Olivia Graye shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Olivia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me can look a little different depending on what I have going on, but my favorite weekday routine starts with the gym. I usually do a Pilates mat workout, followed by some time in the infrared sauna, and then I treat myself to a session in the anti-gravity chair—it’s my favorite way to recover after a workout. Once I’m home and ready for the day, I head to the salon. One of the things I love most about my work is the freedom to express myself through style, so I always have fun choosing an outfit that reflects my vibe.
Then I spend the rest of my day with awesome clients!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the owner of The Blowdry Lounge in San Diego, a salon I created to celebrate the beauty of styling. After 12 years in the beauty industry I realized that so many salons focus primarily on color or extensions, and while those services are wonderful, I’ve always loved the art of a really great blowout. I wanted to design a space where people could come in, relax, and walk out feeling polished, confident, and cared for—without the commitment of a full cut or color.
What makes The Blowdry Lounge special is that it’s not just about hair, it’s about the entire experience. From the moment clients walk in, my goal is for them to feel comfortable and taken care of. Whether someone’s preparing for an event, a big meeting, or just wants a little boost in their week, I love being able to create that fresh, effortless style that can last for days.
Right now, I’m really focused on growing our community and sharing how styling can be its own service, not just the afterthought of a haircut or color. It’s also a chance to try out a hairstyle you may not be able to accomplish yourself at home! For me, it’s so rewarding to introduce people to that idea and watch them fall in love with how good a blowout can make them feel.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Very recently! Opening my own business has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. There’s something incredibly powerful about building a space from the ground up that reflects not only my vision but also the kind of experience I want people to have when they walk through the door. Every day I get to see clients leave feeling more confident and uplifted, and that reminds me why I took this leap in the first place.
Of course, it comes with challenges—there’s always something new to learn as a business owner—but that’s also part of what makes it so fulfilling. It pushes me to grow, both personally and professionally, and it gives me a sense of ownership and pride that I never felt before. Knowing that I created something unique in the beauty industry, and that people are embracing it, makes me feel empowered every single day.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. Before I found my shop I had worked at various salons and was kind of at a crossroads, trying to decide if I want to stay in this industry or go back to school for something completely different.
I expressed my desire of opening up a Blowdry Bar in San Diego to Kim, one of the salon owners I have worked for a long time and she pushed me to look for spots to open up my dream job before I totally gave up.
A week later my dream salon spot opened up for sale and the rest is history!
It was all meant to be.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Trends in the beauty industry are easier than ever to spot these days, especially with TikTok driving so much of the conversation. I love keeping up with what’s popular and seeing what clients are curious about. That said, not every trend is right for every person or every hair type, and I think it’s important to educate clients on what will actually work best for them.
What’s interesting is that many of these “new” fads are really just refreshed versions of techniques or principles that stylists have been using for years. As professionals, we can take that foundational knowledge and adapt it in a way that feels current, but also personalized and practical for each client.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
People. I deeply understand people. For me, hairstyling has never just been about the hair—it’s about the person sitting in my chair. I’ve always had an ability to read people, sense what they need in the moment, and create an environment where they feel comfortable and cared for. Sometimes that means giving someone space to relax quietly, and other times it means being a great listener or cheerleader.
That connection is what makes this work so meaningful. When someone leaves not only looking amazing but also feeling seen, heard, and more confident, that’s when I know I’ve done my job. Understanding people on that deeper level has been the foundation of everything I do at the salon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theblowdryloungesd.com
- Instagram: The.blowdrylounge and/or livgrayehair
Image Credits
Chelsea Mudlo Photography
