Conversations with Samuel Zeeryp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Zeeryp

Hi Samuel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in the beauty industry started with a vision: to elevate hair artistry while creating an experience that left clients feeling empowered. During the pandemic, when salons were forced to shut down, I saw an opportunity to innovate. I launched Bitchin’ Blowouts in Ferndale, Michigan, offering customized hair care kits tailored to each client’s needs. I conducted Zoom consultations, diagnosing hair concerns remotely and curating specialized regimens to help people maintain their hair health from home. What started as a creative solution quickly grew into a thriving business.

By demand, my concept evolved into a full-fledged salon, where I built my name as a specialist in color, and blonding techniques. I developed a reputation for transformative work—taking hair challanges and turning them into masterpieces. I didn’t just color hair; I restored confidence. My passion for education and excellence took me to Hollywood, where I trained with industry leader Dean Banowetz, further refining my skills in advanced techniques.

Fast forward to today, and my brand has evolved once again. Bitchin’ Blowouts has transitioned into The Hairapist—a name that embodies what I do best: Transformations from the inside out. Hair is deeply personal, and for many clients, the salon chair is more than just a place for aesthetic change—it’s a space for renewal, for self-discovery, for healing. My mission is to create those life-changing moments, both through technical expertise and authentic connection.

I now work at Vogue Salon and Spa in Petoskey, Michigan—Northern Michigan’s It Salon—a team-based, high end Aveda salon known for its special attention to weddings and bridal parties and excellence. I’m also part of an exciting new venture: Botanica Head Spa, a project that elevates the salon experience by merging hair artistry with scalp therapy and relaxation techniques. This new chapter allows me to combine science, wellness, and beauty in a way that is truly holistic.

My journey has been one of constant evolution, but my core mission remains the same: to transform not just hair, but confidence, identity, and self-expression. Whether I’m correcting a box dye disaster, doing a platinum card bleach and tone, or simply helping a client feel seen, I approach every appointment with passion, precision, and a commitment to the craft I love.

This is just the beginning—because in my world, there’s always a next level.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a business from the ground up is never easy, and my journey was no exception. When I launched Bitchin’ Blowouts, I was determined to carve out my place in the industry, but I always knew that true mastery comes from learning under the best. While I was growing my clientele and perfecting my craft, I also craved mentorship—an opportunity to work under a master stylist who could help refine my skills and push me to the next level.

Finding the right salon home, however, proved to be one of my biggest challenges. I tried several different salons, each offering a glimpse of what I was looking for, but none truly felt like the place where I could thrive. Whether it was a misalignment in culture, lack of growth opportunities, or simply not feeling like the right fit, I found myself searching, waiting, and hoping for the right opportunity. It was a frustrating period, but I knew I had to be patient.

During these times, I leaned heavily on mentorship. I was fortunate to have incredible industry leaders like Tina Black and Nik Moore-Perez guiding me, offering insights, encouragement, and pushing me to stay focused on my bigger vision. They reminded me that every setback was a setup for something greater. And they were right.

Eventually, I found my salon home at Vogue Salon and Spa—a place that not only aligned with my values but also provided the team-based culture and high-level education I had been searching for. Here, I’ve been able to flourish, collaborate with talented artists, and continue evolving both as a stylist and as The Hairapist. Marcia Webster, the owner of Vouge has taken me under her wing and I’m so very thankful to learn and grown under such a skilled stylist and successful buisness woman.

Looking back, those challenges were necessary. They forced me to trust the process, refine my standards, and never settle for less than what I truly needed to grow. Finding my place took time, but it made all the difference.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in color—blonding, color corrections, and complete transformations. Hair is more than just aesthetics to me; it’s a form of self-expression, confidence, and identity. My approach isn’t just about creating beautiful color—it’s about understanding my clients on a deeper level and giving them a transformation that reflects who they are inside and out. That’s why I call myself The Hairapist.

What truly sets me apart is the fusion of hair artistry and personal empowerment. Sitting in my chair is more than just an appointment—it’s an experience. Clients come to me not just for a color refresh, but for guidance, confidence boosts, and even a little therapy. I listen, I educate, and I help them rediscover themselves through their hair.

Education is a huge part of what I do. I don’t just create a style—I make sure my clients know how to maintain it. I teach them about the science of hair, why certain products work for them, the correct order to use them, and how to recreate their salon look at home. There’s nothing more empowering than knowing how to keep your hair looking and feeling amazing every single day.

I’m also incredibly proud of how my career has evolved—from building Bitchin’ Blowouts as a solo entrepreneur to now being part of Vogue Salon and Spa, Northern Michigan’s It Salon. I’ve also expanded into Botanica Head Spa, where I get to explore the connection between scalp health and overall well-being.

At the end of the day, my work isn’t just about color—it’s about transformation in every sense of the word. That’s what makes my approach different, and that’s why my clients keep coming back.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned along my journey, it’s that patience is everything. I’ve had so many incredibly huge life lessons along the way—more than I could ever fit into a single answer—but the common thread through all of them has been trusting the process.

There were times when I felt stuck, times when I was searching for the right opportunities and coming up short, times when I wondered if I was making the right choices. But what I’ve come to realize is that if you just do the next right thing, stay patient, and put in the work, good things will come. They may not happen on your timeline, but they will happen when they’re meant to.

Looking back, every challenge, every delay, and every moment of uncertainty led me exactly where I needed to be. If I had forced things, rushed into situations that weren’t right, or let frustration take over, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Patience isn’t about waiting around—it’s about trusting that your efforts will pay off.

So if there’s one piece of advice I could give to anyone, it’s this: Trust. Do the work. Be patient. The right things will come at the right time—I promise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vogue-salons.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitchin_blowouts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18SjnXZWua/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelzeeryp/