Q&A with Aimee Rancer
Q&A with Aimee Rancer
Author: Jenna White | San Francisco Hairstylist
April 14th, 2021
April 14th, 2021
Aimee is an Instagram Influencer and blogger in San Francisco. She also works as a Creative Strategist at Pinterest deploying lighthouse creative activations for some of the world's most admired brands. She’s constantly on the lookout for brands that have inspiring stories, which is the drive behind her loyal Instagram following. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, English, Women and Gender Studies from Ohio University. An Ohio native, she has lived in San Francisco since 2012.
Instagram | LinkedIn | Blog
Instagram | LinkedIn | Blog
Influencers that are true to their brand and followers represent a generation. They find ways to express how everyone is feeling, and to spot the trends before the masses. I’m excited to publish this Q&A with Aimee Rancer, a local San Francisco influencer, which was conducted by our CEO at HairLooks, Jessica Joyce-Brady. Our goal with this post is to remind people of the importance of local small businesses, which is a key theme in Aimee’s blog, The Ohio Transplant.
Aimee's Hair Journey
Jessica: Local businesses are part of your blog "The Ohio Transplant". How do you think they shape places you visit and live?
Aimee: I think for me, coming from Ohio where I grew up in more mass market big box stores, like Macys and even Target. Those are really incredible stores and serve a purpose, but they're not extremely unique or bespoke, or one of a kind. So I think visiting local businesses - whether it’s boutiques or small restaurants or whatever - I think it’s really fun for me because you never know what you're going to get. Every time you enter into one of these shops it’s always different. So I think, for me, that’s been a really fun and magical way to experience the city. Also, [experiencing it] through different perspectives. The shop and restaurant owners all are from different backgrounds that are completely separate to my experience, so it’s fun getting a taste of what they have to offer.
Jessica: Are there any small shops in San Francisco that are your favorites?
Aimee: Yes, I’ll share two. Rare Device, which is a few blocks away from me on Divisadero, in the Nopa neighborhood. It’s a really beautiful and curated shop of homewares, gifts, jewelry, posters, cards, all of that stuff, and it’s really fun and cute. There is [also] a smaller wine bar in the city called Fig & Thistle. They have a Fig & Thistle Market, which is one of my favorites, with very curated natural organic wines. That’s a fun one too.
Jessica: In your opinion, what’s the biggest difference between Ohio and San Francisco?
Aimee: I feel like there are so many different things between Ohio and San Francisco! But I think specifically where I grew up you had to really drive everywhere to experience anything. So, whether that was going to a restaurant or going to a park, really you had to drive to those locations. You couldn’t walk - or at least it was very unusual for you to walk - to those places or it would take you forever. Whereas I think San Francisco, and the beauty of San Francisco, is that it’s so easily accessible. So – regardless if you have - a car, a bike, whatever, or you don’t even have those, it doesn’t matter. There’s something outside of your door very very quickly – or even a few blocks away, which I think is really special.
Jessica: During your nine years in SF, you’ve usually never stuck with the same stylist. Why do you think that is?
Aimee: Initially I think it was – I didn’t really know [who to go to]. When I lived in Ohio I had the same stylist for a very long time, so to me it was like dating. Maybe I didn’t initially gel very well with my one stylist, or I liked my stylist but I kind of wanted to try someone different to see what their esthetic was. So I kind of have always gone and rotated. I also think that each salon has their own style or area of expertise. And then also – why I’ve never stuck with the same stylist – is probably because of price. At the beginning of my time in San Francisco, I didn’t have much money. So, getting a haircut or getting my color done was a big luxury. Trying to do that for the best possible price for the best possible quality was . . . an adventure (laughs).
Jessica: I think everyone can agree that San Francisco is too expensive. Especially when you first move here, you’re always thinking: “Why does this cost that much??”
Aimee: I remember one time I got my color done and they said [after the service] “Ok, that’s $400” and I was like “Oh . . .”. It’s crazy to me – I think it’s worth it, absolutely – it’s just sometimes a hard pill to swallow on occasion.
Jessica: I think there’s an interesting dynamic between stylists communicating price before they do something and the customer coming in and realizing what they’re asking for is going to cost that much money. It’s a dynamic people get uncomfortable talking about up front sometimes. The reality is, it’s difficult to know what the price will be until the client gets there in person so the stylist can see their hair.
Aimee: I think that’s true, and I was young, so I didn’t really know. I think now I’d be a lot more specific on [asking] “How much would that cost?” just to set expectations. But I think also myself, and even stylists, sometimes feel uncomfortable – which is interesting to think about. I think [for me], women don’t talk about how much they make at their jobs – [because of] the disparities between men and women – so I think there is this huge taboo talking about money. Oftentimes, it’s better to be a bit more – when you feel comfortable – upfront and honest about things when it comes to what you can afford.
Jessica: How do you think your hair has changed over time? What incentivizes you to go through changes?
Aimee: I think for me, styles and trends change, so I’m a bit more apt to jump at some of those and try them out. And I’ve always been the kind of person that – for the most part – has been very ok with changing my hair or cutting it shorter or trying a different – not color, but kind of – as you can tell [from the pictures] it’s gone through various shades. I like subtle change maybe?
Jessica: Yeah – you’ve made some pretty crazy [changes] too though, right? You had the darker red roots with the blonde tips on the end, and I thought “Oooo that was a big change!”.
Aimee: At the end of 2017 or 2016? Yeah, it’s kind of crazy. I think my favorite, now in hindsight – is 2020. I really like how my hair is shaping up lately, in terms of the cut and color. I kind of feel like I’m coming into my own.
Jessica: There was a perfect picture you posted on Instagram – with the bob – I was thinking “did she do this on purpose for the post coming up?” because it was the perfect haircut picture!
(Note: That picture is the cover photo of this blog post!)
Aimee: I love the hair [there], that one is one of my favorites! [It made me think] “Oh man, I kind of really like this length!”. So it feels good.
Jessica: It was a really good picture and that haircut looks great on you!
Aimee: Thank you!
Jessica: Describe how you feel after a haircut or color you love. What’s different about how you felt before versus after?
Aimee: It’s kind of similar to clothing. When you get it done you feel like a badass, right? It can not only make you look different outwardly, but intrinsically you kind of feel like - standing up a little straighter, you have more – I wouldn’t say swagger – in your step, but kind of. And you feel more competent and I think empowered, which is really awesome. It’s interesting how when you get your hair done, or get a cut, or even do your nails, it’s just something for yourself, which is nice because a lot of people don’t take time for themselves. I feel like I’ve had some “me time” afterwards. Also, I feel a little bit more able to tackle things. Especially right now, it’s really hard for me to not get my hair done. I’m kind of desperate, I’m like – I will do box color!
Jessica: Oh no, that’s every hairdressers nightmare right now (laughing). Because they have to fix it when the salons open back up (they're still closed across California because of COVID).
Aimee: I won’t do it (laughing). I’ve done some of the direct to consumer, more specialized [hair color services], but still it’s not the same. Basically, I really like the business model, and I checked out the onsite locations, and it was great. The interiors were beautiful, the people were incredibly nice, but it’s just not the same. It’s kind of like a bandaid on a cut. It’s a very temporary solution to a kind of permanent problem.
Jessica: Have you ever taken a risk with your hair and didn’t like it afterwards? How did you go about fixing it?
Aimee: Absolutely. I remember it so vividly. I was traveling and kind of desperate. My roots were growing out, so I went to this salon, got my hair done, and it looked terrible afterwards. It was this orangey-red color, it just didn’t look good. So I went to another salon and said “I need this to be fixed, it’s bad” and they did it, and it made me feel a lot better, but it was a rough road. It just didn’t feel very natural. I liked it, but it was pretty rough still, a little too red and brassy. So I’m glad it got changed.
Jessica: In your July blog post “4 Favorite Rent the Runway Looks” you mentioned that quarantine has created a “rollercoaster of emotions” for you. What advice would you give others on how to stay positive during a time like this?
Aimee: I think there is no right or wrong way to go about this time in quarantine. I think everyone is experiencing their own – not traumas - but kind of. People are missing birthdays, their families, these huge moments, and it feels like you’re grieving. It kind of feels like a loss. So I think it’s ok to acknowledge and feel that. And I also think as hard as it is finding the silver linings and finding the positive things in your life – whether it’s spending more time at home and curating a home that you love, or maybe it’s digging into a new hobby or maybe it’s just spending time with your partner or your dog – that’s helped me keep a little bit of perspective. And that’s hard, and it’s still hard, but those are things that have helped me. As well as having a support system, talking to your friends, or your partner, or your family.
Aimee: I think for me, coming from Ohio where I grew up in more mass market big box stores, like Macys and even Target. Those are really incredible stores and serve a purpose, but they're not extremely unique or bespoke, or one of a kind. So I think visiting local businesses - whether it’s boutiques or small restaurants or whatever - I think it’s really fun for me because you never know what you're going to get. Every time you enter into one of these shops it’s always different. So I think, for me, that’s been a really fun and magical way to experience the city. Also, [experiencing it] through different perspectives. The shop and restaurant owners all are from different backgrounds that are completely separate to my experience, so it’s fun getting a taste of what they have to offer.
Jessica: Are there any small shops in San Francisco that are your favorites?
Aimee: Yes, I’ll share two. Rare Device, which is a few blocks away from me on Divisadero, in the Nopa neighborhood. It’s a really beautiful and curated shop of homewares, gifts, jewelry, posters, cards, all of that stuff, and it’s really fun and cute. There is [also] a smaller wine bar in the city called Fig & Thistle. They have a Fig & Thistle Market, which is one of my favorites, with very curated natural organic wines. That’s a fun one too.
Jessica: In your opinion, what’s the biggest difference between Ohio and San Francisco?
Aimee: I feel like there are so many different things between Ohio and San Francisco! But I think specifically where I grew up you had to really drive everywhere to experience anything. So, whether that was going to a restaurant or going to a park, really you had to drive to those locations. You couldn’t walk - or at least it was very unusual for you to walk - to those places or it would take you forever. Whereas I think San Francisco, and the beauty of San Francisco, is that it’s so easily accessible. So – regardless if you have - a car, a bike, whatever, or you don’t even have those, it doesn’t matter. There’s something outside of your door very very quickly – or even a few blocks away, which I think is really special.
Jessica: During your nine years in SF, you’ve usually never stuck with the same stylist. Why do you think that is?
Aimee: Initially I think it was – I didn’t really know [who to go to]. When I lived in Ohio I had the same stylist for a very long time, so to me it was like dating. Maybe I didn’t initially gel very well with my one stylist, or I liked my stylist but I kind of wanted to try someone different to see what their esthetic was. So I kind of have always gone and rotated. I also think that each salon has their own style or area of expertise. And then also – why I’ve never stuck with the same stylist – is probably because of price. At the beginning of my time in San Francisco, I didn’t have much money. So, getting a haircut or getting my color done was a big luxury. Trying to do that for the best possible price for the best possible quality was . . . an adventure (laughs).
Jessica: I think everyone can agree that San Francisco is too expensive. Especially when you first move here, you’re always thinking: “Why does this cost that much??”
Aimee: I remember one time I got my color done and they said [after the service] “Ok, that’s $400” and I was like “Oh . . .”. It’s crazy to me – I think it’s worth it, absolutely – it’s just sometimes a hard pill to swallow on occasion.
Jessica: I think there’s an interesting dynamic between stylists communicating price before they do something and the customer coming in and realizing what they’re asking for is going to cost that much money. It’s a dynamic people get uncomfortable talking about up front sometimes. The reality is, it’s difficult to know what the price will be until the client gets there in person so the stylist can see their hair.
Aimee: I think that’s true, and I was young, so I didn’t really know. I think now I’d be a lot more specific on [asking] “How much would that cost?” just to set expectations. But I think also myself, and even stylists, sometimes feel uncomfortable – which is interesting to think about. I think [for me], women don’t talk about how much they make at their jobs – [because of] the disparities between men and women – so I think there is this huge taboo talking about money. Oftentimes, it’s better to be a bit more – when you feel comfortable – upfront and honest about things when it comes to what you can afford.
Jessica: How do you think your hair has changed over time? What incentivizes you to go through changes?
Aimee: I think for me, styles and trends change, so I’m a bit more apt to jump at some of those and try them out. And I’ve always been the kind of person that – for the most part – has been very ok with changing my hair or cutting it shorter or trying a different – not color, but kind of – as you can tell [from the pictures] it’s gone through various shades. I like subtle change maybe?
Jessica: Yeah – you’ve made some pretty crazy [changes] too though, right? You had the darker red roots with the blonde tips on the end, and I thought “Oooo that was a big change!”.
Aimee: At the end of 2017 or 2016? Yeah, it’s kind of crazy. I think my favorite, now in hindsight – is 2020. I really like how my hair is shaping up lately, in terms of the cut and color. I kind of feel like I’m coming into my own.
Jessica: There was a perfect picture you posted on Instagram – with the bob – I was thinking “did she do this on purpose for the post coming up?” because it was the perfect haircut picture!
(Note: That picture is the cover photo of this blog post!)
Aimee: I love the hair [there], that one is one of my favorites! [It made me think] “Oh man, I kind of really like this length!”. So it feels good.
Jessica: It was a really good picture and that haircut looks great on you!
Aimee: Thank you!
Jessica: Describe how you feel after a haircut or color you love. What’s different about how you felt before versus after?
Aimee: It’s kind of similar to clothing. When you get it done you feel like a badass, right? It can not only make you look different outwardly, but intrinsically you kind of feel like - standing up a little straighter, you have more – I wouldn’t say swagger – in your step, but kind of. And you feel more competent and I think empowered, which is really awesome. It’s interesting how when you get your hair done, or get a cut, or even do your nails, it’s just something for yourself, which is nice because a lot of people don’t take time for themselves. I feel like I’ve had some “me time” afterwards. Also, I feel a little bit more able to tackle things. Especially right now, it’s really hard for me to not get my hair done. I’m kind of desperate, I’m like – I will do box color!
Jessica: Oh no, that’s every hairdressers nightmare right now (laughing). Because they have to fix it when the salons open back up (they're still closed across California because of COVID).
Aimee: I won’t do it (laughing). I’ve done some of the direct to consumer, more specialized [hair color services], but still it’s not the same. Basically, I really like the business model, and I checked out the onsite locations, and it was great. The interiors were beautiful, the people were incredibly nice, but it’s just not the same. It’s kind of like a bandaid on a cut. It’s a very temporary solution to a kind of permanent problem.
Jessica: Have you ever taken a risk with your hair and didn’t like it afterwards? How did you go about fixing it?
Aimee: Absolutely. I remember it so vividly. I was traveling and kind of desperate. My roots were growing out, so I went to this salon, got my hair done, and it looked terrible afterwards. It was this orangey-red color, it just didn’t look good. So I went to another salon and said “I need this to be fixed, it’s bad” and they did it, and it made me feel a lot better, but it was a rough road. It just didn’t feel very natural. I liked it, but it was pretty rough still, a little too red and brassy. So I’m glad it got changed.
Jessica: In your July blog post “4 Favorite Rent the Runway Looks” you mentioned that quarantine has created a “rollercoaster of emotions” for you. What advice would you give others on how to stay positive during a time like this?
Aimee: I think there is no right or wrong way to go about this time in quarantine. I think everyone is experiencing their own – not traumas - but kind of. People are missing birthdays, their families, these huge moments, and it feels like you’re grieving. It kind of feels like a loss. So I think it’s ok to acknowledge and feel that. And I also think as hard as it is finding the silver linings and finding the positive things in your life – whether it’s spending more time at home and curating a home that you love, or maybe it’s digging into a new hobby or maybe it’s just spending time with your partner or your dog – that’s helped me keep a little bit of perspective. And that’s hard, and it’s still hard, but those are things that have helped me. As well as having a support system, talking to your friends, or your partner, or your family.
***
Such good advice! I loved this interview with Aimee, she is an inspiration!