Life & Work with Bri Lacy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Lacy.

Hi Bri, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from beauty school back in 2016 and worked in Ann Arbor, Michigan for the first five years of my career. I worked in a 5 star barber shop, then a salon before taking the leap to go off on my own & open my own hair studio. After about 1 year of doing that, when things really started to “click”, COVID happened.

That experience taught me more about myself and my craft than I could’ve ever imagined. It gave me a chance to really reflect on everything the last few years as a hairstylist. Not being able to see my people or do what I love with every ounce of my being, really helped me see that running a business in the hair industry was exactly what I was meant to do. It was the start to my “journey”.

Two years later, I picked up everything, moved across the country to be with my person & hustled my way back to booth renting and growing a clientele from scratch.

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?
In the start of my career, I feel like just figuring out who I was, and what kind of job I truly wanted was one of the biggest obstacles. I have had a lot of support and love from the people in my life but I also went through some really toxic relationships and with others who I thought would always be a part of my journey that I just had to let go of for my own sake. Creatively and emotionally. Growing through some of those situations were some of the hardest times I’ve ever had all while starting a full-time career at the age of 19 before most of my friends had even graduated college yet. It taught me things I didn’t even realize until later in my life and career.

COVID was a huge one. For everyone. I had just started my own business, signed a lease and opened my first hair studio, moved into my first apartment on my own and began a very serious long-distance relationship.. all as the world shut down. Those were some dark days but also some of the most awakening I’ve ever had. I wasn’t able to do what I love for so long, but I also was able to work on being with myself, spending unlimited time with my now, fianceeee, and really refocus myself and my goals. I remember the first day back and how full I felt being back creating and using my hands again.

I’m forever thankful. Trusting the process always.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a hairstylist who specializes in barbering cuts, from bald fades to longer texturized cuts. As well as, lived in, easy maintainable, bohemian style, dimensional hair color and cuts.

I’m most proud of myself for starting over my career and life, moving across the country, after having to make the decision to close my studio in Michigan. It took me a few tries to find a salon home that was for me but when one door closes, another opens and I’m so thankful I’ve landed where I truly feel in my heart I’m meant to be. It has been worth it every day… lessons and blessings!

I think what sets me apart from others is I always stay extremely true to myself in this industry. I have been blessed with so many mentors and peers who have taught me the value in this, and know the kind of stylist and human being I aspire to be every day. I feel like I really honor that with my clients as well.

What does success mean to you?
Reflecting and looking back at my younger self I feel like I had such a different view of what “success” was. It means something different to everyone and so many people have their opinions. Especially in an industry where you are constantly being watched and critiqued on social media. However going into my late 20s I feel like “success” to me, is being proud of myself every day, even on the hard ones. Growing in my craft and my self-awareness. Sharing my light and love to clients and forming those incredible relationships while making them feel good. It took me a long time to realize that when you fully surrender yourself to doing what you love and not focusing on what everyone else thinks, the success you’ve been craving will come. Having a beautiful life in Colorado, enjoying my “job” every day, coming home to my man & dog and having a glass of wine with my feet up is all the success I’ve ever wanted.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bri.lacy.hair

Image Credits
all of my photos except the one with my fiance and dog is from @emilyelizabethphotog Emily Benke