Hey Y’all! My name is Bethany Collier, 22 years young, and I am currently creating beautiful heads of hair at Labella Hair Studio in Richmond, Virginia. I started doing hair in 2013 as an apprentice and knew from my first blowout that THIS is what I wanted to do! It came so naturally to me. Being young, I was so intimidated by the industry but I knew this is what God was calling me to do. Fast forward a year and a half later and I was licensed and beginning to build my empire. I stayed with the salon I apprenticed at for five years and I gained so much experience. Enough experience to launch me into MORE. I kept praying and getting this feeling like there had to be more for me. I started to plateau and I was so hungry for change. Out of nowhere a job offer dropped in my lap- Coincidence? Nope. Just BLESSED!
Since being their I’ve been applying myself and I’m seeing God work on my behalf. Everything I’m putting my hands to is blessed! I’ve received a promotion already, and I’m able to provide for my little family. God truly knows the desires of our hearts because I was even able to cut back on hours to spend more time raising my daughter, but still able to maximize my book. Being a mom is a full time job in itself. Let alone being a breastfeeding mom, and we’re still going almost ten months strong! Just looking back through my career over this five year span I see how God has strategically placed people and opportunities in my life. I love Jeremiah 29:11-“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He knew my future before I even picked up a brush.
Here I am in the salon of my dreams, with clients that I love, and I’m continuing my love for education. Being a hairdresser gives me a platform to encounter so many people that I really do get to speak into their lives! Whether it be by a scripture or even just being kind and encouraging to them when they sit in my chair. Through my passion for hair I get to talk to guests and be a small part in their busy lives. Maybe it was my job to plant that little seed of hope in their lives, or maybe it was my job to water the seed someone else had already planted! Our motto at Labella is “Live.Look.Feel Beautiful.” As a woman, who struggled with self worth, being able to empower other women like me to FEEL beautiful and be living their BEST lives fuels my drive. A little kindness goes a long way. You never know what people are dealing with or going through and you could be that one person to speak life and blessing into their situation that day!
I’m so happy that I am walking in the path God has for me and it’s only up from here! Don’t ever stop learning.
Set your goals.
Pursue your goals.
Achieve your goals.
Thanks for the opportunity from “Blessed Behind the Chair” to share my little story. If you want to keep up with me, my Instagram handle is @balayagebethany
Love ya fam,
XOXO
Bethany