Meet Brie Todd | Salon owner | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brie Todd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was heavily influenced by my desire for work-life balance. As a mother of two at the time, I realized that I needed the freedom to manage my professional and personal life on my terms. The salon world can be challenging when it comes to finding a place that truly feels like home, so I decided to create that environment for myself.

In 2013, when I relocated back to New York, I opened my first salon. This decision was also deeply rooted in my family’s history. My grandmother was a hairstylist, and I grew up immersed in the hair industry. It was a natural progression for me, something I always knew I would pursue one day. Having my own salon allowed me to be more in control of my life, providing stability and flexibility for my family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is the deep connection and relationships I build with my clients. Without my clients, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My dedication and drive to help others in the industry learn and grow is something I thrive on. I am most proud of the beautiful business I have created for myself and my team here in Charleston, South Carolina.

I got to where I am today by having faith in myself and believing in my strength to overcome all the obstacles thrown my way. Starting out at 17 years old and now at 35, I have owned and opened three salons. One of which, after relocating to South Carolina, is my pride and joy. I have bigger plans to grow this salon and expand with a second location.

The hardest thing about navigating the hair industry is its constant evolution, especially with social media and the pressure to keep up with everyone else to prove your worth. Along the way, I’ve learned to believe in myself, the importance of having a strong support system, and that it’s okay to not be like everyone else. My brand is my story, and I think that speaks for itself. I want women to feel amazing about themselves, and I love that I can play a part in that.

Professionally, I love creating a space for all the stylists in my salon that I was never given. At my salon, we come together at the end of the day as a team and as a salon family, yet we each are independent stylists who always have the support of one another. This sense of community and mutual support is something I cherish deeply.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Charleston offers a wealth of beautiful and exciting experiences. Days spent on the beach are incredibly relaxing, with the serenity of the ocean providing a perfect backdrop for unwinding. Downtown Charleston is a treasure trove of activities, from shopping at charming boutiques to exploring delightful coffee shops. The city boasts an array of amazing restaurants, offering everything from fresh seafood to Southern cuisine.

One of the most enjoyable activities is riding electric bikes around the city, allowing you to soak in the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Parks in Charleston are ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics, making them perfect spots to enjoy the outdoors. The combination of historic charm, modern amenities, and natural beauty makes Charleston an exciting and captivating place to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a heartfelt shout-out to several key people who have been instrumental in my journey. First and foremost, my family has always been incredibly supportive of my decision to pursue business ownership and become a hairstylist. My husband has been my rock, consistently backing my business dreams and encouraging me to achieve whatever I set my mind to.

I also want to express my gratitude to Peggy, who discovered me when I was just 17 years old in hair school. She played a pivotal role in launching my career in the hair industry, and I am forever thankful for her belief in me.

Additionally, I want to recognize my personal mentor, Gina Bianca. She came into my life during a challenging time both personally and professionally. Connecting with her and participating in her outstanding mentor program was transformative. Her story and guidance helped me blossom into the business owner I am today. Without her support and wisdom, I wouldn’t have reached the level of success and fulfillment I now experience.

Website: https://merakisaloncharleston.com/website

Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/briejade/?hl=en

Image Credits
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