Today we’d like to introduce you to Raylan Rivette.
Hi Raylan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Gift of Creating, Healing, and Transforming I remember being at a birthday party at a skating rink when I was about five or six years old. I didn’t know how to skate, so I stood off to the side and watched everyone else. After studying their movements, I stood up in my skates, made my way to the rink, and practiced what I saw. Before I knew it, I was skating on my own—and by the end of the party, I could turn and even skate backward.
That was the first time I realized I had a gift: the ability to observe, learn, and create. I could look at something, figure it out, and make it my own. That gift runs deep in my family. My grandfather was a farmer who had an amazing garden; he raised food for his family. My grandmother was an incredible homemaker who made a house into a home through every meal, the love she poured into her family, and the care she put into everything she did. My mother is a hard worker who could make something out of nothing—she was the first person I saw master DIY, creativity, and self-determination in every area of her life. I come from a lineage of creators, innovators, and doers. DIY isn’t just a skill—it’s in my blood.
I remember another defining moment: visiting a renowned hairstylist from Chicago who had relocated to Kansas City. My mom, my sister, and her good friend all had appointments, and I was the last to get my hair done. I watched him all day—every cut, every style, every technique. I studied him from the moment we walked in the door. When he finally finished my hair and I went home, I picked up the scissors and reshaped it the way I wanted. From that moment on, my mom said she would never take me to a salon again because I did such a wonderful job. That’s where my confidence began: if I could see it, I could do it.
As time went on, I started doing my mom’s hair, and soon family and friends were making their way to my chair. In the 10th grade, I met my future business partner, who had the same gift I had. We spent many days after school and on weekends doing each other’s hair, and that’s when the seed of becoming a beautician was planted.
I excelled academically and believed my path would lead to a career in corporate America. After college, I did just that—working in various industries. But I quickly realized that my creative, independent, and hands-on spirit didn’t fit the corporate mold. So I followed my true calling, attended cosmetology school, and began my journey as a licensed cosmetologist.
After graduating, I worked at Beauty Brands, Union Hill Hair Studio, and JCPenney before venturing out on my own to form R. Racquel Hair Studio. Armed with knowledge, experience, and this amazing gift, my clientele continued to grow.
In 2014, I partnered with my high school friend, LaRonda Lindsey, to create gimMee Oils, LLC, born out of the real challenges we saw behind the chair—clients with scalp issues, thinning hair, fragile strands, and dehydration. Together, we researched and formulated four handcrafted treatment oils using 100% natural carrier and essential oils. We worked from the space of ‘gimMee Hair is Good Hair”! Within months, the results were undeniable: hair restored, scalps balanced, strands strengthened, and hydration renewed.
That success led to the birth of gimMee Beauty Parlor, a space dedicated to caring for Natural Hair, powered by gimMee Oils. Our desire was simple yet powerful: to “Heal-thy Hair, Naturally!”
That was nearly eleven years ago. Today, after serving hundreds of clients and selling thousands of bottles, we are still witnessing the miraculous results of these oils. My business partner has since embraced a new assignment, and gimMee Beauty Parlor is evolving—not in a new direction, but a higher one.
Our focus is now fully holistic—uniting wellness and hair care through advanced therapies and spiritual alignment. We’ve integrated innovative treatments such as Red and Infrared Light Therapy, Chromotherapy, Phototherapy, Hydrotherapy (the Halo Waterfall Rinse), Ozone-3 Oxygen Therapy, Ionic Therapy, and Aromatherapy.
Our Holistic Approach
At gimMee Beauty Parlor, our holistic approach—combined with advanced therapies and innovative technologies—is producing results beyond what we could have ever imagined.
Women with concerns ranging from hair thinning and loss, various forms of alopecia, dry, flaky, or tender scalps, and dehydrated, weak, or fragile hair are experiencing remarkable transformations. They are seeing regrowth, thickening, improved elasticity, porosity, strength, and hydration—along with softer textures and enhanced curl definition.
Through carefully designed protocols, we focus on hair regeneration, scalp balance, and the restoration of overall hair and scalp health. Yet, the transformation goes far beyond the physical. Our holistic practices nurture the mind, body, and soul, promoting wellness on spiritual, emotional, and physical levels.
We are often told to seek balance, yet life’s demands can easily shift us out of alignment. With that in mind, we gravitate toward walking in harmony with the rhythms and vibrations of life, understanding that each part of our being plays a role—one leading, the others supporting—to create an extraordinary symphony that reflects the beauty of divine design.
Our mission will always be to “Heal-thy Hair, Naturally!” as we intentionally care for ourselves, empowered by the tools The Most High has provided through His creation.
This journey has become more than hair—it’s about healing from the inside out. Through personalized wellness protocols, nutritional guidance, and holistic therapies, my mission is to help women care for their hair, health, and holiness, honoring the truth of 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Your body is a temple.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My Professional Journey As a licensed Cosmetologist, I am trained in hair, skin, and nails, but early in my career, I had to decide which area I truly wanted to focus on. I explored it all—hair care, hair removal, manicures, and pedicures—taking time to discover where I felt the most purpose and passion.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that hair care was where my heart came alive. Helping women care for and embrace their hair—its beauty, texture, and uniqueness—brought me the greatest fulfillment.
The next decision was whether to specialize in relaxer services or natural hair care, and as I continued to grow and evolve, the answer became clear. Natural hair, in all its authenticity and strength, aligned perfectly with my calling and holistic approach to beauty and wellness.
My niche found me—and now I’m on a journey to connect with every woman who will be blessed by that same calling, finding them!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My speciality and the difference! Healthy Hair is a Lifestyle!”
This philosophy has fueled my passion for nearly 30 years. My background in both the beauty industry and Corporate America has shaped my desire to create a total mind, body, and soul experience for every guest. At GimMee Beauty Parlor, I invite you to relax, unwind, and release all that no longer serves you well. I empower people to maintain a healthy lifestyle beyond the chair
As a Licensed Cosmetologist and Certified Holistic Scalp & Natural Hair Therapist, my mission is to integrate advanced technologies with holistic care and nutritional guidance to truly “Heal-thy Hair from the Inside Out.” Creating a harmonious connections between our physical and spiritual health ensuring a concentrated focus on all areas of our lives that are integrated into our everyday lives.
Whether you’re seeking a flawless silk press, natural sets, precision cuts, customized therapies, or gorgeous ammonia-free and natural color, I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
I, curate Customized Care Protocols, to create harmony like a symphony bring all aspects of your health and wellness into alignment to create a beauty melody of your life, that may include:
-Regularly scheduled appointments
-Product recommendations and styling tips for at-home care
-Low Level 7-Light Laser Therapy
-Ozone-3 Oxygen Therapy
-High Intensity Hydration Treatments w/Ultrasonic Nano Micro-Mist Therapy
-Nutritional Guidance
-Movement, Strengthening and flexible protocols
What matters most to you?
My Heart & Mission Everything in my life stems from my relationship with Yahweh. The Bible is my firm foundation, and biblical principles guide every area of my life and decisions. As I continue to walk this narrow road with Him, I’m learning more each day about faith, stewardship, and purpose.
How I steward what He has given me—my gifts, my salon, and the women I serve—matters deeply. The way I treat myself and others is an act of worship and a reflection of His love and kindness. My desire is to give voice to every woman who sits in my chair. I want each guest to feel genuine care and concern that goes beyond their hair needs—to experience healing, health, and wholeness. My hope is to uplift and inspire every woman to keep discovering the best version of herself in every stage of life.
By the time you leave my chair, you will carry a renewed sense of empowerment, wholeness, and hope—and be inspired to return, not just for beauty, but for continued wellness and spiritual renewal.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vagaro.com/gimmeebeautyparlor and www.gimmeeoils.com
- Instagram: Raylan_Rivette. GimMee beauty parlor
- Facebook: Raylan Rivette. GimMee Oils. Facebook
