SPOTLIGHT: BRITTANIE MARTINEZ; OWNER OF THE BLACK VEIL PARLOR

Has there ever been a moment when you felt called to something that doesn’t quite make sense yet, but it shifts the trajectory of your life? I like to call this “the pivot”. As a master of the pivot myself, I have found that sometimes the smallest of decisions can lead to the biggest change. Some refer to this theory or a similar one as “the butterfly effect,” the idea that small, seemingly insignificant actions can lead to massive, unpredictable consequences elsewhere. We can never fully understand the scope of our actions and their effects on surrounding environments. In a community that searches for acceptance and inclusivity, Brittanie’s pivot has led to her becoming a force that dares to lead that change.

*A collection of hair color surrounded by photos, trinkets, antique decor, artwork, and pinned insects.*

Existing in a world of tiresome, uninspiring everyday work was the call that pushed Brittanie to leap back into cosmetology school. As a self-proclaimed scene kid, Brittanie was already immersed in the world of doing her and her friends' hair for fun growing up. The scene subculture, distinguished by its hardcore punk music and colorful, playful hairstyle aesthetics, would later show up as a significant influence in the work Brittanie does today. Her initial interest in pursuing a career in cosmetology first occurred too late in Brittanie’s senior year of high school to come to fruition. After a long an unfulfiling decade, at the age of 26, the need to live in alignment started to outweigh the what-ifs that would hold most people back. With love and support from her husband, Brittanie made the life-altering pivot to follow her dreams and go to cosmetology school.

“Everyone always told me, you know, like, four or five years after you graduated, maybe you can look into something like that.”

Three years after graduation, Brittanie was fast-tracked to salon ownership with her now-opened, solo-owned salon “The Black Veil Parlor”. The Black Veil Parlor features a cozy gothic interior with a wide variety of quirky knick-knacks and an extensive range of vivid colors, located right off of 127 here at home in Hickory, NC. Brittanie’s display of her personality is what sets her apart from other salons in the area.

While her industry colleagues have found a niche in the “luxury” experience, The Black Veil Parlor’s mission is to be a safe, inclusive salon suite specializing in vivid, creative hair color and personalized hair services. It is LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming to all; it’s a space where self-expression and individuality are celebrated. Brittanie understands that getting your hair done can feel like an anxiety-inducing chore.

*A victorian era vanity is the centerpiece of the salon. Brittanie and her husband sanded it down, repainted it black , and added celestial knobs.*

At The Black Veil Parlor, you are invited to experience a one-on-one setting. This eliminates the fears and discomfort that may come from going to a multi-stylist salon by providing privacy, focused stylist attention, a quiet space, consistent service, and a relaxed “hang out” setting. Brittanie strives to make all of her clients' experiences more than just a cut or color, but a novelty that they actually look forward to.

*Brittanie’s apron in the corner, covered in bleach stains.*

“I have developed a lowkey fear of getting my hair cut after a bunch of terrible experiences and bad haircuts at various salons, but I feel like Brittanie finally broke my streak of bad luck! She was really patient and kind, listened to my concerns, and did a thorough and helpful consultation before we started. She did a great job asking me questions and making recommendations as to what I wanted and what would look good on me. She was very knowledgeable and great to talk to as well. The salon itself has amazing aesthetics and was beautifully decorated, clean, comfortable, and an enjoyable experience. My hair looks and feels great, and I will definitely be coming back as I def trust her to provide great service, and now I don't feel nervous to get my hair cut any longer, thanks!”

- Emily, Google Review

Being on the fast track from cosmetology school to owning a salon has not come without its own challenges. When opening any business for the first time, there is the initial overwhelm of making a big decision. Despite the adversities, when it is time to pivot, the resolutions will naturally fall into place. For Brittanie, the transition was a quick one, taking only one month from hairdresser to salon owner. Through the salon that she was working at at the time, she was able to build a strong clientele that followed her and all the necessary insight on inventory needed to open. This, however, was not the initial plan for Brittanie. It wasn’t until a local barber mentioned an open space that the opportunity for The Black Veil Parlor presented itself.

“Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, whether that be business or just life. Don't let the man grind you down.”

Despite the quick rise to immense success and ease of establishment, Brittanie has not gone without doubts. It is easy to see the success of another and feel “excluded” because of your own uncertainty. Often, we forget that the internal dialogue of others might just be as scared as our own. Brittanie empathizes with our own fears, saying, “You're never going to do more with your life. You're never going to do better than you're doing if you're comfortable… I was terrified. … I knew nothing about it. So I think, you know, getting over that initial fear and self-doubt is a big part of it, and then, you know, just believe in yourself.” With her understanding and acceptance of her own fears, Brittanie has made her mark on the small town of Hickory, NC.

“I felt like I've always wanted to contribute something cooler to Hickory… I feel like it's just really gratifying to be able to help those people in the community who might not feel as comfortable going to a regular salon here.”

Finding salons that advertise their acceptance in such a loud and unapologetic way is still something that is few and far between. Brittanie markets herself and her beliefs proudly, repping a “Fuck ICE” shirt and displaying her inclusivity on all of her social platforms. Even referring to her salon as a “hair haven”. In a space where it can be easier to keep your mouth shut and fall into the shadows, Brittanie remains visible, contributing to the continued push towards a more progressive and accepting world. She is set apart because she is open to all and remains focused on her client's confidence, comfort, and her community. Offering alternative hairstyles, gender-affirming haircuts, and out-of-the-box vivid colors, The Black Veil Parlor has rooted itself in Hickory as a safe space for the alternative, spooky way makers of the area.