Life & Work with Brittany Slaten-Johns

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Slaten-Johns. 

Hi Brittany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was an only child growing up and I was so blessed to be raised by the most amazing people on this earth, my grandparents. They always wanted me to work hard and accomplish my dreams. From such a young age I always knew I wanted to “play with hair” so as I got older and watched and talked to my hairstylist it became more clear that I wanted to be a cosmetologist no doubt in my mind. Luckily, I had that support and encouragement at home from my grandparents to be able to what I wanted to do. When I graduated high school in 2009 from Albany MO a small town in the northern part of the state, I went directly into cosmetology school in Des Moines IA at La James. I wasn’t getting what I thought I would from there that’s when I switched to the Aveda Institute and instantly knew I was where I needed to be. I graduated from the institute in 2011. From there I moved to Saint Joseph MO and worked for Belliza (Aveda Salon) for 2 years I didn’t feel like I was where I needed to be so I contacted Par Exsalonce in Zona Rosa which I had met the owners of this salon when I was in school at the institute. I have now been at Par Exsalonce for 8 and half years. I have accomplished so much while working here. In 2019 I became a men’s hairstylist of the year finalist at the Midwest Hairstyling Awards right here in Overland Park KS this included 10 States from the Midwest. Shortly after that, I was asked to be part of the Midwest Hairstyling Awards Hype Squad where I get to share and talk about the yearly awards/show! Here I have gotten to work with and met some of the most influential people in our industry and a majority of them from right here in the Midwest. I could talk hours about this show and how important it is for the Midwest especially. After I became part of the hype squad, I got the amazing opportunity to submit a video to Dusty Rhode in MN to be part of his influencers for his shear company RD Scissors. I am now part of that amazing family. Since then, I have started running the RD Scissors Instagram page which I absolutely love. Also, in the last year, I have started working with a local photographer doing hair and makeup for her photoshoots I absolutely love putting my creative mind to work being able to create what I want! I have a love for weddings and have gotten to be part of a lot of them doing hair for the bride and the bridal party. My most recent accomplishment is that I just got a promotion at my salon. I am now a level 4! I am looking forward to what this next year brings me I am already working on so much. I love to stay busy not only behind the chair which is my first work love but outside of the salon with projects. I am so blessed to be able to do all these amazing thing from the support of my family, friends, and salon! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth ride and that’s okay. Everything I have come across to get where I am today has helped me grow. I have had three beautiful boys all while chasing my dreams and as moms know that’s a full-time job as well. I’ve gotten frustrated, wondered what the hell I’m doing, and have been at the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It has been and is all worth it. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a hairstylist. I love hair cutting, coloring, extensions, and styling. I definitely have my favorites within each of those. I have always been attracted to doing men’s cuts long, short, fade, or mullet it’s all fun to me. Women’s cutting is what brings the whole look together and I love to give those final details to each cut to make them different. I think I’m most known for my blondes and how particular I am when it comes to them. I love the detail work of blonding and how many different looks you can get with blonde. As I mentioned earlier, I love weddings and working behind a photoshoot. Being able to create something that is memorable and custom to the look. Really love being able to do a shampoo, blow-dry, and style. According to the girls I work with and my clients I give the best shampoos! Lol I am most proud of the name I have built for myself and how passionate I am for my craft. I’m proud of doing this all while raising a family with my husband. What sets me apart from others is that I’m personable, passionate, fun, and most importantly I’m honest. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Kansas City feels like home. Not only is it a beautiful city but let’s talk about the coffee shops lol. If you know anything about hairstylist we love and live off of coffee! I love how friendly people are here. The BBQ is outstanding. I hate how cold it is here lol. I am a hot weather girl the cold is miserable. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @brittanyslatenjohnshair
• Facebook: @brittanyslatenjohnshair
• Other: @brittanydoeshair