Meet Breanna Payton: Bridal hair and make up specialist/ salon owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Breanna Payton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Breanna, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think the most important factor behind my success is that I had no choice BUT to succeed. Its an unexplainable type of drive. It was a sink or swim situation for me when I left the house at 17 to attend my trade school of choice (Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts) and achieve my goals. My home life was not optimal- I was raised by a single mother who had no choice but to work 50+ hours a week as a hairdresser while I raised my little brothers. Although I grew up in a hair salon helping and was always enamored with my mom and her creative ways, I had bigger dreams that weren’t possible under those conditions. I started working two jobs at 15 so I could help pay the bills but also save for a car and create a plan to get out and soar. Many, many of tough days- cocktail waitressing all hours of the night and living on top ramen…driving a REALLY embarrassing car because that’s all I could afford at the time… but I DID IT!! I graduated and started my hair and make up career in LA working in the entertainment industry and continue to set goals for myself in each phase of life. I am and have always been so passionate about all things creative along with mentoring and being supportive of other women and fellow creatives. My ultimate goal was to do it all. I wanted to run my small business, be a wife and mother, and get to successfully exercise my craft and love for people. Today, I am married with 7 year old twin boys, I am a salon owner (Studio Monroe) and also the owner/operator of Bre Payton Designs-a bridal business specializing in hair and make up. I have an amazing team of associates and continue to host apprenticeships along with mentoring. My circumstances were tough and nothing was handed to me, in fact I literally just paid off my student loan after almost 16 years but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The sturdiness, drive and ability to overcome and pivot, is without a doubt a major factor behind the success of my business. I am my brand, and I am proud of my story and grateful for the opportunity to share it! 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Currently on the professional front, there’s never a dull moment! Between running my salon life/picking up the pieces of the pandemic and ever changing guidelines, I’m a busy women. My team and I average 4-6 weddings per month, and on top of that I continue to educate myself and train/mentor the up and coming creatives of our industry- I’m actually hosting an “up do training” next week! During an incredibly tough year filled with unforeseen challenges, I find gratitude in the ability to embrace the hurdles. I have some VERY exciting new business plans and rebranding taking place that I can’t wait to share about in the coming weeks! This pandemic has both presented challenges, AND shed positive light on reassessing, reframing, and pivoting. We all face obstacles big and small as humans, and business owners- but to me its all about the “bob and weave”… just keep it movin’! Climb yourself out of that trench, dang it. I know I will continue to take the next course of action, re-route and respond to adversity as I always have!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I’m a foodie and major fan of small businesses and secret spots! We would start with my favorite little French Cafe in old town Temecula, called Le Cofee Shop and start with coffee and crepes… head south to the beach, drum up an appetite for the BEST dinner in gas lamp district at Fogo de Chao, and then stay the night and my favorite hotel, the US Grant!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout out goes to Lisa Durham! Without a doubt! She was my high school counselor. During super tough times regarding my home life at no fault of my own, she saw my drive and passion and helped get me credit so I could do hair and make up in the “Theater dept” …. she took it a step further and actually bought me my first Kevin Aucoin book. It was hard bound and gorgeous! I remember being amazed that she would do something so supportive and kind. She was definitely rooting for me and having her in my corner helped give me courage to achieve and pursue my dreams. I am forever grateful!!

Website: www.brepayton.com
Instagram: @brepaytondesigns