Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Vaughn.
Aaron, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m SoCal native, born at Hoag in Newport Beach. My educational background in fine art (BFA, painting & BA, Art history). I spent my undergrad in the redwoods at Humboldt State before a 15 years stint in San Francisco working in lobbying. I did fundraising & event-planning for major contributors around public policy issues including marriage equality & wilderness preservation.
I have always cut, colored & styled my own hair & that of friends & family. I initially enrolled at Cinta Aveda Institute in SF just for personal edification, but quickly discovered my aptitude & keenness. Post Aveda grad, I spent several years studying hair & salon culture, assisting top stylists while building a loyal following at my own studio as AARON VAUGHN hair.
Fast forward to: the Hayes Valley neighborhood building I had lived in for over ten years was sold. A friend in Silverlake had an open apartment… I landed at Shag, a Los Feliz neighborhood salon with a mix of hipsters, Soccer moms & industry types. Shortly thereafter, I picked up a couple of days at a small salon on the Disney lot in Burbank. I quickly discovered that there was a big demand for housecall services. No one in LA wanted to drive if they didn’t have too. Especially into Beverly Hills or West Hollywood. I quickly built a reputation as a mobile stylist. Clients really respond to my low-key “undone” style of hairdressing. I use a plier razor, which gives “invisible layers,” and grows out amazingly. Haircut equivalent of rooted hair color. I call it the “non-haircut haircut.”
When the owner of Shag relocated to Nashville to work on the TV series, I took a position with RUDY’S. RUDYS had the advantage of locations all over the city. I spent a couple of years dividing my time between DTLA (the Standard) & Main Street Santa Monica. When a client connected me with a vacant Venice apartment a block from the beach I snapped it up. I’ve been here on Navy street for six years now. I have a fantastic local clientele which is mostly house calls, Venice / SM / MDR / Palisades / Brentwood / Bel Air / Malibu. I keep two days a week at local private beach house salon Salty Mane on legendary skate street Bay St in Santa Monica, next door to World Surf League & Dogtown Coffee.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There is no road map for a career in hair. There are myriad business models/paths to success. I was fortunate in that I start my career a bit older than average, and thus came equipped with some amount of life experience & perspective. My success is a direct result of my ability to pivot. I never set out to build a house call clientele, but when I saw things developing in that way, I leaned in. That being said, my biggest challenge has always been bookkeeping & business planning. This is a common issue for creatives. My solution is to hire these tasks out. I know my time is best spent elsewhere.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
AARON VAUGHN hair is an independent hairstylist based in West LA. He specializes in “non-haircut haircuts” & lived-in color. Aaron uses the plier razor to produce seamlessly layered haircuts that grow out beautifully; balayage driven blondes that mimic surfers hair or the hair of children at the end of the summer.
Aaron travels to clients to style them. Private, concierge styling. Limited Westside area.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe in the power of attraction, manifest destiny, and karma. The goals, desires & energy I put out into the universe has definitely bounced back to me. I have been blessed with a clientele of amazing people who are my literal support and vice versa. 😎
Contact Info:
- Address: AARON VAUGHN hair
(at Salty Mane)
147 Bay St
Santa Monica - Website: https://aaron-vaughn.jimdosite.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @itsaaronvaughn
- Yelp: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=2ahUKEwiXmJXaprjnAhWKJzQIHe38D14QFjAAegQIBBAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yelp.com%2Fbiz%2Faaron-vaughn-hair-santa-monica-3&usg=AOvVaw2kAmX5ZYRk8R8StS5XUo-_
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
