Conversations with Raven Safford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Safford. 

Hi Raven, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up I would do me and my cousin’s hair. However, as a child, I was taught of course to go to graduate high school and go to college. Cosmetology was not an option. It all started about 6 years ago I was getting my hair done by my hairstylist Bea and we started conversing about life. At this time, I was attending Seminole community college and working at a call center. I mentioned to Bea that I wasn’t happy in life with the work I was doing. She then asked me what I would like to do more than working my normal 9 t0 5. I told her I enjoyed styling hair. That’s when we had an epiphany and my brand That’s Sew Raven was innovated. After the inspirational conversation, I worked about another year before I decided I needed to put more time and work into my brand. I left my job to attend Aveda full time to further peruse my career in cosmetology. As of today, I am a licensed cosmetologist where I specialize in custom wigs and coloring. While my business is still growing, I’ve developed a pure passion for making others smile with a comb and a vision. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Since I’ve started it has not been a smooth road for me. In the cosmetology industry, I have learned that there are so many options for a hairstylist such as different genres of hairstyling. Such as braiding, sew-ins, or wig installations. I found my niche to be custom wigs. However, my biggest obstacle through the years has been obtaining a consistent clientele. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in custom wigs and install. I am known for coloring and it is my favorite thing to do because I’m inspired by the artistic things in life. For an example, I can be eating a cupcake which will then inspire me to dye a wig the same color as the cupcake. I am most proud of how I have evolved as a stylist, keeping up with trends and learning new things every day motivates me. Most hairstylist are not as quiet as I am and I feel that this is what sets me apart from others because it is always unexpected. 

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to keep pushing forward no matter how discouraged I may become. 

Contact Info:

• Email: saffordraven@yahoo.com
• Website: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=21549018
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thats_sewraven
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatssewraven1/