Interview

In this exclusive interview, Ryann shares her invaluable insights into leadership, personal growth, and the transformative power of diversity and inclusivity. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the extraordinary life and career of Ryann Halo, a true pioneer in the world of beauty and entrepreneurship.

“Transitioning to team leadership, I prioritized understanding and supporting my team’s goals and motivations. Adjusting my communication style, especially with sensitive individuals, was crucial for effective leadership.”

Q: Before we jump into the conversation, we would like to know a little bit more about you. Tell us about your story and how you got into being an entrepreneur.

Ryann Halo: I come from a lower middle-income family born in New York, and raised in Spring Hill, Florida. Although it has come a long way in the last 10 to 15 years, there was a small culture when I grew up there. There’s no public transportation. 

In third grade, I entered a gifted program, shaping my academic aspirations. However, middle school brought significant changes at home, leading to challenges that impacted my academic journey.

At 15, amid upheaval, I found refuge assisting hairstylist Kim, who revealed the business side of the beauty industry. Attending top hair schools and working in salons followed.

On my 21st birthday, I acquired a struggling salon, leveraging my experience and determination. Despite challenges managing multiple salons, I learned leadership and business skills.

Discovering my leadership style, I thrived in the industry, speaking at major events and eventually launching my coaching and consulting business. Today, I’m dedicated to helping others in the beauty industry achieve success and fulfillment.

Q: What other lessons would you share with those who want to grow their business?

Ryann Halo: That’s a great question. One of the biggest personal lessons and the largest area of opportunity for growth that I achieved through saying yes to this direction in life is my understanding of how to be a true leader.. 

At 21, coming from a rough background, I had some blind spots in communication and just my overall personal development I had thought that being a leader meant I had the strongest will and the best ideas. I was the most talented, the loudest voice, and the hardest worker. I learned that I wanted to grow something bigger than myself and I had to learn leadership principles.

Q: What challenges did you face while building your salon from scratch, especially in terms of working with family and friends, and how did you navigate these obstacles to transition into effective team leadership?

Ryann Halo: I’ve just had constant opposition, stress, and constant fighting. I worked with family and close friends. Then there were many people older than me that were working for me so I’m trying to build the salon from nothing and get these people to see my vision, get behind it, and agree with it. But instead, I felt like I was fighting and being fought. I had to realize the switch that had to be made in my actions and my mental state.

I delved into personal development through books, videos, and seminars, exploring personality testing like the DISC test and Myers-Briggs. Understanding consumer behavior fueled my success in sales and customer service. Transitioning to team leadership, I prioritized understanding and supporting my team’s goals and motivations. Adjusting my communication style, especially with sensitive individuals, was crucial for effective leadership.

Q: Given your extensive experience with various tests and personal development, Have you identified your leadership style? Are you more of a visionary leader, someone who is future-driven?

Ryann Halo: It’s always future-driven. I’m more analytical and visionary, depending on the test. For example, in the Enneagram, I’m an eight and then a seven, opposites. In the DISC test, I’m mostly D. I’m naturally outspoken and focused on facts. Understanding my team’s differences led to success in communication and leadership.

It’s essential to recognize that effective leadership isn’t just about achieving personal goals; it’s about empowering your team to achieve theirs. This begins with aligning values and understanding the purpose behind your endeavors. For me, founding Salon Halo was driven by a desire to elevate the industry in my hometown, where stylists doubted their earning potential and professional status. My goal was to create a market that didn’t exist, offering inclusivity and access to ambitious individuals, regardless of background or appearance.

Q: How does Salon Halo promote diversity and inclusivity, and what impact have you seen this approach have on your team members’ professional growth and fulfillment?

Ryann Halo: Salon Halo embodies diversity, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and styles. Witnessing our team members achieve newfound professional heights brings me immense pride. They’ve transcended societal expectations, embracing careers that provide fulfillment and artistic expression while feeling accepted and supported in our environment. Ultimately, our salon fosters personal and professional growth, empowering individuals to thrive in their chosen paths.

Q: How did you transition from a less structured approach to leadership to implementing a more organized leadership team with designated roles and responsibilities, including regular team meetings?

Ryann Halo: Initially, our leadership approach was more fluid, with team members operating based on their strengths without specific titles. However, as we expanded to a third location, we realized the need for a more structured leadership framework. This transition involved identifying individuals with leadership potential and promoting them to key positions, such as Salon Coordinators. These team members oversee administrative tasks, and desk management, and ensure accountability across locations. 

Additionally, stylists were given the opportunity to take on roles like Mentor Stylist or Supervisor Stylist based on their aptitude for mentoring or upholding salon standards. Similarly, administrative team members were assigned to specific locations to streamline operations. This shift allowed us to establish clear roles and responsibilities and conduct regular team meetings to ensure effective communication and alignment with our salon’s goals and vision.

Q: Could you describe the types of work you specialize in and the clients you typically work with?

Ryann Halo: My specialty lies in empowering individuals to empower others, embodying the philosophy encapsulated by Zig Ziglar’s quote: “If you help others get what they want, you’ll have everything you want.” 

Over time, I’ve realized that my method for success revolves around this principle of fostering empowerment. I’ve developed a consulting strategy called the “Grow and Glow” method, which encompasses everything from conceptualizing a company’s vision to scaling and optimization. This method comprises 12 key pillars aimed at guiding organizations with teams that provide services. Ultimately, I thrive in collaborating with clients who are focused on enhancing their team dynamics and service delivery.