Hidden Gems: Meet Ilana Brom of Ilanabrombeauty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilana Brom

Hi ilana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I came to the U.S. in 2004, immigrating from Russia. I have always had a passion for style and sales. One time, I met a woman who looked incredible—stylish, affluent, and happy. I asked her what she did for a living, and she told me she was a hairstylist. She invited me to her salon in NYC to show me what a hairstylist’s life is like, and I fell in love with it.

Of course, during my journey through cosmetology school and the years I spent assisting, I didn’t experience the same success as my friend who owned the salon, but it was still an enjoyable time. Eventually, I became a stylist who knew what she was doing, but it still didn’t feel like enough. So, I decided to learn the art of barbering and became one of the best barbers.

After that, I felt ready to buy my own salon. It went well, but after COVID-19, I decided it was a good time to sell. I wanted to refine my skills in hair extension techniques, so I went solo and chose the most innovative ice extension technique, successfully practicing it and teaching others.

In the meantime, I developed my own hair line products and registered it as a trademark called Neophyte! Now, I’m looking forward to what comes next.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a hair salon with over 12 employees at one point has been both a tough and amazing experience. I had no prior experience in running a business—handling payroll, organizing schedules, or managing employees—and at times, it was overwhelming. But success doesn’t come from having an easy path; it comes from facing challenges head-on.

I love the challenges, even when they’re frustrating. Yes, sometimes I get upset, and I cry, because the only true security I have is my skills. In business, money comes and goes, but I’ve learned how to invest wisely in stocks, which has become my second layer of security.

The real struggles are not getting burned out, not chasing money blindly, dealing with bureaucracy, and figuring out people. My best advice? Step outside of the problem instead of staying stuck in it. Taking days off is a must—there are no excuses like “How will my business survive without me?” And before buying or opening a business, having a detailed business plan is absolutely essential.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I own three companies. The first is 360 Hair Studio, where I work as a hairstylist, specializing in color and the innovative ICE Hair Extension technique. I take this method very seriously, believing it’s the future of hair extensions. I think anyone specializing in extensions should learn this technique—it’s truly a game-changer in the industry.

My second company is Ilana Brom Beauty Academy, which offers online, group, and private classes aimed at helping hairstylists thrive in business. I focus on teaching how to become independent, from the first steps of opening and operating a solo studio or salon, to how to create, register, and trademark your own hair care products. It’s an educational platform designed to provide everything a hairstylist needs to succeed in business. Currently, I teach ICE extension techniques and business classes, but I’m looking to expand into other areas.

The third company I own is Neophyte, my luxury hair care line. I’m especially proud of this brand as it just received a trademark from the USPTO, which is a huge success for us.

These businesses are all interconnected by my passion for high-quality hair care and education, and I strive to offer the best services and tools for both clients and professionals in the industry.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor can sometimes be difficult, but any biography of a successful person can serve as a great source of inspiration and a valuable guide. While mentors can provide direct advice, I’ve found that studying the profiles of successful individuals, especially those in my field, has given me an incredible amount of motivation and direction. Competitors can be the best mentors because by observing what they do, I’ve learned about their strategies, their setbacks, and their success stories, all of which have shaped my own approach.

For example, I have always followed the profiles of successful hairstylists and salon owners, learning from their journeys and seeing how they operate. However, my greatest source of inspiration has been the biography of Elon Musk. His story is a testament to perseverance, risk-taking, and visionary thinking. Musk’s ability to push boundaries and challenge the status quo is something I try to mirror in my own work. His drive to innovate, regardless of obstacles, has been a significant motivator for me and continues to shape my professional mindset.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ilanabrombeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/360hairextension?igsh=ZmdnNXltNXZsY3lj
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilana-brom-3322961a0?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app