Cindy Beresford Of The Rise Salon & Grazers: Why We Need More Women Founders & Here Is What We Are Doing To Make That Happen
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Faith in God has carried me this far on my journey and it will carry me as long as I’m still going. There have been many times that things in the “natural” don’t line up with business guidelines, or life just isn’t seeming to make sense. My faith is what keeps me going because I simply trust that myself and my businesses are part of a much bigger plan to impact so many more lives than I could ever imagine.
As a part of our series about “Why We Need More Women Founders”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cindy Beresford.
Cindy Beresford is an internationally recognized Curl Specialist whose genius has set the bar for individuals with curly hair and how they care for it. With a successful salon of her own, Cindy has embarked on a second business venture with Grazers Charcuterie Co.
With 22 years of experience in the hair industry, Cindy has earned the name the “Curl Whisperer” with her clients. A master at her craft thanks to her ability to work with all curl types including wavy, coil-y, curly, and kinky textures. She proudly founded and operates The Rise Salon in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In addition to her work as a hair stylist, Cindy developed a love for charcuterie and is now dubbed a Charcuterie Guru. Cindy takes pride in creating bespoke experiences by arranging Grazing Tables of any size, and Charcuterie Boards using all delicious specialty items.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
I stumbled upon my gift to do hair at the age of 14. I saw the girls at school braiding hair and watched how they moved their fingers then went home to try it and, voila, I braided! I fell in love with the process and my gift evolved from there.
I was my own first curly client after discovering my curly hair! There wasn’t much information available about curl care during my younger years so I learned by experimenting with several products and techniques, teaching myself with YouTube videos, trial-and-error practices, etc. Later in life, I attending cosmetology school to pursue my license as well as participated in several other educational training opportunities outside school. I became a certified Deva Curl Stylist through the academy in New York City. I’ve since been working with curls consistently for 22 years. In my work, I soon fell in love with the daily opportunities to connect with individuals from all walks of life in my chair. My clients have amazing stories, and it’s been a privilege to service them for all of these years. My longest standing clients have been with me for 15 years. I’m humbled and grateful that they’ve trusted me with their haircare journey for such a long time.
Choosing to launch Grazers Charcuterie Co. came from an evolution of the love for community and connection that was built in my chair at The Rise Salon. I created my first charcuterie board for my 35th birthday party — I never imagined I would be passionate about anything career-wise aside from hair but I fell in love with the artistry and process of building a board, as well as the casual and comfortable conversations it sparked at my party. I realized how grazing helped people mingle and connect, which sparked my passion and the eventual new business.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
With Grazers, the most memorable initial experience was one that led to my understanding of quality ingredients vs mediocre ingredients. I delivered a charcuterie board to a client and then saw her a few days after her event in a store. I asked her how the board experience was. Expecting her to rave about the board as others had previously, I was extremely shocked when she proceeded to share her disappointment with the quality of meat. I didn’t know what to say. I left the conversation saddened because I was not expecting that at all. I then realized that I could either take the feedback as negative criticism , or constructive criticism and I chose the latter. I actually don’t eat meat so I realized I needed my team to help ensure the quality of meat was impeccable. From that day forward we found another butcher that produced an incredible supply and we’ve never had a complaint again. I learned from this experience that all feedback won’t be celebratory, but even in what seems negative, there’s always an opportunity for growth, and help from your team members. I’m glad I took the opportunity to grow.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I was styling a client’s hair soon after creating the initial charcuterie board for my birthday party. She mentioned she was having a business event and wanted a grazing table. Being the risk taker I am, although never having created a grazing table I told her I could do it. She agreed and I went to work figuring out how to create an elevated grazing experience for someone else’s event. It was definitely a big learning curve and I was not my most efficient throughout the process! After the event, she mentioned that the grazing table was a hit. I finally admitted that creating hers was my first and only charcuterie client work yet. She said she wasn’t phased by that fact because she trusted me as an individual and knew I would produce excellent work. That experience was very touching simply because my client helped me see that the spirit of excellence should shine through all that you do, and it helps individuals to trust your ability before even seeing the product.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
In the salon I’ve worked alone for over 17 years. It was very hard to find good help and I didn’t have much guidance or mentorship. When I started Grazers, help seemed to come so quickly I couldn’t believe it. Not just any help, great help. I have two friends who started coming on jobs with me. One is my photographer. Although we hadn’t previously worked together outside of photography, she had incredible work ethic and I could tell she would work well with a team. She came on board and hasn’t looked back since. My other team member and good friend has been willing to help me since I initially asked her and is absolutely priceless. She is willing to do whatever is asked of her and is an incredible addition to the team. I thank them all the time for their willingness to always assist wherever needed and I truly love working with them, and hope to for a very long time. They’re an incredible support system.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
Scripture is honestly what keeps me going. As a person of faith, I hold onto promises from God that I find in the Bible in relation to success and business. I frequently turn to Proverbs 3:5,6. Entrepreneurship is not for the weak. Scripture is a source of strength and motivation for me. I often personalize the verses and find greater comfort in that, as well.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
“She believed she could, so she did.” This quote was life changing for me after going through an extremely challenging season. I was clinging to the hope that I could actually be all that I desired to be and literally one step at a time, one day at a time, my dreams were coming true. Not only professionally, but personally, as well. Overcoming mental hurdles was the hardest work I’ve done but I’m forever grateful to myself for doing that personal work. I believe the healthier you are as an individual, the healthier your business will be, and it’s especially important as a founder to keep your mentality strong.
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
Clients often share how they are blessed to have someone knowledgeable care for their curls, and what a blessing it is to enter a space where they feel peace, and can relax and enjoy their experience. I’m truly grateful that I’ve been blessed to create this atmosphere and safe space for all clients who enter the salon.
One of the most meaningful experiences as a curl specialist has been opening a salon. Not only was this a goal of mine while renting a salon suite for 12 years, I’m grateful to have created a curl sanctuary where individuals with curls can come and receive a meaningful experience minus the trauma. Once the salon was advertised, it was so helpful to hear clients express that they finally felt safe to go to the salon. Many curly haired individuals experience trauma in salon when a stylist claims to understand curls but the client leaves unhappy and disappointed. Creating a safe, knowledgeable, luxury space for individuals with curls has been extremely rewarding for this reason.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this EY report, only about 20 percent of funded companies have women founders. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women to create companies. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from founding companies?
Lack of security and limited resources hold women back from starting their own businesses. It takes a huge leap of faith in most cases to venture into entrepreneurship. More resources including leadership networks, shared knowledge, and stories from women founders who have paved the path before will help others feel more confident in embarking on their own journeys.
Can you share with our readers what you are doing to help empower women to become founders?
All of my employees and contractors are currently women. My desire is to provide opportunities for those who work with me to not only thrive financially, but discover new potential through working with The Rise Salon and Grazers. I believe strongly in bringing others along in business with me who are ready to grow and providing as many opportunities for their personal and professional development as possible even if that is ultimately not working with me. I believe everyone deserves to discover and live their dream. If I can help other women get to that place, it would be worth it.
This might be intuitive to you but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become founders?
Women are genius. With the combination of our intuition, multiple skill sets, strengths, vulnerabilities, hearts, and minds, we bring so much to the table. One thing we often have trouble with is trusting ourselves and our genius as a result of comparison and societal expectations. I truly believe that if every woman felt empowered in herself and her abilities and confidently launched a business or chased her dream, those ideas and passions could change the world for the better, however big or small the impact. We need our empathy and our community-mindedness, we need women’s emotional intelligence and detailed thinking to build a better and more positive world for everyone.
Can you please share 5 things that can be done or should be done to help empower more women to become founders?
Cindy:
1. Provide, champion, and seek out free or affordable business building programs in your area to gain access to resources around you. For example, about 10 years into having my own business I went through a program called Spring GR here in Grand Rapids. It was phenomenal for growth, gaining confidence as a business owner, and helping to make lasting connections such as my business coach, which is my #2 tip.
2. Find a business coach, or mentor in your area, or virtually. I was connected with a coach, Kris Mathis, through Spring GR. Years later, I can still reach out whenever it’s needed and he’s always willing to help. Whether it’s a simple question, a connection needed, or having a chat over a business lunch, he’s been genuinely invested in seeing me succeed over the years. Having a coach/guide in your corner can really be a game changer in business . He, along with the Spring GR Team, and Grand Rapids City Commissioner Milinda Ysasi were present at the grand opening of The Rise Salon. What a joy to have them share in such a special moment.
3. Don’t be afraid to be the first or to find your niche! I remember a conversation with an older hair stylist from early in my career. I saw her success and asked her out to lunch just to pick her brain. I’m grateful she was willing. She gave me some advice that helped change the game for me. She said,”You don’t have to do everything. It’s ok to specialize in just one thing.” That one thing for me ended up being curly hair. I didn’t know it would be “enough”, but over the years I’ve seen the benefits of finding your niche and mastering it. It’s pretty powerful what can happen when you steer your energy and efforts in one direction.
4. Aim to become a master of your craft. Although styling hair and creating beautiful foodscapes come very naturally to me, I have invested almost all of my energy, time, money, resources into growing in both crafts. First, being appropriately licensed, receiving as much education and training as possible. Operating in a legal, licensed way opens up many more doors of opportunity than you may be exposed to without a license, plus it’s just good business. Educate yourself! You gain confidence and build excellence through continued learning. There’s always something new to learn about your craft. Make sure you never stop learning.
5. Lastly, have a faith base. Faith in God has carried me this far on my journey and it will carry me as long as I’m still going. There have been many times that things in the “natural” don’t line up with business guidelines, or life just isn’t seeming to make sense. My faith is what keeps me going because I simply trust that myself and my businesses are part of a much bigger plan to impact so many more lives than I could ever imagine.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Many people don’t know that The Rise Salon is built on an acronym. It stands for:
RESILIENCE
INSPIRATION
SELF-CARE
EMPOWERMENT
The Rise is already a movement. Helping women to become the best version of themselves from the inside out. While individuals with curly hair sit in my chair, the conversations we have unveil so much potential within them. It’s an honor to have these conversations with them. The icing on the cake is that their curls look incredible, as well. My goal and huge part of my purpose is to help individuals learn to take care of themselves from the inside out. The carefully selected words in the acronym of RISE are the very tools I used to become the best version of myself and they continue to evolve as I evolve daily.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Oprah for sure. I’m simply fascinated by a Black woman who seems so humble yet has achieved the level of success that she has. Oprah is extremely knowledgeable, a pinnacle of excellence, and fun all at the same time. I’d just love to have a conversation with her! Of course, I’d also love to hear any advice she could offer in relation to my business ventures. Having a conversation with and catering an event for Oprah would be a dream come true.
Tabitha Brown is another woman I’d like to have brunch with one day. Her warm spirit and personality are beautiful. I would imagine that a conversation with her would be full of wonderful things. She seems to be such a beautiful soul. Plus, we both named our hair! Her hair’s name is Donna, and my hair’s name is Glory — They deserve to meet one day! I admire the way her faith is interwoven throughout all of her business ventures unapologetically, and it’s evident the favor of God is on her life. When I see myself in the future, I see multiple ventures like Tabitha Brown. She is not only an inspiration to me, but a role model and in many ways I aspire to manage the level of success she has achieved one day with a similar grace, confidence, and faith.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can find my businesses on Instagram and TikTok at @TheRiseSalon and @GrazersCharCo. We post fun behind the scenes, client results, and more! If you’re interested in working with us, please reach out on our websites. I’d love to connect!
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Cindy Beresford Of The Rise Salon & Grazers: Why We Need More Women Founders & Here Is What We Are… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.