Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Drake.
Hi Ryan, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a native of Chicago, entrepreneurship has always been a strong passion of mine, coming from a city that produces true innovation. My journey began very early on while in high school and later transitioned to my time in college. I am a Florida A&M University graduate, and I began doing hair and selling hair products while away at school. My peers and community members recognized me for having eye-catching hairstyles, and I soon became a hair sensation in Tallahassee. My passion for hair and beauty has always been based on quality and creativity, allowing me to produce beautiful results that would catch the attention of almost anyone who sees them. I opened my first salon in Tallahassee in 2017 and operated it for 6 years before deciding to relocate to Orlando. As my clientele, expertise, and passion expanded, I realized I wanted to be in a bigger city that would allow me to grow and flourish in the manner I knew I could. Orlando has held a special piece of my heart since I became a Florida resident. I would always travel here for shopping, amusement, and an overall great time, and I always felt that it would be the perfect city for me to settle in and grow my business. I hope to serve many women who value the same quality I do regarding beauty and hairstyling. I wholeheartedly believe that women deserve soft, effortless hair compatible with their everyday lifestyles. In addition, it brings me great pleasure to offer luxury experiences and products that contribute to the top-tier self-care that most women strive for and wish to have.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Being an entrepreneur has been a challenging road. I was only 19 years old when I started my first legal business, and everything I learned, I learned on my own. I would spend countless hours building my brand while juggling being a college student. I did tons of research, took many losses, and started over plenty of times until I got it right. I had no one to lead the way or even hold my hand through certain things, which makes being an entrepreneur so rewarding. I started in the beauty industry when it was less popular than it is now, and many of the resources available today were not available then. I spent a lot of time trying out different product vendors, whereas now, so many lists and eBooks are available that give you the best vendors. I don’t take any of my challenges and struggles for granted because they helped to build me into the business owner I am today. I am still learning and perfecting my craft, and I’ll never stop learning.
We’ve been impressed with Plush Essentials LLC, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Plush Essentials is a beauty brand that offers luxurious hair experiences. We specialize in Luxury hair services such as natural extension installations and hair care. We also offer top-quality raw hair extensions and organic haircare products. We are known for providing the most natural-looking hair extension installations that are soft, harmless, and long-lasting. I am most proud of the quality we serve. We take great pride in the client and customer’s experience and satisfaction. If you want luxury and longevity, Plush Essentials is your best choice!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
At a very young age, I quickly realized I was different, but in a perfect way. My passion and ambition surpassed that of my peers in most instances. I was always very ethical yet understanding, optimistic, and eager to learn. I have always been a leader and did things to the beat of my drum. My interest in things sometimes overpowered me because I was always eager to learn and figure things out. If I had my mind set, I did it, no matter what.
Contact Info:
- Website: plushessentials.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/plush_essentials
- Facebook: facebook.com/plushessentials
