We had the good fortune of connecting with Ria Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ria, how do you think about risk?
Taking risk is never easy. I believe in the saying, No risk, No reward”. If you want something bad enough I think you should step out on faith and go for it. If you don’t try how will you ever know. And thats with any business, not just hair salons. I honestly didn’t think I was capable but with the right support and lots a prayer I said why not. I can either do this and possibly fail or can not do this and always wonder what if. I’d had many ups and downs and trials along the way but i wouldn’t change a thing. This was the best think I could have ever done.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Short hair is my art. Its my canvas. Its what gets me excited. I am skilled in so many other areas but short hair just gives me life. I believe what sets me a part is my style and my creativity. Im always thinking of what I can do to my clients hair next. I am so proud of my growth. My willingness to continue to learn.. Im always pushing myself to be better than I was on yesterday. When I started off doing hair short hair just did something to me. It came very natural to me. I have learned over time that no matter how good you are, you are never to good to keep learning and you don’t know everything. Has it been easy, NO but so worth it. Ive learned over the years to just stay in my lane and be true to myself and the artist God called me to be. I would like the world to know that I am passionate about my craft and I don’t take one second of it for granted. I will continue to be better and always give the best service that I possibly can.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If someone is visiting me we are eating. A LOT! Eating socially is iconic here in Houston so we have to visit places like Turkey Leg Hut, A’Bouzy for brunch and a Steak 48 for dinner. We could stop and get pampered at Nordstrom Spa in the Galleria and then do some shopping. We’d drive to Austin and visit one of it’s Hill Country Wineries. Since my family is big on getting together we’d hang out at my aunts house for some authentic Trini food. Im very laid back and I like to keep it low key so these are things and places that I absolutely love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank Aundrea Allen of ES Hair for mentoring me and teaching everything I know about hair and the hair business itself. i would also like to thank my husband who told me to quit my corporate america job and go back to school. Most of all, my family for always supporting me and pushing me to go after my dreams. It means everything.

Instagram: studio3015hma
Linkedin: Studio 3015 Hair and Makeup Artistry
Other: pinterest ; Studio 3015 Hair and Makeup Artistry

Image Credits
Color DuJour Photography, LLC