Conversations with the Inspiring Aubrie Francis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrie Francis.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I sit here writing this, holding my 2-day old son, thinking about how far I have come since I first decided to become a stylist. We have two boys now, and my profession has allowed me many things in different seasons, one of them being a great schedule for a family.

In the hair industry, you’ll meet all types. From all backgrounds, gene pools, education types, and personalities. There isn’t one personality type that draws potential stylists to this creative world either. Among us, you will find the care-free. You will find the introvert. The extrovert. The type A, B, and C. The ones who went from the corporate life to working behind the chair. These are some of what pulled me into this career path.

I graduated early from high school and dabbled in a college education. After deciding that wasn’t for me, I found myself touring the Aveda Institute in Denver and literally never looked back. I mean it— I’ve never second-guessed if I’m in the right career for myself, I have wholeheartedly loved it ever since. After learning the basics of hairstyling at the Institute, I apprenticed and worked for World Class Salons Pure Artist program where I worked alongside some artists who not only helped shape and define my own craft, but who are now shaping and defining the hair industry as a whole.

After that, I put roots down at a small but mighty salon in Evergreen, CO and for the next seven years built my clientele, perfected myself as a hair designer and learned to be a professional. They pushed me to learn the art of building my business behind the chair, not just giving a killer cut or blow out.

The last few years I have spent at a boutique salon as an independent stylist. And here is where I have really come into my own. After 11 years working alongside all the different types of stylists who all had something unique to teach me, all the fashion shows, styled shoots, weddings, education, guest building, investing in my career, I wonder what’s next? My industry is ever-changing, as are it’s stylists and I love it for that.

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?
We learn best by getting there and doing. Making mistakes so that we see what we did wrong and learn the right way to do it next time. Some of the hardest parts for me were early on while I was still learning… it’s never easy to have to admit you messed up. But that’s also a powerful way to learn, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

For those who are in the early stages of styling, I think it’s easy to assume we know everything about the industry. Humbling ourselves always- no matter how much experience we have- and always being open to being taught is probably the best advice I could give.

And if you already know the education being presented— humble yourself again and try to learn it in a new way, with fresh eyes.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from the competition?
I started out trying to be as well rounded as possible and learning as much as I could about the art of coloring and cutting. Behind the chair at my salon, I do a lot of blonding, and as the techniques and desired outcomes are ever-changing, so is my craft.

In the last few years, thanks to the world of social media my bridal business also grew, and I sort of fell into specializing in weddings.

As I mentioned earlier, the coolest part about my industry is the incredible diversity as stylists. It’s not hard to come across someone who is talented and has put in years of hard work to become a boss at their game. What sets me apart is me. My consistency to show up and perform, and my unique skill set that I have spent years working towards. I love my guests, most of whom have become dear friends. Each one pushes me to deliver something fitting for that person. When you follow someone through their life, nothing stays the same— including their hair.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Finding a mentor is tricky. And I don’t think that it necessarily has to be someone you know personally. Find someone whose work resonates with you and then follow their lead. Soak up every class they teach and/or every moment you get to watch them behind the chair in their daily grind.

Networking? ALL about networking. Know who other stylists are in your community and even surrounding communities. I love to take classes with other Kevin Murphy salons and meet my fellow stylists. You never know who you will meet that you can collaborate with!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.briequinn.com
• Phone: 7203631324
• Email: hairbybriequinn@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briequinnn/

Image Credit:
@jillhouserphotography, @amyleihrphotography, @aandmstudiophotography

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