Check Out Leandra Renz’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leandra Renz.  

Hi Leandra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my hair journey straight out of high school, I was given an amazing opportunity by my high school that provided me the opportunity to go to school in a vocational field while being funded as a state high school student. The only condition was that I needed to finish a two year program in one year.  With the help of my amazing teachers, I was able to accomplish my goal. Not only was I going to school full time, but I was also working full time.

Once I graduated school  and got licensed as a Hairstylist and I started work at a corporate salon. I was there for one year.  As time went on, I  thought to myself, “what did I get myself into”. I didn’t realize this is not how all salon atmospheres are. I was worried the entire industry wasn’t for me. I was left alone a lot of the time in a new shop. I felt helpless because I could not help clients with questions and had no one to turn to for answers.  I was not happy. I went back to working at my old job and started to think what else is out there. Maybe going back to school was a better option but I had such a passion for hair, I just couldn’t see myself doing anything else. After working in customer service for 3 years I felt stuck. I started applying in salons again.  I missed doing hair and wanted to set out and do what I love. I got an interview at another corporate salon. This time it was different though. This time it was a larger setting with a lot of support. I wished I had started at this salon in the beginning but everything happens for a reason. I spent 3 years at that salon. I networked a great group of girls that I worked with. My boss was amazing. She showed me things I did not learn in  school and was very good at helping me  build the confidence I needed behind the chair.

I had no  plans of leaving. I was pretty happy. Then I was presented with the opportunity to buy a salon. This was something I had dreamed of my entire life. After talking with my husband, we took a leap of faith and bought the salon. I kept the salon the same for sometime to keep the existing clientele comfortable but it really was not my vision. I slowly began making changes and flipping it into the salon I really wanted.

I had built an amazing team and we were moving in the right direction, but I soon realized that I missed being behind the chair and building relationships and a connection with my clients. I constantly felt like I was putting out fires and trying to fix problems within the business. I really had no time to do what I wanted to do.  I  talked over all my options with my husband and always came back to the same solution. I no longer wanted to wear all the hats, I just wanted to do hair. I wanted to be 100% available to my clients and I wanted more time with my family. When you own a larger salon, you can never really leave your work at work. I made the hardest decision I have ever had to make. I announced that we would be closing the salon mid May of 2020. My announcement was early enough to give everyone time to figure out where they were going. I made the announcement shortly after our 6 year anniversary. Little did I know, we were all about to experience major unexpected life changes.

About a week after making my announcement, we were hit with COVID in the states. I decided to close our salon for 2 weeks so we could reset things and clean our salon and better prep. Two days after doing that, we were hit with the news that we were not essential employees. We were considered more of a luxury and our industry was shut down for 6 weeks. We would reopen possibly May 1 and that would leave me with only one week of to be open. With all the rules and restrictions being put in place, I felt it was best to not reopen for that one week. It broke my heart. This was not how I wanted this chapter to end. I wanted to say goodbye to my staff and all the clients who supported us during those 6 years. I wanted to tell them all I truly appreciated them and loved them all very much, especially my staff.

We got the announcement that we would reopen in May 2020. I was nervous and excited because my new adventure was about to start at House of Color. I was so grateful for Kaitlyn, the owner of House of Color. She was so helpful with my transition into House of Color. Even though I had experience now, I would be going into a new shop. I obviously didn’t get the chance to advertise where I was moving. I was starting a new adventure and building my brand all of my own with only my closest clients to maybe follow me across town. I was so happy I was not alone I had my salon bestie, Madi by my side. I hired her shortly after I had bought my other salon and over time we built an amazing friendship. We both worked at House of Color for a few months while we prepared a Suite down the hall at Suite Socity. It took 5 months for construction to be completed and for us to go in and make it our own. Finally, we got to move into our suite and Madi and I had our own space together. We put so much time and sweat into that room so we could create the most amazing space for all of our lovely clients. We wanted to create a comfortable space for all. We spend the next year learning our new routine and building clientele. Seemed like everything was going so well. Till one day, bam we were flooded because of a frozen pipe. Our room was wrecked. Fortunately, it didn’t ruin every suite in the hall. Madi and I split ways and we each built our own rooms across the hall from each other and now we have our own space. I was another bump in the road but ultimately has summed up to this exciting new career in the same field I’ve been in for 13+ years.

I have meet so many amazing people and I am so beyond proud to work side by side with some of the most bad ass stylist I have ever meet. I am happy with every road I had to take to get to where I am now. Without the struggles it makes it hard to see the blessings. I don’t think I would have grown to be the stylist I am today if I didn’t experience these things.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t exactly describe my journey as smooth. I would say my journey has definitely made me the stylist I am today and with out those obstacles,  I would not have been able to learn and grow. I would have say COVID was by far the most stressful obstacle I have experienced in my career. So many of us were without work for so long. Not knowing when we would be able to go back to work and when we do, what does that look like when went back. All of this while starting a whole new journey of my own in a new salon. Building a new clientele in a pandemic. During this time I was so grateful to have the support of my family, friends and my clients that followed me and stuck by my side through the chaos. Of course, my hair Bestie and all  the amazing stylist that have come into my life over the years. These people made it as smooth as possible considering all the challenges we endured together.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a balayage, lived in color, vivid color specialist. When I went out on my own I wanted to specialize in things I loved. I started taking classes in order to prefect the techniques for the style I loved. I would ask questions to the stylist I looked up to as a mentor and heck, I still ask my fellow suite neighbors questions. I never stop learning and I’m not afraid to ask others to make sure I have the best advice. Just last year I  became certified in extensions with Bellami and specialize in I-tip and K-tip extensions. I hope this service becomes my next thing that “sets me apart “.  I pride myself on integrity over quantity when it comes to my clients. I cherish our one on one time.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Honestly everyday that I invest in my business or myself can be a risk. Not only do I have to think about how this can benefit me, but how will what I’m doing benefit my clients and reflect their support. This is what makes my small business keep  going.  I am forever grateful for my success and I will continue to take risks that continue to help me grow.

Contact Info:

• Email: leandrarenzstylist@hotmail.com
• Website: www.leandrarenzhair.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/leandrarenzhair
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/leandrarenzhair 

Image Credits
Elated Soul