Symmetry Studio: Rebuilding the Confidence of Women
One Areola at a Time
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Like most young girls, Maddy Ryan had always loved playing in make-up. As Ryan got older a favorite childhood pastime quickly turned in to a passion and at the age of 18 Ryan decided to share her talents with the world. She started out slowly by doing makeup for local photographers, high school students dances, and big events.
Ryan quickly came to the realization that there was a high demand for her talented artistry and decided to pursue her passion further. Ryan shared, “I decided to create a social media space where I would show my art and was quickly recognized and signed on with some of the largest names in the beauty industry. I traveled across the United States working with these companies on commercials, marketing, and social media. I was the face of Benefit Cosmetics for a year where I worked with them specifically showing my artistic ability to do makeup with a heavy emphasis on their brow products and I had incredible support from our community during this time.”
The opportunity to work with big name companies like Benefit Cosmetics provided Ryan with the perfect opportunity to share both her hobby and creative outlet with the residents of Ashland. “I had always had a rough outline of what I hoped my career would be, but for the first time the picture was becoming clear: I was going to combine art with beauty, and this became the foundation of my business.” Explained Ryan.
Eventually, Ryan expanded her business by offering permanent make-up services. That’s when Ryan began to notice that there was real need, and she possessed the talents to fill that need. “I noticed that a large portion of my clients had a history with breast cancer. I, myself, have a family history of breast cancer and felt a push to do something for these women. I started doing areola restoration for women and found my niche. This was a passion project of mine and I wanted to share this art with everyone,” Ryan noted.
Ryan attempted to get insurance companies to cover the cost of the services that she offered, but unfortunately, she was told that the services that she offered was both unnecessary and were considered to be an elective procedure. Ryan didn’t let that stop her from finding a way to help those in need. “I was on a mission to be the one to help these women get the confidence back that cancer took from them. I was finally linked with a nonprofit organization that started their application process with me,” shared Ryan.
The process was long and drawn out and over the next few weeks Ryan had to fill out masses of paperwork and submit examples of her restorative work with areola restoration and microblading. “I was so excited once I found out that I was accepted into this program and was now able to offer these services at no cost to the client,” expressed an emotional Ryan.
Ryan explained that no two women have the same skin tone, size, shape, or scar patterns. So, it is important to Ryan that every service is a custom fit for the client’s needs. Ryan stated that, “This makes each client a unique challenge and allows me tap into my artistic side in order to make sure each woman leaves there feeling like she has her body back, and not the cold feeling of a copy/paste anatomy.”
Ryan is now considered the top provider in the nation for her work in areola restoration and for the nonprofit organization and has provided over $53,000 in services at no cost to these women. The service that Ryan provides to these women and the community in general is invaluable and she continues to build the confidence of those who have gone through breast cancer and came out a warrior.
Ryan’s studio, Symmetry |The Aesthetics Studio, located at 2154 Carter Ave, is a studio like none other. “It didn’t take long for my goals and vision to expand to other avenues of the beauty artistry industry, a goal that eventually became Symmetry | The Aesthetics Studio. Medical spas often have a reputation of having a cold, clinical feel that can often alienate those who otherwise would benefit from these services. I wanted to create an environment that represented the same warmness, self-expression, and feminine empowerment that fueled my art and helped women feel comfortable and confident being themselves. As soon as you step into my studio, you’ll find the colors, personality, and uplifting art direction that represents what I want to bring to an industry that too feels clinical and uninviting,” Ryan explained.
We all know someone who has been burdened by the diagnosis of breast cancer. If you would like to help Ryan in her mission to restore the confidence of women everywhere… now you can. On October 21, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Symmetry Studio will be having its annual “Save the Boo-bies” fundraiser event. Ryan elaborated, “This is Symmetry’s biggest event of the year, Save the Boo-bies breast cancer awareness event! This event will raise money for our nonprofit partner Sharsheret that allow us to provide free services for breast cancer survivors.”
The event will include thousands of dollars in giveaways, a spooky open bar, amazing Hors d'oeuvres, a psychic medium, a tarot card reader, the biggest discounts ever offered at Symmetry and our favorite vendors. “We are also showcasing our newest machine and you will get to demo this at the event,” added Ryan. This year Ryan will be holding this annual event at Gathered AKY (formally the Jewel Art Gallery) which is located at 323 15th Street, Ashland. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by contacting the studio at 606.547.2231 for more information.