Welcome to Artist Spotlights, where we talk with successful beauty professionals to learn how they "made it." This month we sat down with career coach, salon owner, and hairstylist Zan Ray. An industry gem and confidant to mega artists like Ted Gibson and Jason Backe, Zan's story teaches us how to elevate our careers and how others play a role in our success.

Meet The Artist

Artist's Name: Zan Ray

Job Title: Life & Career Coach, Salon Owner, and Hairdresser

Location: Houston, Texas

Years in the industry: 52+ 

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MiladyPro: How did you get started in the industry? 

Zan Ray: My first introduction to the hair industry was at age 12. My parents had a friend who was a hairdresser and a small two-operator salon owner. I started as a shampoo assistant every day after school and Saturdays. On Mondays, I cleaned the salon. Next, I went to work for another hairdresser doing shampoos and learned so much about the hair industry from her that I went to hair school at age 17. I don’t remember ever dreaming of being a hairdresser but I was told I had a knack for doing hair and I caught on quickly.

MP: Tell us a little bit about your current job or role.

ZR: As a salon and hairdresser coach I help guide clients toward clarity, setting goals, and reaching them. I guide clients to set-up business systems, coach them on ways to build a clientele, and increase revenue by raising prices. I am a part of their support system and hold them accountable to their goals.

MP: You coach some of the industry’s most successful professionals. Why do you think these successful pros seek coaching and mentorship?

ZR: I believe, nowadays more than ever, EVERYONE needs a coach for guidance and support. My clients look to me for clarity, focus, and support in decision making.

MP: How should recently licensed professionals build a support team? (I.e. Find a mentor, local coach, etc.)

ZR: I believe the first step (and the most important step) for a newly licensed professional is to find a position in a salon that has an Associate Program. Choose a salon that has the kind of culture in which you want to work. If you seek a seasoned mentor or coach for guidance and training, then you'll be set for success.

MP: How can recently licensed professionals get the “most” out of a mentor/coach?

ZR: BE OPEN to learning! A big part of growing as a professional is challenging yourself with strategies and techniques that are new to you. Believe it or not, your coach does know more than you (they have the years and clients to prove it.) Trust the process.

MP: How can recently licensed pros use their coaches or mentors to build their careers?

ZR: Having a coach or mentor is the first step in creating structure in your career. Next, surround yourself with people who can help you stay focused on your goals and find job opportunities that offer educational support and training. This is key.

MP: What advice do you have for recently licensed professionals? (beyond the above!)

ZR: Stay strong and realize that it takes time to build your business. Education is EVERYTHING so educate yourself! Set small attainable goals, reach them, then CELEBRATE each one! Most of all find a coach or a mentor. You're not in this alone.

More About Zan

A tried and true country girl, Zan was born and raised in the rural outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee. She started her career as a hairdresser at an early age and soon found out that her favorite part of the profession included helping and encouraging clients to be more than what they were seeing in the mirror. Very early in life and through hairstyling, Zan realized she had an innate intuition for helping others to be more of their authentic selves. 

Pursuing this gift, Zan became a student of and studied with Anthony Robbins (Peak Performance Coach), Robert Kiyosaki (author Rich Dad Poor Dad) and Robert Pante (International Image Consultant and author Dressing to Win.)  Soon after she started the first stylist apprenticeship program in Austin, Texas at her salon. Here she trained budding stylists in all facets of hairdressing as well as extreme customer care service. To learn more about Zan and her coaching services, please visit her website.

See More:

3 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Mentorship

The Thin-Line Between Salon and Real-World Friendships