We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna (Foxy- it’s my nickname but also the name my clients know me by ) Officer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brianna (Foxy- it’s my nickname but also the name my clients know me by ), can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my own business because I literally had no other choice. I had just moved back to TN from LA and I returned to the salon I had worked for previously. About 3 months in, we learned that the owner had been mishandling the money; the rent as well as the staff were not being paid. It was the beginning of the holiday season and we had to close the doors . At that point in my career, I knew I had to woman up and stop dodging the responsibility.
I went to cosmetology school after college so I was a little older and had real bills lol I chose to do night school so that I could work in the daytime and I ended up getting a part time job at a very established salon on the front desk. I opened the salon so I had to make sure everything was in order so that the day ran smoothly for about 8-10 service providers a day. I learned so much about the business side and guest service side that it was almost like a cheat code . That experience gave me the confidence I needed to know I was capable of running my own business and why not start a business doing something you love ?
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to say that my hair superpower is being able to work with all hair textures. This has allowed me to work in a lot of different spaces with a lot of different people. I have worked in salons that are laid back and trendy and I have also worked in salons that are more high-end and conservative. I was able to learn and grow from all of those experiences and take or leave what I wanted as far as building my own business. It has not always been easy because I’ve always been a leader and had influence even when I did not want those responsibilities. I know that I was supposed to be my own boss because even when I did not want to be, I was pushed into this purpose. I have had the opportunity to experience not only working in a salon but also working freelance. I made the decision to move to LA in 2018 Simply because I did not feel challenged in my career in Knoxville anymore. To be honest a couple of years before that I was watching the Oscars and I saw that you could win an Oscar for Hair and I thought to myself well I want to win an Oscar for hair one day- maybe I should move to LA! So that’s what I did and I did my research on how to get there. There was a salon that I wanted to work for and I ended up working for that salon. It was all very divinely orchestrated, all I needed was the faith to walk it out. From there it truly seems like everything just started to fall into place. I did experience the typical LA right of passage a.k.a. I was homeless for a little bit, but thankfully, I met some great people at my salon that I became friends with who allowed me to crash on their couches during that time. But that’s how I knew I really wanted it. I’d like to say that my second superpower is the ability to make anyone feel comfortable in my space. One of my favorite compliments that I get from clients is just how comfortable and cozy and safe they feel in my presence. My business is not only just about the skill of doing hair, but how I make my clients feel . The experience is what is most important to me. That is how clients remember me. That’s how I am able to maintain clients on both coasts . Being likable will get you really far in life.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m always going to recommend the beach. That is a given. My best friend personally is a museum girl, and there are plenty of museums to explore in LA, definitely the Getty. But also, I am a sucker for a cheesy bus tour. I absolutely love it.. I do them in every city I visit because it gives you a chance to learn the history about a place and to see things that you wouldn’t normally see on your own. I also love sports so depending on what time of year it is we’re going to a Lakers game. As far as food goes, we are hitting up the taco trucks because that is a must in LA. And then, of course you have to go on a hike and get a view of the city at sunset.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shoutout is always God !
I can’t not shoutout my mama. Now that I’m an adult I realize how many moments in my childhood have impacted and shaped my world today. I’m thankful that she recognized and supported my interests at a young age as well as when I decided to choose this route as a career.
I also want to shoutout my friend Diamond Brown! It’s hard to find genuine people in such a competitive industry but she is always cheering me on and showing me support . I have had so many great opportunities in my career just by her simply putting my name out there. Of course talent will get you places but it’s also about who you know , and I know some pretty amazing people .
Instagram: Foxyroxhair
Facebook: The Fox Den Hair Hangout
Other: Tik Tok : @Foxyroxhair
Image Credits
We All Shine Photography