Meet Raven Anan

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

Hi Raven, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have had a love for the beauty industry my entire life, As I grew up with a mom who was an artist and licensed cosmetologist. I helped my mom with whatever she asked. I was the clean-up crew, and shampoo girl. I also assisted my mom with removing the nail polish on her client’s nails and toes. These were things that I enjoyed and they earned me an allowance lol. My mom started out teaching me everything! I learned how to do roller sets, relaxers, and color from my mom, When I became of age, she allowed me to do these things on her hair. My grandparents also allowed me to use them as guinea pigs. My grandfather allowed me to put makeup on him, nail polish, anything that would help me learn and turn some dollars as he would say. Seeing my mom work in different salons was also special to me, I learned my business etiquette from her and my grandparents who are also full-time entrepreneurs in the medical field. (Choice Marketing and Sales Inc) I also earned a God mom who owned a salon named (My Dream Too Beauty Salon in Baltimore), my God family was also talented with the gift of doing hair. Looking back on my upbringing, I was destined to be in the beauty business. As I was surrounded by family who did hair, I had 2 uncles who knew how to cut hair and an aunt who also was licensed to do hair. And of course my mom’s friends she met from doing hair and nails. During high school, I became a shampoo assistant and I LOVED doing that, I did it for 5 years. At a local Odenton hair salon- Hair on You. I went to hair school during high school and sat for my state board test right before graduation, I was on my way! After high school, I did hair part-time, and I worked a full-time job from 2014-to 2022. But in February 2022, I decided to take the leap and do my business full time with Styled By Raven Artistry LLC.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been an okay road. For me what was bumpy was taking the time to do other types of work when my passion has always been the beauty industry. So I struggled working long office hours and then coming home to work on my beauty business for almost the same amount of time. My time was the struggle, but I am now able to put more time into my business and it brings me joy.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do all things. I am licensed to do hair, make-up, nails, waxing – all things beauty! I do. But I especially enjoy doing hair, I love to weave, I love natural hair, short cuts, and silk presses! lately, I have been dipping more into color and I enjoy that as well. I have been able to take some celebrity classes with Renny Vasquez and Tiana Robinson. Those are a highlight for me because it is important to pour into yourself and your craft. Sometimes taking a class can reignite the fire, if it goes out for you a bit. I have had the opportunity to do more bridal work in the past year, participating in T-Rose Bridal Shows all across the DMV, I LOVE working with brides and being a part of their special day. I LOVE to be able to witness love, and help get the bride excited. I also had the chance to participate in the RAW Artist DC show and that was an awesome chance to showcase my talents and learn about other local artists. That was a big highlight for me as I usually like to stay behind the scenes. All of these experiences are great, but what I feel sets me apart from others is my love for people and wanting to help others. I use that to drive me, and I try my best to be a great friend to my clients through my love for their hair, nails makeup, and other services.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I do not have any advice for finding a mentor yet as I am still on the search for one. However, for networking the best advice I can give is to just be yourself and to be kind to others no matter who they are.

Contact Info:

• Email: ravenanan@styledbyraven.com
• Website: www.styledbyraven.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styledbyraven/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StyledbyRaven/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/styledbyraven
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ZxfqROg5lJM0BXudmAonQ

Models
@Nioby_
@iamroyalti
@modelsarabee
@talia_soobramoney

Image Credits
@rennyvasquez
@inner.you.imaging
@T_rosebridalshows