Meet Trailblazer Brittany Laine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Laine.

Brittany, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started working on hair salons when I was in high school, answering the phone, sweeping the floor, etc. My dream had always been to go to a music school in Australia, but I graduated high school early, and the school didn’t accept international students under 18. So I decided, in the meantime, I would try cosmetology school. I already liked the salon environment and had a little experience with color. So I did a year of cosmetology school, a one-year apprenticeship, and then worked as a licensed stylist for an additional year before I decided I really should go for my original dream and try music school. I hated it. So after one year of living in Australia (which in itself was awesome), I headed back to Canada (where I am from) and jumped back into the salon life. I did try other post-secondary options part-time (one year of social justice and peace studies, and one year of small business management) but I found that I am the most fulfilled when making other people happy and feeling good about themselves, and doing hair does that for me.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am very lucky in that I have parents who have always encouraged me through their words and actions to explore, to try different things, to be resourceful and entrepreneurial but also that it’s okay to change my mind. With that freedom, I have been able to try different things, learn what I like, figure out my strengths, and equally important my weaknesses. I think getting to know myself has been a big part of figuring out my professional journey. I would say just try. If you have something you’d like to do, just try it. If it doesn’t work out, at least you know. That’s how I felt about music school, I tried it, I hated it, and now I’ll never wonder if I missed my big chance. And I maneuvered and grew from the experience. Also, I would say it’s okay to change your mind. I sometimes feel like people can be afraid to change their mind because maybe someone will think they failed or whatever else. I think changing your mind just means you tried something and you learned from it. So that would be my advice, just go for it, and learn from the experience.

We’d love to hear more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for? etc.
So, I am a hairstylist, and I would say I specialize in natural colors and focus on maintaining the health and integrity of the hair. I love creating a beautiful sunkissed blonde, or when my red-headed clients tell me everyone asked if it was their natural color. I also care a lot about the products I use and their impact on our beautiful earth. The products I use have naturally derived ingredients, zero carbon emissions and are certified B Corp, which just means it’s environmentally and socially sustainable. I also am very proud of being apart of a community that gives back. Every year our salon does a holiday toy drive for local kids (happening now), and we do a cut-a-thon to raise money for different charities.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
I would say, be brave, take risks, know your worth, have a good work ethic, and treat people with kindness.

Pricing:

• Average woman’s cut $73
• Average men’s cut $40
• Partial highlights/balayage $125
• Root retouch $73

Contact Info:

• Address: 5229 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood 91601
• Website: Www.brittanylainestylist.com
• Phone: (818) 763-2977
• Instagram: @brittanylainestylist

Image Credit:
Stonewall Peters

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.