How I Became the First Hand-Tied Extension Artist in Central Illinois and Pioneered the Industry in My Area

When I first entered the beauty industry, I never imagined I'd be where I am today: the first hand-tied extension artist in Central Illinois, leading the way in this transformative method for the last seven years. But every step of my journey has been driven by passion, a commitment to quality, and the desire to provide my clients with the best hair extensions possible.

The Journey Begins: Investing in Myself

The road to becoming a top-tier hand-tied extension artist was no walk in the park. In fact, it started with a massive investment. In my first year, I paid over $20,000 for my education. That’s a lot of money, and it wasn’t just for a single certification or short-term training. It was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to mastering my craft.

I knew I couldn’t just rely on general education—I needed to learn from the best. That’s when I decided to dive deep into specialized training. Most of my early education came from the NBR Extensions method, which I studied under the brilliant Danielle White. This was my foundation, and from there, my journey really started to evolve.

Learning From the Best: Gaining Certifications

Over the years, I sought out additional certifications to keep my skills sharp and versatile. Along with NBR, I’ve since been certified in five different extension methods. Each certification expanded my understanding of hair extensions and taught me the nuances of different techniques. I’ve worked with methods such as:

  • Grace Hand Tied

  • Harper Ellis Concealed Bead Method

  • SKW

But even though I’ve mastered various techniques, there’s always been something about hand-tied extensions that speaks to me. They have a natural, seamless look that’s unmatched by other methods, and it’s this artistry that drew me in and keeps me captivated year after year.

Mastering Hand-Tied Extensions

The last seven years have been dedicated to perfecting hand-tied extensions. From perfecting the methodology behind the installation to understanding the hair itself, I’ve focused on every detail. I’ve learned how to choose the right type of hair for different clients, how to ensure a comfortable, long-lasting wear, and how to make each set look as natural as possible.

Every client who sits in my chair deserves nothing less than perfection. That’s why I’ve committed myself to constant learning and staying ahead of trends. And while the hand-tied method has been around for a while, my goal has always been to take it to the next level, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in hair extensions.

What's Next: A New Game-Changer for Central Illinois

I’m not stopping here. In fact, I’m incredibly excited about the next step in my journey. In March, I’ll be introducing a brand-new extension method that’s going to blow your mind—and I mean that literally. This method is so new and revolutionary, it’s something that nobody in Central Illinois is doing yet. It’s the next big thing, and I can’t wait to share it with my clients and fellow extension artists.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming months. I’m beyond excited to show you what’s coming next and how it will change the way you think about extensions forever.

Wrapping Up

Being the first hand-tied extension artist in Central Illinois and leading the industry in this method for the last seven years has been an incredible experience. It’s been about much more than just offering a service—it’s been about mastering a craft, providing my clients with the best results, and continuously striving to be better.

I’m so grateful for the support of my amazing clients, who trust me to transform their hair. Without you, none of this would be possible. I’m also grateful to all the amazing educators and mentors I’ve had along the way who’ve helped me grow.

The beauty industry is always changing, and I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries and raising the bar. If you're curious about hand-tied extensions or want to be the first to experience the newest method coming to Central Illinois, reach out! The journey is just getting started, and I can't wait to see where it takes us next.

Thank you for reading + if you have any questions I would love to answer anything for you!

xoxo,

Riley

your beauty babe

Riley Craig