Where do I begin?

The last month has been a little rough. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Bothell-Kenmore Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Bothell Business Forum and a small business owner I'm becoming very concerned that funding for all kinds of programs will decrease or disappear completely in the near future. Funds for grants and programs that support women, disabled folks and minority groups in business seem to be particulary vulnerable as well as small business incubater programs. Small businesses are the backbone of our country and maybe we can collectively offset any loss of program funding we may see.

Here's my plan:

I'm going to redirect some of my personal and business spending from Corporate America to Small Businesses in my neighborhood.

Instead of buying chocolate kisses for our front desk at Safeway I plan to visit Bon Chocolates at The Pop Shops and Sugar Rush on Main Street to find some goodies.

Instead of buying treats at Fred Meyer for that family event that's coming up I'll visit Hillcrest Bakery or Countryside Donuts.

For a unique, one of a kind gift I'll visit MTPO Designs at The Pop Shops for a beautiful charcuterie board instead of shopping at World Market or Macy's.

It will take a little bit more effort on my part but if each of us does this just once a month we can make a big difference. And I love a challenge!

So I'm challenging you to redirect some of your funds in the next month or 2 to a local small business. You might find some true gems!

<3 Andrya

What's up with the affiliate links?

If you’re a loyal salon client (and we’re so glad you are!), have you ever wondered how you can keep that “just left the salon” magic going strong at home? Enter: affiliate links. These little wonders are like a VIP pass to your stylist’s insider beauty knowledge, and they’re here to make your life—and your hair care routine—a whole lot easier. Let’s break it down in a way that’ll leave you chuckling and clicking.

So, What Are Affiliate Links?

Affiliate links are special URLs your salon or stylist shares with you to recommend their favorite products. When you use one of these links to buy a product, your stylist earns a small commission. It’s like tipping your stylist for their amazing product advice, but instead of extra cash, it’s just a few clicks. Plus, you get access to the exact products they trust to keep your hair looking fabulous.

Why Should You Care About Affiliate Links?

We know you’re busy—work, family, social media dance routines (no judgment). So, when it comes to beauty products, why not make things a little easier? Affiliate links help you do just that, and here’s why they’re worth your attention:

1. Convenience

Picture this: You just walked out of the salon feeling like a million bucks, but then you realize… you forgot to ask your stylist what magic potion they used to make your hair so soft and shiny. Instead of wandering through endless beauty aisles or relying on random online reviews, you can just use your stylist’s affiliate link. One click, and the miracle product is on its way to your doorstep. Easy peasy.

2. Exclusive Perks

Sometimes these affiliate links come with special deals or deluxe samples that you won’t find elsewhere. It’s like your stylist just handed you a backstage pass to the beauty world. You get the good stuff, delivered to your door with an extra spiff or two. Who doesn’t love a good deal?

3. Supporting Your Stylist

Let’s be honest: you love your stylist. They’re part artist, part therapist, and part magician. By using their affiliate links, you’re supporting their business in a super easy way. Your stylist earns a commission with each sale using their link. It’s like saying, “Thanks for making me look amazing!” without even having to say it.

The Power in Affiliate Links

We know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t this just another way to sell me something?” But hear us out—your stylist isn’t out here hawking snake oil. They’re recommending the same products they use in the salon and swear by. Their reputation depends on it. Remember, we don't look good if you dont look good. There’s something hilariously satisfying about knowing that Karen from the salon’s 3 PM appointment finally bought that anti-frizz serum because she couldn’t stop asking about your hair.

And let’s not forget how easy it is to feel like a beauty guru yourself. You’ll be out here telling your friends, “Oh, I just use the stuff my stylist recommended,” and watching them take notes.

How to Get Started

1. *Ask Your Stylist*. Chances are, they already have affiliate links for their favorite products. Don’t be shy—ask them what they recommend for your hair type.

2. *Use Level Seven Salon's Links*: Whether it’s in an email, a LinkTree in their Instagram bio, or on a cute little QR code at the salon, these links make it easy to shop their faves.

3. *Enjoy the Results*: With the right products, you’ll keep that salon-fresh feeling going long after your appointment.

Final Thoughts

Affiliate links aren’t just a convenient way to shop—they’re a way to stay connected with your stylist, support their business, and keep your beauty routine on point. So the next time your stylist raves about a miracle product, take their word for it. Click that link, enjoy the perks, and keep slaying those hair goals.outine on point.

Level Seven Salon Affiliate Links

<3 Andrya

Let Me Introduce Myself

Hi there! I'm Andrya Rytter-O'Brien, the owner of Level Seven Salon. I wanted to introduce myself in this first blog post. I'm married to Mike, I'm a stepmom to Brady, and a dog mom to Frankie.

I began my career in the beauty industry in 1988 as a student at Gene Juarez Academy. Initially, I thought I would become an esthetician, but my aunt convinced me to take the cosmetology program instead—and I couldn’t be more grateful. On my first day of chemical services class, I was hooked. I knew from then that hair color would be my path.

Deep down, I love a good challenge. Figuring out solutions and making things work is my passion, and that’s what drove me to love hair color even more—solving my clients' hair color "problems." Color theory, chemistry, hair structure, and history all come together with the clients' needs to challenge my knowledge and skills. I love every part of it. And when a great haircut complements the color, it’s the icing on the cake.

I also enjoy new challenges and a little bit of change. While working with clients in the salon, I became a Brand Ambassador and later an Educator with Sebastian International. Once a week, I taught students and stylists about Sebastian’s products, color theory, and techniques. Teaching is both challenging and rewarding—there’s nothing quite like seeing a concept click for a student!

I founded Level Seven Salon in 2011 after finding the perfect location on Main Street in the Heart of Bothell. It was a big new challenge, but an exciting one. At Level Seven, we’re a collective of independent beauty professionals who work together in a collaborative environment. We teach each other and our clients about everything from hair care to new beauty trends. It’s a true joy to work alongside such an amazing team.

Community connection has become very important to me over the years. Through the Bothell-Kenmore Chamber of Commerce, I’ve met many knowledgeable and inspiring business owners. I currently serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and chair the Bothell Business Forum, a group dedicated to connecting, sharing, and supporting fellow business owners. We all learn so much from one another.

Thank you for reading this! I look forward to seeing all of you in real life, solving all kinds of challenges with you and most of-telling bad dad jokes to you.

<3 Andrya