Daily Inspiration: Meet Darcy Richardson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcy Richardson.

Hi Darcy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Two weeks after graduating from K-State, I decided to go to cosmetology school. I was inspired by my hairstylist at the time and saw that this career could be rewarding, professional, and constantly evolving, both as an industry and personal practice.

I worked in Manhattan for several years before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, and then found my forever home in Kansas City in 2008. I was fortunate to land at a salon owned by a motivational leader/boss/life coach. He helped me grow my career and my life into something extraordinary. From there, I had the confidence to run my own business behind the chair as a booth renter.

It was one of the most liberating moves in my career. However, I wasn’t entirely fulfilled yet. I started dreaming about my own salon, which would be a beautiful space where booth renters could feel supported and be surrounded by a family of boss babes. During the quarantine of 2020, like many others, I contemplated on how precious my time is and that a majority of it is spent at work.

When the opportunity presented itself, it came like a manifestation of what I dreamt about. With support from my husband, we took the leap and I now get to support other professionals on their own inspiring journeys. And that is fulfilling beyond words.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many aspects of starting a business fell serendipitously in place, which further affirmed that I was making the right moves. After that, I waited patiently (and often impatiently) for the team I’d envisioned to develop. I realized that, while it may have been the quarantine that encouraged me to take this risk, it was likely the quarantine that had professionals wary about making big changes in their careers.

It was hard to be alone in this beautiful space that I’d only imagined to be buzzing with the inspiration of other talented stylists – my team. I cried to my husband. I often cried alone. I was scared that I wouldn’t find the people who would walk in and love it as much as I did when it was them I had in mind when I envisioned it.

There was also a fear of the financial burden of continuing to keep the lights on all by myself. However, I always believed I had done the right thing, so through it all, my mantra was that I was on divine time, not my own.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My mission is to make people feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. I specialize in educating my clients and giving them sound advice on what fits their lifestyle from products to cuts to color. With each client, I take pride in a thorough consultation which leads me to assess the needs of every one of them.

I am most proud of the loyalty my clients have shown me over the years and through several transitions. I feel blessed beyond measure for this.

What matters most to you?
At the end of the day, a work-life balance matters most to me. I believe a person should be what they want, have the career that they desire, and have it be a seamless transition home. I want my clients to know that my family is important and I want my family to know my work is important.

And I want all of it to be genuinely holistic.

Contact Info:

• Email: darcy@rileygirlkc.com
• Website: www.rileygirlkc.com
• Instagram: @rileygirlkc
• Facebook: @rileygirlkc

Image Credits
CharityKPhotography