Garidey Bray shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Garidey, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’ve been behind the chair for 22 years, always pushing myself to refine my craft in extensions, color, and creating those effortless, textured looks that feel natural and lived-in. What I’m being called to do now is take that experience and share it in a way I never have before—by building an online finishing school for hair. For so long, I was focused only on my clients in the salon, but now I feel pulled to empower anyone, not just stylists, to feel confident styling their own hair—whether that’s learning braids, working with different textures, or mastering everyday styles. It’s something I might have been hesitant about before, but now I know it’s the next step: taking everything I’ve learned and giving people the tools to bring out their own beauty.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been a hairstylist for over 22 years, and throughout my career I’ve built a reputation for creating natural, lived-in styles that celebrate texture and effortless beauty. My specialties are extensions and color, but what really sets me apart is how I focus on making hair feel approachable—perfectly imperfect in the best way. After years of dedicating myself to my clients, I’m now channeling that passion into an online finishing school where I can teach everyday people how to style their own hair with confidence. It’s about taking the guesswork out of hair and giving people simple, creative tools to express themselves and feel their best.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was pure light and excitement—always buzzing with curiosity, always asking “what’s next?” I’ve carried this wild energy that makes me want to push the envelope, explore what’s possible, and bring people along with me. Deep down, I’ve always been that spark—the person who thrives on discovery, fun, and turning ordinary moments into something bigger.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something success never could—that the struggle is the proof of your worth. It showed me that pain isn’t meant to break you, it’s meant to reveal what’s inside of you and push you closer to who you’re meant to be. Success can feel sweet, but it often sugarcoats the truth. Suffering strips it all down. Like working out—you don’t grow stronger without tearing the muscle first. The same goes for life. The hurt is what builds the strength.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my clients who are independently successful—not because of their power, but because of their character. They live more for passion than for money, and that shows me true strength. They’ve taught me that real power comes from standing up for your intuition and owning who you are, even when it goes against the grain. Working in a high-end salon and being surrounded by strong, independent women has shown me firsthand how character can shape not just a career, but an entire life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the quality time we share most. Over the years, the hours behind the chair have become so much more than just hair appointments—they’ve turned into friendships, conversations full of intellect, laughter, and real connection. In many ways, I spend more time with some of my clients than I do with my own friends, and that bond is something truly special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.garideybray.com
- Instagram: @garideybray
- Youtube: @GarideyBray
