Interview with Lesley Bryant, Owner and Founder of The Lady Clipper in Washington, DC
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Finding a good hairdresser can be a daunting task, but finding a good barber, especially one that specializes in both men and women, is like finding a diamond in the rough. In the heart of our nation’s capital, Washington, DC, lies a phenomenal business and service – catering to anyone who desires a good, clean, and an extremely stylish haircut. “The Lady Clipper” is in an inclusive space with a phenomenal all-female staff of extraordinary barbers who provide a jolt of empowerment as well as a remarkable sense of style.
“The Lady Clipper” was created by visionary and business woman, Lesley Bryant. Bryant is the epitome of a black woman who is not only resourceful but driven and innovative. Hailing from the beautiful island of Trinidad, Bryant moved to Washington, DC around the age of 12 years old and has been a loyal resident ever since. Her background is heavily in Graphic Art and Design, having studied at Corcoran College of Art and Design. Amidst a company merger with multiple layoffs, Bryant used her financial resources and severance pay to finance her pivot into the world of barbery.
The necessary “pivot”. The best example of this would be during the world-wide pandemic of 2020, with recuperation still in the works. Many were laid off and had to find their way through reinventing their focus and even careers. When life calls for the necessary pivot, it is better to lean in and go with the flow, recognizing your gifts and talents, than to sit and wither away – along with the job or career you once had. In speaking with Lesley Bryant, she remembered her personal pivot and how with an open mind, started on a new path to enhancing lives.
“Barbering wasn’t something that I had in my mind. It really wasn’t. It was something I always thought was cool, but it wasn’t something on my radar. Right after being laid off, I went to my barber. I told him that I was laid off and planned on going away for a month to visit my dad back home in order to figure out my next steps. He asked, “Have you ever considered barbering? It’s you! You’re an artist. You have a great personality and I think that this would be a good fit for you.” I honestly never thought about it but it sounded cool. I began researching and found a program called Roosevelt Stay (Opportunity Academy) located in Washington, D.C. This allowed adults who were looking to achieve something great to develop a skill set for the purpose of going into business for themselves. I was able to finish my hours and received my barbering license with the help of that program.”
Interviewing this amazing woman, I learned that her passion in wanting to bring a transformative experience to her clients is the core of her business and an inspiration.
“One thing I love about being a business owner is that I can pretty much make my own rules for the space. I can and am able to train my barbers in what’s important. Being a business owner gives me the power to fully learn and understand what my customers want and need – in order to treat them well. I can create a specific type of flow in my shop; making sure my barbers get paid, I get paid – paying attention to opportunities for growth. I have the ability to make my own rules and create a happy place not only for myself but the people who work for me.”
When asked what she loved about being a barber, she replied, “…I love the human interaction. I love my clients. I love hearing what they know, what they did on the weekend, who had a baby, who’s graduating, who bought a new house…those types of things. I’m behind the chair. It’s really a social outlet for me and feels less like work.”
Entrepreneurship is not an easy road. Bryant can certainly attest to that. When asked how her journey has been and what advice she would give to others, she proudly said, “My advice for new women entrepreneurs would be to save like crazy! That’s the first thing. I financed everything myself. With $5,000, I was given a chance and an opportunity to start my own shop with one chair. It was just me and only me. I worked by myself for a year with one chair, and worked myself to the bone. We have come a long way. From working by myself to having five wonderful barbers.”
Interviewing such a vibrant business owner from my hometown was a very inspirational and enlightening experience. In speaking with her, she exuded beautiful confidence – that stemmed from her life experiences and daily lessons.”My journey, I would say, was slow and steady. I loved it and fell in love with it. That is the important thing in life. Loving what you do.”
“So, Lesley Bryant, founder and owner of The Lady Clipper, located in Washington, DC. What do you love about our nation’s capital?
“I love the diversity. DC always has “new energy” from different types of people constantly coming in. I would describe it as transient and a great place to visit or settle down in. DC has great restaurants and there is always something to do in the evening. It’s sort of like New York with cultures colliding, and beautiful art spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
