Exploring Life & Business with Rebecca of Hammer and Nails, Echo Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca.

Hi Rebecca, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey as an entrepreneur when I took over Hammer & Nails Echo Park, a men’s grooming salon in Los Angeles. It opened in 2019 but went through some tough times during the pandemic, including being closed for eight months. Taking it on meant not just running a salon, but rebuilding a community hub from the ground up.

Over the years, I’ve learned every aspect of running a small business — from hiring and training, to building membership programs, to marketing and keeping the doors open through challenges. Today, the shop is thriving again, and I’m proud of how far it’s come. More than just haircuts or grooming, it’s become a place where our members feel taken care of, and that’s what motivates me every day.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Taking over Hammer & Nails Echo Park just before the pandemic meant facing an immediate, unexpected challenge when we had to shut down for eight months. Reopening was almost like starting from scratch — rebuilding our membership base, rehiring and retraining staff, and reassuring clients it was safe to come back.

Beyond the pandemic, running a small business has its daily struggles: turnover when a popular stylist leaves, balancing rising costs with member expectations, and wearing every hat from marketing to payroll. But each obstacle has forced me to get sharper, more resilient, and more creative in how I solve problems. Those struggles have shaped not just the business, but me as an entrepreneur.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Hammer & Nails Echo Park is a men’s grooming lounge dedicated to delivering more than just haircuts — it’s a place for relaxation, style, and community. Since opening in 2019, the shop has become a local staple, offering barbering, hand and foot care, and membership packages tailored for men who value both quality and consistency.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is the balance between building something meaningful in my business and being present with my family. At Hammer & Nails Echo Park, I get joy from creating a space where people feel welcomed, cared for, and part of a community — seeing the salon thrive after challenges is deeply rewarding.

At the same time, my greatest happiness comes from family — especially supporting my daughter in her journey as an athlete and watching her grow into a kind, determined person. Sharing those moments with her, and with the people I love, reminds me why I work so hard. For me, success is measured in both — a business that serves people well, and a family life that’s full of love and connection.

Pricing:

• Classic Cut – $60
• Premium Cut – $90
• Premium Pedicure – $90
• Classic Pedicure – $60
• Classic Manicure – $60

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hammerandnailsgrooming.com/location/echo-park-ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandnailsexp?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccalmcdonald
• Other: https://www.rebeccalmcdonald.com/