We recently connected with Aryn Detres and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Aryn, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
I’ve always been a risk-taker, someone who charts my own path and embraces new challenges. I thrive on change and tend to get bored easily if things become too routine. This trait became particularly evident during my time in the corporate world, where rules, restrictions, red tape, and endless hoops often stifled my creativity and drive.
Starting my own business was a significant risk, but it felt like a natural step given my desire for autonomy and innovation. I thought, why not try? Even if I failed, I knew the experience would be invaluable. Some of the greatest lessons come from taking risks, even when you fall flat on your face. These experiences build inner confidence and resilience.
Over time, I’ve learned to approach risks with a calculated mindset. The more risks I took, the less daunting they became. It’s about putting a plan into action, visualizing and understanding the potential outcomes, and trusting that you can always find a way forward. This approach has allowed me to navigate the entrepreneurial journey with confidence and adaptability.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At The Left Brain Group, we are more than a talent agency; we are a driving force in the pro beauty space. With over 20 years of experience, our tried and true methods empower independent artists to shine. We provide strategic sales, marketing, and production services, serving as the left brain to our artists’ right.
We are the community where hairdressers and salons find liberation from big brands. We specialize in advanced education, boutique products, and produce some of the most badass industry events. We are renegades, innovators, and change-makers at the forefront of the indie artist movement.
What excites me most is how we’ve evolved to live our truth as an “Agency of Change.’ We don’t just share the points of view of our artists; we actively align with movements within the industry that drive equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through partnerships with initiatives like the Dresscode Project and Texture vs. Race, we are committed to amplifying voices and working towards a more equitable industry where everyone feels welcome.
Another exciting aspect is our continual drive to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Each year, we strive to outdo ourselves by introducing new experiences, educational programs, and groundbreaking ideas. This relentless pursuit of excellence keeps our work fresh, inspiring, and impactful.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting events and launches planned including: Bayou St. Blonde our signature hair-cation experience which boasts 30+ Artists, 3 Days, 1 City in New Orleans March 16-18, 2025. At the event will also be unveiling a new initiative powered by The Left Brain Group. We cannot wait to celebrate 10 years of LBG with our incredible community!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. The Power of Relationship Building:
Building and nurturing relationships has been crucial. Truly listening to people’s needs and understanding their perspectives has allowed me to create meaningful connections and collaborations that drive success.
2. Ideation and Creativity:
The ability to think outside the box, have a sense of imagination, and continuously try new things has been invaluable. This skill set enables innovation and keeps our approach fresh and engaging.
3. Betting on Yourself:
Having the confidence to bet on yourself and be the driver of your own life is essential. This mindset has empowered me to take risks, trust my instincts, and steer my career in the direction I envision.
To best develop these skills, here’s my advice:
1. Dream Big:
Start with a blue sky activity. Put all your ideas on a board without worrying about how you’ll achieve them. Focus on what excites you and what you’re passionate about. This helps you identify your big picture ideas and set inspiring goals.
2. Fine-Tune Your Ideas:
As you brainstorm, keep refining your thoughts. What resonates most with you? What can you see yourself pursuing with enthusiasm? Continuously narrow down your ideas to what truly sparks your passion.
3. Empathy and Compassion:
For relationship building, it’s crucial to imagine yourself in other people’s shoes. Develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion. Understanding others’ perspectives and needs will help you build meaningful and lasting relationships.
4. Believe in Yourself:
Don’t get bogged down by the “how.” Focus on the “what” and “why” of your goals. Trust that you’ll find a way to achieve them. Betting on yourself means having the confidence to pursue your dreams, even when the path isn’t clear.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I most definitely believe in going all in on your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses. We are naturally our own worst critics and tend to pick apart everything we don’t like about ourselves. Imposter syndrome, comparison, and jealousy are rampant, and social media only amplifies these feelings. Instead of fixating on the negative or how to improve our weaknesses, I am a huge advocate for turning up the dial on your strengths.
Early in my career, I had the privilege of participating in a Strengths Finder workshop. Through this process I discovered my top strengths, and it was incredibly empowering and validating to understand what fuels me, drives me, and what I’m really good at. This knowledge helped me recognize that focusing on my strengths would be more beneficial than trying to be good at everything.
Achieving balance is essential. If you turn up the dial too high on your strengths, it can take you off course. If you don’t turn it up high enough, it doesn’t move you forward. Understanding your strengths also helps you find people to collaborate with and hire those who are experts in areas where you may not be as strong. You can’t do everything by yourself, and I learned that the hard way and ended up with a case of burnout.
By exploring, honing, and harnessing your strengths, you become the most unstoppable version of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theleftbraingroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleftbraingroup/?hl=en
Image Credits
Photos by: Carlos Detres
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