Rising Stars: Meet Annie Petersen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Petersen. 

Hi Annie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
So, I graduated high school with absolutely no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I come from a highly educated medical family so med school always felt like such a huge goal, and I didn’t even know if I wanted that lifestyle as a result of all that work and years of schooling. I decided to throw a Hail Mary and try cosmetology school, against the advisement of many. I was told countless times “You’ll never be able to support a lifestyle on that.” Or my personal favorite “you are too smart to do hair.” I had no guidance or mentorship in embarking this career but like most things I do…. go big or go home. After my first day at school, I knew I was home. It was the perfect blend of creativity and people skills. I succeeded very early on, and it was clear I was meant for bigger and better things than my hometown in North Dakota could support. I again took a risk and moved 4 hours away to a bigger city, and a very successful salon. Again, I took off up the ladder of success with my good old North Dakota work ethic, sarcasm, and some technical skills of hairdressing as well. 

I quickly earned Top Sales producer in my salon, and raised the bar year after year…. the only one I ever had goals to beat was myself. I then began my coaching career of helping and establishing other professionals to be the best they could be too. This brought me great joy because if there’s something I love more than surpassing my own goals, it’s to watch others do the same in their life. I was with this salon for 10 years. 

Covid hit, salons were shut down all over the world, and perspective was quickly put into place. Along with being a top performer of my salon, with lots of clients to depend on me, and my staff I mentored and coached, I also had someone else looking up to me….my 2-year-old daughter. I made the difficult choice to step back from behind the chair, and stay home with her. Keeping her healthy and safe during such unexpected times. I went on to have my second daughter in April 2021, and a few months later in August, I opened my own salon. I am now 2 months in, surpassing my goals (and they were large) and growing well outside my comfort zone as a business owner. Guess the “you are too smart for this” did me well. Although I am on my own, I can’t turn off the coaching and leadership button I have. I am constantly trying to promote and lift up my fellow business owners because it truly makes my heart happy to see others happy, successful, and most of all balanced. 

My goal every day is to try no matter what, try to be the best mom I can, best wife, best friend, best hairdresser, and so on. I don’t reach those goals every day that’s for sure but I always try. 

I’ve been with my clients during the best of times, and the worst of times. I am honored to be with them through the many milestones of life, and it’s so special to have them by my side as well. 

I try to bring out the very best feature my clients possess with my technical abilities of color, cutting, and styling. To see the sparkle in their eye when they say “OMG I love it, I feel so good.” ….: there’s no price tag for that. 

I specialize in modern, lived-in color, especially balayage (hand painting of color). It allows my busy clients to look their best for the longest amount of time possible. Again, I believe in highlighting the best feature that already exists and bringing that to the front stage. 

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?
I had never been away from home, so moving away from my family was tough, but I was tougher. Learning about people’s emotional capacity and ability was a lesson I have had to learn over and over again, especially with coaching others. Of course, being a working mother has its challenges too! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My typical client is a female between the ages of 25-55. She likes to take care of herself, not only to upkeep a professional and trendy image but for self-care purposes as well. I create customized looks for each and every one of my clients. It is important to me to have my clients be able to replicate their look and style so they can emulate what they feel in my salon. I’m definitely most known for my balayage techniques and the way I style out hair. What sets me apart in my industry is the blend I have between the creative and business side. I am strong with both traits and use that to deliver a very dependable, professional, relatable experience to my clients. I am most proud of the bonds and relationships I have formed over the years and the trust that has been given to me. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Growing up I was taught the piano, flute, violin, and……the drums, I had my own set (it was blue and sparkly and I loved it! I also was classically trained in ballet for 17 years, pointe shoes and all. Yes, we are talking black leotard, pink tights, buns. 

Pricing:

• Balayage-$150.00 and up
• Women’s haircut- $75.00 and up

Contact Info:

• Email: Anniepetersen.sola@gmail.com
• Website: anniepetersen.GlossGenius.com
• Instagram: house.of.balayage
• Facebook: •Annie Petersen•

Image Credits
Jessica Gall Photography