Today we’d like to introduce you to Paris Burns.
Hi Paris , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story isn’t very traditional for an entrepreneur. I didn’t grow up wanting to be a hairstylist. It was just always something I was naturally good at. After graduating high school I went to college at Midwestern State University. There I graduated with a BS in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I wanted a traditional 9-5. During post grad I had a hard time finding a job. I was at home bored one day & a friend’s daughter asked if I could braid her hair. Before this day I had only done weaved styles. I tried braiding her hair & she loved it. Those braids were terrible but it got people to book with me. My clientele grew fast & I was still saying it was just a hobby. After having several 9-5 jobs I realized I didn’t like having the same day, day after day. I didn’t like the predictable routine of clocking in/out, lunch breaks & 15 minute breaks at the same time. It wasn’t something I could see myself doing until retirement. In 2022 I went through a lot of different growing pains & transitions. Therapy, a break up, being unhappy at my job but I still had love for my paid “hobby”, hair. In October of 2022 I decided to step out on faith & leave my 9-5 to be a full time hairstylist. It was one of the scariest but rewarding things I could have done for myself. I often wish I would have done it sooner but I know that God took me through all the seasons of my life thus far for a reason.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been far from smooth, but definitely worth it. I struggled with self doubt & comparison often. Before being full time, people would encourage me to quit my 9-5 but my mindset at the time was “Why would people come to me if there are hundred’s of other hairstylist that have been doing hair longer than me?” Now my mindset is “Why not me?” I wake up everyday & bet on myself. I know you’ve probably heard the saying comparison is the thief of joy. It’s so true. I’ve learned on this journey to enjoy each season I’m in & that someone else’s journey is not for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a hairstylist specializing in installs, ponytails & braids. I am most proud of myself for not giving up when it’s hard. There are peaks & valleys in this business but you have to keep going. I show up everyday to show my children how to face adversity & to always bet on them. I feel the experience & care of my services are what set me apart. Each service comes with a chat & shampoo about the current condition of my clients hair. Yes I want each client to leave feeling good about their hair, but I also want my clients to leave feeling educated about the importance of hair care.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
God deserves all the credit! Without him, there would be no Styles by Perry.
Anyone who has sat in my chair, whether it be the lawn chair I started out using in my mom’s living room, or the chair I have now in my salon suite, thank you. I’m grateful for each person who has booked with me, referred others to me, & those who have shared a post on social media.
Pricing:
- Traditional Sew In $215
- Sleek Ponytail $130
- Miracle Knots $150
- Small Knotless $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stylesbyperry.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styled_byperry?igsh=a21qZTR3cjdndjV4&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Instagram: @Flossyfilming
