Lynzy Benson

    Born and raised in Minnesota, I was always a weird little art kid. I grew up singing and performing musical theater, and went to an arts high school. When I was 18, I had dreadlocks, and I went to a local salon called Extension Generation to get some rad colors and length added to them. I've always been able to learn by watching, and by then end of that 6 hour appt, I was ready to try out what I learned on all my friends. I became known for doing extensions and rainbow colors in my parents kitchen. My mom was always yelling at me for leaving synthetic hair everywhere and staining her sink. I wanted to go to beauty school right away after high school, but was initially discouraged and told it wasn't a "viable career option" and I "wouldn't make much money." I tried the vet tech thing but that lasted all of 3 semesters. Told my mom that I was going to take the summer off, sold all my books, and enrolled in beauty school. Now I pay my mortgage doing the stuff that I used to get grounded for as a teenager! Pretty rad right?     I've been in the industry for 15 years, and in my suite for the last 4. Joining the suite life has been the best decision I've made for my career. It made me UNCOMFORTABLE, and because of that I grew as a stylist. I watched the inception of Pulp Riot via Instagram and it has been my paint ever since.     Pulp Riot has breathed life back into the industry for me. I feel like 18 year old Lynzy discovering pinch braids all over again! Faction 8 has allowed me to take the creative freedom I have with vivids and apply it to permanent color. And the styling products blow my mind every time! Even down to the art on the boxes, they constantly feed my eyes with creative imagery!      I have a passion for mentoring young stylists and watching them blossom. I have begun to offer my own independent classes in the twin cities because there is a large demand for vivids, and not a lot of education opportunities. It is truly the best time to be a stylist, and Pulp Riot is changing the game. I want to spread the riot here in Minnesota and anywhere this crazy career of mine takes me.