Meet Brittany Yeary

We recently connected with Brittany Yeary and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from my parents. They were teenage parents who later divorced, and I ended up living with my mom and my step-dad, Bill. They were incredibly hard-working individuals, despite neither of them attending college. My step-dad, whom I fondly called Dad, worked at the Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee. But his dedication didn’t stop there. To afford sending my brother to a local private school, he would clean the gym at night and on weekends.

Bill and my mom also ran a hauling company, cleaning out estates and hauling debris. Watching him juggle multiple jobs, I learned the true meaning of hard work. It wasn’t just about making ends meet; it was about providing a better future for the family. And he still managed to get up and run 5 miles a day!

My parents’ relentless work ethic inspired me to become the first in my family to attend college. They had to work incredibly hard, and they taught me the value of doing the same. I look up to them, knowing they faced far more challenges than I ever have, and I strive to make them proud every day.

A piece of advice from Bill has always stuck with me. When I got offered a job as a production assistant on tour with a country music artist, he said, “I don’t care if they want you to pick up a dirty towel, you pick up that towel as quick and best you can.” His words were funny yet profound, and they encapsulated the essence of his work ethic that he instilled in me.

His words remind me that no task is too small and that dedication and effort are what truly matter. They’ve guided me throughout my career, and they continue to drive me to work hard and aim high.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I currently own two IMAGE Studios locations in Lexington Green and Brannon Crossing, both situated in Lexington, KY. Owning these studios is a dream come true for me, as it allows me to work for myself while helping others achieve the same level of independence. My role involves more than just finding the perfect space for beauty professionals; I strive to go above and beyond to support our IMAGE Professionals, whether they are starting their businesses or downsizing.

Our mission at IMAGE Studios is to make it possible for individuals to own their salons and be their own bosses without the typical expenses, headaches, and hassles associated with traditional salon ownership. We offer high-end, modern, and luxurious furnishings, and we provide opportunities for professionals to design their spaces to match their brands. Additionally, we offer complete amenities, including booking software and marketing and business programs. Our concept is simple: we provide an incredible space and a supportive atmosphere, while our professionals bring their passions, talents, and clientele. Together, we create an intoxicating formula for success.

One of my favorite aspects of this business is the design process. Seeing each studio come together brings me immense joy. After a few months of working in their studios, I love to ask our professionals about their favorite part of being at IMAGE. The responses are usually one of three things:

Professionals who have moved from a traditional commission position are thrilled with how much more money they are making compared to working behind the chair in a traditional shop.
Both clients and professionals love the private atmosphere of our studios. The setting can be quiet or lively with music and TV, allowing for deeper conversations and stronger connections, or even sensory-safe appointments. They appreciate the high-end feel and privacy.
Professionals love the simplicity of their workdays. They only need to come in when they have clients, and we take care of everything else, from maintenance to cleaning.
The design process remains my favorite part. I adore our community, and I hope to continue helping people realize their dreams. We have a few spaces left in Lexington, and I’m excited about the possibility of building another one of these beautiful buildings in the future.

If anyone is interested in booking a tour with me, they can contact me at 859-967-3225 or kentucky@imagestudios360.com. They can also book directly at calendly.com/imagestudiosky or message us on social media at @imagetudioslexingtongreen or @imagestudiosbrannoncrossing.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities and skills that have been particularly impactful: staying present and trusting myself, seeking help and mentorship, and embracing continuous learning and adaptation.

Firstly, staying present and trusting myself has been crucial. Throughout my life, I’ve faced numerous turning points, and at each juncture, I relied on my intuition to guide me. I didn’t always know if a decision was good or bad, but I trusted that I could learn what I needed to along the way and work hard to make things happen. This mindset echoes Paulo Coelho’s words in The Alchemist: “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Secondly, seeking help and mentorship has been vital. I’ve never hesitated to reach out for assistance or guidance. I changed my major four times in college, went through three internships, and continually sought mentors. My current mentor and business partner is my father-in-law, who has taught me an invaluable lesson: “You don’t know what you don’t know, but you can find out by asking for help and doing the work.”

Finally, embracing continuous learning and adaptation has been essential. My journey has involved changing careers and constantly evolving to meet new challenges. This willingness to adapt and grow has allowed me to navigate the various paths my career has taken.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to be brave and trust yourself. Do the research, make a plan, and go for it. It’s better to fail than to live with regret. Seek out help and mentorship, as no one can do it alone. Remember, asking for help and doing the work is key to overcoming the unknown and achieving your goals.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

Question 1: What do you do when you get overwhelmed? Any strategies to try?
As a wife, mother of two young girls, business owner, and human, I understand how fast the world moves and how overwhelming it can be to balance everything. When I feel overwhelmed, my instinct is often to focus on work, thinking that if I can get all the work done, the feeling will subside. However, I’ve learned that this strategy doesn’t work because there will always be more work.

Opening two salon studios simultaneously pushed me into a freeze response mode. Recognizing the importance of mental health, I sought professional help to strategize my way out of it. I learned that regular body scans, checking in with myself, and focusing on self-care are crucial to maintaining balance amidst the overwhelm and demands of life.

For me, the key is creating a comprehensive plan that includes family time, self-care, and business tasks, and holding myself accountable to sticking to that plan. This approach helps me manage the overwhelm more effectively. It may not be the same for everyone, but I believe in finding a personal balance that works for you. Remember, mental health is just as important, if not more so, than physical health.

Question 2: Who is your ideal client and what would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who is passionate about their craft and eager to take control of their professional journey. They are typically beauty professionals looking to start or downsize their businesses, seeking a high-end, modern, and luxurious space that they can personalize to match their brand.

What makes someone an ideal client for me is their desire for independence combined with an appreciation for community and support. They value the private, high-end atmosphere we offer at IMAGE Studios, which allows them to create deeper connections with their clients. Additionally, they are individuals who appreciate the convenience of having all the amenities and support systems in place, so they can focus on their clients without worrying about the typical headaches of running a traditional salon.

Ultimately, my ideal client is someone who shares our vision of creating a successful, personalized, and stress-free business environment, and is committed to making the most of the opportunities we provide.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Sarah Bakay

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