Our stylist community is our family. We love sharing with you our brothers and sisters who not only support Virtue, but also help share our vision that everyone deserves to have truly healthy hair. They inform and enlighten us, and in turn, we continue to deliver the most revolutionary hair care they could ask for. What we’re trying to say is, we couldn’t do it without them.

For veteran stylist Lynne McLeod of Let There be Lightener, the dream had always been to someday open her own salon. Now that it’s become a reality, she’s learning how to gracefully juggle all that’s required to maintain both a business and a passion. Here she shares with us her journey into styling, how she first discovered Virtue, and her inspirations for helping clients find their forever hair home.

Q: Can you tell us more about your background and your journey? How did you get into being a stylist?
When I was nine years old, I had to write a report on dream careers, so I interviewed a hairdresser. That was my earliest step towards my hair journey. I used to practice on dolls and friends, once razoring a friend’s hair in 8th grade and giving her bangs.

I started vocational high school at 14, and graduated with my license. It was trial and error to find the right salons and people for support and education as I was coming up in the industry. After 24 years at one company, I went out on my own to grow individually, that was my dream. I took some time and put my family first then opened my own salon. Now I’m planning for the future and growing my business.

Q: What made you decide to open your own salon / become a stylist?
Owning a business takes a lot of work and time away from family, and while my husband was growing his, I took a step back; but now that his company has grown, we decided it was time for me to take the leap and open my own salon. I’ve always wanted to be a salon owner, but with times so uncertain, I started a salon suite. In the future, I look forward to growing my business.

Q: What is the most challenging thing about owning your own salon?
I’m still learning how to be a business owner. It’s difficult to find a work-life balance, making time for family and also downtime. I think about the salon 24/7, and that can be challenging to compartmentalize. I’m wearing multiple hats—social media, marketing, graphic design, being a stylist, managing clients. I’ve learned a lot about myself.

Q: What is your best memory about the journey? When did it feel like you caught your “big break?”
Truthfully I’m still waiting, but opening my own salon is my big break! It’s touching because I get such validating emails, which refuels me when I’m running out of steam. I have so many questions, like, Am I doing this right? Hearing positive feedback from clients and companies confirms that if you take a chance on yourself, it will pay off.

Q: Is there anyone in the industry or beyond, that you really admire, or someone who inspired you in your career?
Social media has brought a lot of inspiring people to light, which is very motivating. It holds you to a standard, and makes you think, Could I do that? I’ve also learned so much taking Britt Seva’s business-building classes online. I started listening to her podcast and then signed up for her program. I’ve learned so much about business, branding, marketing, and websites.

Q: What is your salon’s unique approach to beauty and style? How do you define a “success” after a client leaves your salon?
When I first meet a guest, we do a thorough consultation. It’s really about sitting together and making them feel comfortable. Then there’s an energy shift, when you can tell they feel like this may be their new “hair home. It’s a journey. We talk about their hair future, and we map out a hair plan that fits into their timing, lifestyle, and budget.

Q: What is your favorite trend or style?
I love blonding; multi-dimensional, lived-in color; and highlighting.

Q: What was the worst haircut you ever had?
As a kid, I had a horrible haircut. Because of that, I will never give anyone a haircut they don’t want. Nothing is forced!

Q: What’s your personal hair routine?
I don’t wash every day; I probably don’t wash any more than three times a week, really! I do a deep condition on Sundays using the Restorative Treatment Mask. Then I use Healing Oil during and after every style, and dry shampoo when I don’t wash.

Q: What other things are you passionate about that aren’t hair related?
Nature, animals (I have been around horses for most of my life), my faith, and my family!

Q: What’s next for your career?
Giving back in some capacity. I feel like I’m supposed to be sharing with others.

Q: Why Virtue?
When I was still at my former salon, this woman came in and asked if I’d heard of Virtue. She said, “You should try it, it’s gonna be a game changer in the industry.” I went home and researched it, called the number, and got Ellen on the phone. I started using the products, and knew that when the day came for me to open my own place, this would be on my shelf. I asked a scientist client for approval and got a big thumbs up. The products look beautiful on my shelves––and they match my branding, which is just icing on the cake. Also what Virtue does for its community and for charities is very important to me.