Meet Britni Barnello Maier | Cosmetologist & Salon Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Britni Barnello Maier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Britni, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe that cultivating consistent habits has been pivotal. While many acknowledge the importance of consistency, developing it as a habit can be challenging. For me, setting achievable, incremental goals has been instrumental. Celebrating these milestones not only fosters a sense of accomplishment but also reinforces the habit of consistency.

A prime example is my commitment to maintaining my workspace. From my initial, modest salon to the current suite I own, I’ve always taken personal responsibility for cleaning my station. I set a goal that a cleaning crew should not be responsible for that cleaning; it was important for my mind to end my day taking care of my space. This routine, though seemingly small, has profound significance. By personally resetting my station daily, I reinforce my connection to my workspace, ensuring I remain proud and engaged, regardless of the day’s challenges or triumphs. This consistent practice has instilled a sense of ownership and control, which I attribute as a key factor in my success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a hairstylist, and my art is a unique balance between self-expression and client vision. It’s a career where creativity thrives, but only when paired with technical skill, education, and an ability to understand and execute someone else’s desired outcome. This balance can be challenging, especially for artists who naturally want to create based on their own instincts.

For me, success in this industry comes from a commitment to both artistry and logic—engaging both the right and left sides of the brain. You have to be imaginative, adaptable, and personable while also being precise, confident, and well-versed in areas that may not always excite you. As someone with ADHD and a deeply creative mind, mastering the structure and discipline needed for the business side of hairstyling was not easy. But I believe my devotion to both mental and emotional growth sets me apart.

This journey was far from easy. I once had a partner who convinced me that this career was a dead end, something for people who weren’t smart enough for “real” careers. That voice lingered in my head for years, feeding my imposter syndrome and draining my confidence. I spent a long time battling self-doubt, struggling financially, and stepping in and out of the industry because I didn’t fully believe in myself. When I finally committed to rebuilding, I had to work twice as hard, knowing I was starting over while many of my peers had already found their footing.

I overcame these challenges through therapy, practicing sobriety, meditation, and a lot of uncomfortable “just do it” moments. Education was a game-changer for me—I sought out as much training as I could afford (or sometimes, couldn’t afford but found a way to make work). I was fortunate to start over in a salon filled with stylists who had been in the industry for 20+ years. They were welcoming, kind, and willing to mentor me, but I had to prove myself first. I worked my ass off to support them however I could in exchange for any knowledge they were willing to share.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned? If you need to take a break, take it—but don’t let it turn into quitting. Dust yourself off and get back up. And no one’s negative opinions about your path matter. Take what helps you grow and let the rest go. This is everyone’s first time on Earth—don’t give negativity too much power.

As for my brand, it’s hard to sum up in just a few words, but at the core of it: I want people to know they are beautiful—inside and out. Whether you want to amplify, refine, or completely transform your look, I’m here for it. My focus is always on great results, transparency, the long-term health of your hair, and making sure you have a damn good time in my chair.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It’s hard to narrow it down—Denver has so much to offer! I’d plan the week by exploring different areas, each with its own unique vibe:

LoHi – Trendy, fun, young, and super walkable. I LOVE Linger—honestly, I could eat there from brunch through dinner and never leave. The food is incredible, and the rooftop views are unbeatable.

Cherry Creek (where my salon is!) – Walkable, classy, high-end, and safe. I’m obsessed with the Italian-American food scene here, but my go-to spot is Olive & Finch. Any time of day, any craving—it’s absolutely wonderful. Plus, the staff will instantly feel like your new best friends.

Golden – Classic Colorado: a little crunchy, a little college-town, and a whole lot of breweries. I’d grab snacks and beers at Golden Mill, soak in the lively atmosphere, and then take a walk along the river. Perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Aurora – This might be a little unexpected, but I love hanging out at local golf course clubhouses. There’s something about having lunch, chatting up the locals, and just enjoying the open, eclectic energy that makes for a great time.

Morrison – Small-town, mountain vibes at their best. I’d start with dinner and a glass of wine at Tony Rigatoni’s, chat with the staff, and then head over to Morrison Inn to soak up the local scene. The best part? Complaining with the regulars about how much the world is changing—it’s practically a tradition.

No matter what kind of experience someone is looking for, Denver has a little bit of everything. It’s the perfect place to explore, eat, drink, and just enjoy good company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Reflecting on the individuals who have significantly influenced my journey, I must highlight my mother as the most underrated hero in my story. As a public school educator, she has been a constant source of support, instilling in me the value of education, a strong work ethic, and professionalism.

Throughout my various career paths, I’ve encountered both exceptional and challenging mentors. Yet, my mother’s unwavering encouragement has been pivotal. She has always emphasized the importance of continuous learning and exploring diverse educational avenues. During my successes and, more importantly, my failures, she stood by me, helping me document and reflect on these experiences. This practice allowed me to learn from each situation and persist on my path rather than give up.

Her nurturing approach embodies what our education system should strive for. She teaches self-compassion in growth, provides structured plans for learning, and offers understanding and guidance. With her support, I was able to assimilate knowledge from various sources—modules, classes, mentors, and peers—and organize that experience into a coherent path, filtering out the unnecessary distractions. Her influence has been truly incredible, and I owe much of my progress to her guidance and example.

Website: https://salonlofts.com/britni_barnello

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hair.by.britni?igsh=cG5nbXlxZ2Zlcmtu&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britnibarnello?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/DenverBlondeSpecialist/

Yelp: https://yelp.to/C7RxAyPguM

Other:

Image Credits
All clients gave verbal permission. All photos are taken by me.
All photos are mine