Meet Bethany Grayson | Hair Stylist | Wellness

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

Hi Bethany, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Being in the beauty industry, you have no idea how many times I hear, “Your feet must hurt from standing all day.” And yes, sometimes they do, but something more real and not often talked about is how powerful this industry is. We are all influenced by it every day, whether we choose to be or not. It’s my job to pay attention to the perceptions, dialogues, and impacts of this very pervasive industry while also being aware of which parts are unhealthy. So, in my day-to-day, I get to help people feel beautiful about themselves in a healthy and meaningful way, which is so empowering.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My partner and I moved to the city of Chicago over a decade ago with nothing but faith that we could make it work. We learned a lot along the way, but the biggest takeaway I got, was I learned grit. Grit got me on a lot of flights where I was fortunate enough to teach stylists & students from around the world more about our industry. One of the most rewarding of these trips was to Cabo, Mexico to do hair for a wedding. I had dreamt of doing so only a few years earlier, and in that short amount of time, I was able to transition to a new life in Chicago and make it happen! It may amaze you how quickly dreams can become a reality when determination and a solid community of supporters come together. The experience helped teach me how hard work and, more importantly, spotting opportunities can really help get you to where you want to go in life. Life is nothing if not an opportunity, after all. Here I am now, living in Michigan, still doing hair, and finding myself in a new beautiful season of life.

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?
Grand Rapids has so much to offer! You must see the Fredrick Meyer gardens; they have an outdoor concert venue, sculptures, beautiful gardens, and bonus – it’s where I got married! Grand Rapids has about a million breweries, but coming from a person who doesn’t drink – I enjoy Third Nature, Archival Brewing, and Founders to mention a few. Kayaking down the Rogue River, or hiking along White Pine Trail are also some of my favorite things to do. Lastly, simply hanging out in Eastown is my favorite way to be surrounded by some of the best people in Grand Rapids. It’s also where I work.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Where to begin? First my partner, Jake, for growing with me for 19 years and our beautiful child, Eevie, who has taught me so so much. Second, I wouldn’t be who I am today without the influences of my wonderful parents, Steve Renna & Lisa Barton, and siblings, Jen Eskew & Ryan Kemp. Also, I have to give a shoutout to the Chicago coworkers who have nourished the drive in me: Eli Winters, Travis Kimble, Diana Monteleone & Dani McLaren. I would be remiss without mentioning the book “The Inner Work”, which has influenced the way I view the world in a significant way. Sarah Sutton deserves a shoutout for pushing me to be better 365 days of the year. And last, a person I’ve never met but who influences me every day all the way from Australia, Madison Sutherland.

Instagram: Bethegrayson

Image Credits
Allison Marie photography in Muskegon Michigan