MOUNT VERNON — Brittany Lonsinger has clipped, brushed, blow-dried and designed thousands of men’s and women’s hair.
After more than a decade of experience in hairstyling, Lonsinger now runs her salon, appropriately named ‘Clipped.’
Located on 5 E. High Street, Lonsinger works her magic. Three stations symmetrically align with the salon staples on the stylist’s station — spray bottles, razors, attachments and hair product for the final touch.
Lonsinger, working alongside Chris Curphey (operator of Comfort Collective furniture), opened Clipped on Thanksgiving week, a busy season for stylists.
It was always a dream for Lonsinger to open her salon. But she waited until her son grew up before pulling the trigger.
“I think just like putting into realization how many regulars I had, I was thinking it was around 50 to a 100, and I sat down and wrote out all the names of my regulars and customers and [thought] I’d be good [to open,]” Lonsinger said. “And Chris said ‘You should do it.'”
To be a successful stylist, Lonsinger says you have to have the right personality.
“Be confident in your skills,” she said. “Just have the passion.
“Take pride in your work and keep up with trending hairstyles.”
Building your brand as a hairstylist is another step of being a stylist, Lonsinger said, adding she’s built her way by word of mouth.
“I can barely go into a restaurant or a store without running into someone I know,” Lonsinger said. “Everyone’s been great supporting me since I opened.
“People that I went to high school with and I cut their kiddos’ hair now and so it’s pretty cool how that works.”
Lonsinger also has her regulars ranging from men, women and children; either people who come in every Saturday for a trim or local firefighters and police officers who visit throughout the year.
Clipped continues to grow its clientele list, Lonsinger said, noting she plans on being active in downtown events like First Friday to help the business grow.
While cutting thousands of people’s hair, Lonsinger has heard her fair share of stories.
“I kind of refer to myself as like a therapist,” Lonsinger said. “A lot of the people I’ve done for a long time, they’ve turned into really good friends of mine.
“We’re pretty easy people to open up to and talk to.”
Hours and bookings for Clipped can be found here.