Meet Reya Payan: Master Stylist

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

Hi Reya, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To be honest I wouldn’t be doing what I love if I hadn’t taken a risky move! I was going to school and working at Kroger’s. A friend of mine was a receptionist at Toni&Guy and told me all about the great opportunities he was getting as a makeup artist. . I was really interested in the salon scene already and I applied for the same position. Unfortunately I was a little late with my application and they had already started the interviews. I got a call from my friend telling me that they were interviewing at the Parks Mall so I snuck in to the group interview and got the job! Once I got my foot in the door I want to the Toni&Guy Hairdressing Academy and the rest is history!

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.
When I first left school to per-sue the hair industry I got a lot of crazy looks. I went off on my own after working for Toni&Guy for several years and was told I wouldn’t make it! It was tough. I was working two jobs, left school and I was building a clientele out of nothing. There where times when I just wanted to quit, but then what would I do? I didn’t give up though. I would show up early to the salon and stayed late the days I was off at my other job and was there even on the days I did. My second job paid little to nothing and some weeks I would make just enough to cover my booth rent. I was broke the first couple of years! The lesson here is don’t give up!!! They say Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s me! I’ve gotten to do hair shows, teach, and even go to Paris for doing hair! My passion for hair and people never let me give up and I think that sets me apart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well my best friend and I are big time foodies! Our favorite thing to do is check out food trucks so I’d take her to the breweries for some drinks and check out the food trucks they have there. Clearfork food park is also on the list for some live music and food. One of my favorites is Lola’s they have this Cuban sandwich that is delicious! We’d definitely have to go to the Fort Worth museum and catch an exhibit or to the botanical gardens to be cheesy and take some cool pics. Followed by a trip to our favorite buffet, Texas de Brazil. If it was summer time Panther island it is! They always have live music and you can float on the river while you watch the band and enjoy whatever pop up bar they have. On a chill night we would go to the Cayote drive in and enjoy some snacks and a good movie. For some weekend fun we’d hit the dance floor at Reservoir and get some late night tacos at my all time taco spot which is El Mil Tacos! Sunday funday would be a must at Mash’d for their bomb brunch and delicious mimosas or a trip to Dallas for some giant bloody Mary’s that are topped off with a whole meal. Haha

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my mom! When I first left school to peruse this career most didn’t agree, but my mom’s encouraging words and belief in me kept me going. She never let me quit and invested in me to get me started. She always had my back. Couldn’t have done it with out her. I love you ma! My 2 month old daughter is also my new biggest accomplishment and driving force. I do this for you Luna, mommy loves you.

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Image Credits
Victoria Thompson