Today we’d like to introduce you to Franchiska Bryant.
Franchiska, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been drawn to fashion and the beauty industry like a moth to a flame since I can remember. I didn’t feel strongly about any other field of work, and so cosmetology school was the path I chose right out of high school. Little did I know, it would end up feeling like destiny. I started at a prestigious salon upon graduating, and at the time it felt like my dream job as I learned and fell in love with the craft. The more I learned, the more I came to love the education around learning new techniques, which helped me broaden my understanding of technical services to offer my clientele. I have traveled all over the United States training. I became certified as a Wella Master Colorist and have been a North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) finalist. As my credentials expanded, I quickly became the Education Director for the 75+ stylist salon I was working for. I love teaching. During this time, I also worked with editorial magazines and catalogues such as GQ, Real Simple, Wired, Outside, Texas Monthly and Aeropostale. I was lucky enough to style hair and makeup for the models and musicians on numerous music videos (The Chicks, to name one!). I truly love my career and have always tried to make the most of these opportunities.
17 years into my career, COVID hit. I found myself asking how I could change my environment in order to continue working and doing what I love, safely and within new health guidelines. At this time, I decided to leave the safe large salon environment and start my own salon with two dear friends and colleagues, Grace Filipowicz and Ashley Brady, whom I had worked alongside for the past eight years. We spent the lockdown remodeling an old iconic Austin salon space on S Lamar and opened Mane 3 Hair Studio in May 2020! What a leap of faith! The support from my clients, family and friends have made Mane 3 a success. This year is my 19th year in the beauty industry and I wouldn’t change a thing. I am looking forward to a bright and shiny next 20 years, hopefully, glittered with strength and beauty.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My love and passion for my career and clients have made it a smooth road. Most of my clientele have been with me from the beginning. We have been through so many life changes and have been there for each other. I feel so fortunate to spend my days with people I adore in my chair.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The sky’s the limit! I do all things hair and makeup; balayage, foiling precision blondes, finding the perfect color for brunettes or redheads, creative color, color corrections, keratins, extensions, all hair-cutting techniques and more. Something I have found that makes a huge difference is education. Education is key. If you keep learning and growing as a stylist, you will inevitably develop a well-rounded tool kit to pull from in order to create that perfect look for your clients.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I hold my family close to my heart. My husband and father are my number 1 fans. My husband Bart has always supported any idea, vision or ambition – no matter how difficult or surprising they may seem! He believes in me when I doubt myself and makes me a stronger woman and salon owner. As much as I love and adore my husband, I have to give a huge shout-out to my clients – they are the OGs and hands that make the clock tick and I adore them all. My friends who have let me do their hair since beauty school and have grown with me…and who also continue to send new clients to my chair!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mane3hairstudio.com/
- Instagram: Freska84
- Facebook: Franchiska Bryant
Image Credits
Sydyen Vila
