Meet Britanie Norris | Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Britanie Norris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Britanie, how do you think about risk?
Risks bring about the biggest change in one’s life. Giving away control, at least partially, and deciding to do something outside of your comfort zone; forcing about change, uncertainty, and almost always promotes personal growth as a byproduct of these risks. Of course, with taking risks, they should at least be, on a basic level, reasonable or achievable without crossing over any ethical or legal boundary. However, I’ve realized in life there is not always a “right time” where everything will fall into place for me to then be able to take a risk and do it all successfully. Life will pose unforeseen new roadblocks and there will always be consequences to risk. It is best to weigh out the benefits and setbacks of taking a risk and being highly aware of what risks can potentially bring you closer to your goals and ideals in life or career. Risk has brought me to this interview right now; had I never up and moved from Upstate New York to Colorado Springs with $200 and a suitcase, I wouldn’t be working toward building my career as a hairstylist or working under some of the best in the industry. Risks, no matter the semantics, are responsible for every major change in my life, both good and bad (but nevertheless progressive), which elevated me from being unhappy at a mediocre, minimum-wage job to being an up-and-coming stylist in Colorado Springs alongside an amazing team of entrepreneurs and leaders.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a stylist at Blow Beauty & Extensions. I am currently focusing on hands-on learning of advanced color techniques and I specialize in haircutting. When starting out in the trades, you realize you’ll need several years of continued learning and experience to reach master proficiency, but you can do some really amazing stuff in the meantime. I’m so proud of my amazing transformations on clients that immediately elevates their confidence and gives them a more positive view of themselves. The hard days come too, though, and in those times, it’s important to adapt and focus on solution-oriented thought processes instead of ‘beating yourself up’ and dwelling in the past. It may sound easier said than done, but getting in the habit of re-directing your brain to go into conflict resolution mode could be an impactful conditioning tactic to prepare you for future challenges. Show up, do your best, and repeat. The standards I hold for myself, client feedback, and feedback from more experienced colleagues all seek to make me better at what I’m doing and leverage that to get me to my end goal of leveling up in my industry. You can do some amazing things, in any industry, when everything that happens to you in your work day is manipulated into a benefit for yourself and treated as a learning experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay, so the first night that we meet up we’re going to dinner at COATI in Downtown Colorado Springs. The modern, conglomerate restaurant-bar feel is a unique addition to the downtown area and is always a great time. Maybe we’d take a little walk around downtown to see some of the cool metal art and sculpture pieces that tell some of Colorado’s story. I’d plan some time around outdoorsy activities, like Mt. Muscoco at Cheyenne Mountain and then drive further up to Helen Hunt Falls. Driving a little past Helen Hunt Falls, we’d do a little off-roading on Gold Camp Road to really overlook the Springs and soak up the mountain experience. I also love showing people Manitou Springs because of how historical and sort of quaint it feels.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my success, motivation and work ethic to my Mom, Dad and husband. They have been my biggest supporters in every sense of the word. Like everyone, my journey of building and harnessing my talents has not always been easy. Sometimes stress and anxieties builds up and leaks out, and my family could recognize that and did what they could to build me up and be a support system. These are the people I want to make proud. I’d also love to quickly shout out by boss Alexz and my mentor Mary who have helped me build confidence in the technical and practical aspect of my career. These women mean so much to me.

Instagram: @jussalittlebrit

Image Credits
last photo of inside salon taken by owner Alexz Sexton