the way. Walking away from my Salon was one of the most difficult things I ever had to do. I had invested everything into it. And lost it all in the end. But I picked myself up and went forward.
In life, I’m someone who has known struggle, and no matter what, I pick myself up and keep pushing forward. Being self-employed is a journey in itself. Many sleepless nights, working morning, noon and night. Missing Holidays and not being able to have weekends. It’s a sacrifice. But I absolutely love what I do, and my clients. I’m extremely driven and passionate about my work.
I have the best job in the World, and I’m so fortunate to say I get to do what I love every day. I change people’s lives, I make people see the beauty that lies in their Soul. I’m a therapist, a friend, a confidant, a listening ear. I see it all. I wouldn’t change the struggle for anything. It’s all worth it. To see my clients happy, beautiful smiling faces.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m a Hairstylist and Makeup Artist. I specialize in cuts, color, extensions, styling, weddings, makeup, tv, fashion, photo shoots… pretty much you name it, and I can provide the service, and if needed, a team of excellent Artists that I hire to work with me that I have personally hand-picked.
I’m most proud of the fact that this was my dream as a young girl, and I moved to one of the biggest cities (growing up in a small town of 8,000 people) and am making it a reality! Dreams do come true if you just focus and stick to it, and work very hard. I believe what sets The Monroe Artistry apart from others, is how much I’m invested. How much I truly care.
Funny story, when I was in Beauty School, I was told I would never be successful because I took too long. One of my quotes for my business is… I take my time on my clients because I believe they are worth every precious moment. My attention to detail and perfection is what sets me apart. Because I truly, and genuinely care.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Drive, passion, hard work, dedication, patience.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3129 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca. 90039
- Website: www.themonroeartistry.com
- Phone: 2138040658
- Email: themonroe@ymail.com
- Instagram: themonroeartistry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/themonroeartistry/
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/the-monroe-artistry-los-angeles
Image Credit:
Tomas Arceo, Darian Zahedi, Kent Avery, Blake Clifton
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
