Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Melnick.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am currently a hairstylist in my own Salon Suite in Encino. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago and at age 20, moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the dance industry. Throughout my 5 years as a professional dancer, I toured internationally with pop artists, worked on TV and commercials, performed in live shows, and eventually booked a job as both dancer and model for a hair show. This is where my passion for hair began. I was inspired by the creativity behind the scenes, felt ready to choose a path that helped others in some way, and a few short weeks later, I signed up for cosmetology school. I finished school in 11 months, assisted for 2 years, and now work full time behind the chair ever since. Through the last few years, I have really found my confidence as a stylist, both in my craft and a business owner. Not only do I love the creative outlet of doing hair, but I truly love connecting with my clients, who often feel like old friends after a while. To have the ability to build someone’s confidence through the art of hairstyling is such a powerful and special thing to me. I am so proud to be a hairdresser and am excited to see where this path takes me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh there have been many struggles, but without a little bit of challenge there is no growth, right? So, I choose to embrace the bumps in the road as much as I can. My first salon experience was not the best. I worked in a gorgeous salon in Brentwood, the owner was a VERY successful stylist and one of the top artistic directors for a large color company known worldwide, but it was not the right fit. I didn’t feel respected or appreciated, the clientele was not the right match for myself, and I left after 6 months. At that point, I didn’t know if hairstyling was for me, so I decided to take a month off and reflect. I realized I needed to give it one more chance, and Once I started searching for a new salon home, I came across Efoxx Hair in Sherman Oaks. I ended up assisting the owner, Eric Fox, for 1 1/2 years more and eventually, got my own chair and built a great clientele. After almost 4 years at the salon, it was a natural growth that occurred and I wanted to open up my own spot. I was so sad to leave because Efoxx was my family, literally tears every day for the last few weeks I worked there and we still to this day have a great relationship, but I knew for myself I wanted to take the business into my own hands. After a peaceful depart, I opened up my own business. That in itself holds a lot of ups and downs. It was insanely scary to leave stability and go into the unknown, but I wouldn’t change a thing looking back. Being my own business owner, I worked myself to the bone and had to learn the work/life balance that I now feel I have a better hold of. I also have turned my business into a corporation and had struggles understanding everything involved with that, but like I said, it’s all a learning experience. I have had my fair share of “crazy” clients that I had to deal with in the past, different personalities I have to juggle, but it’s all part of being a business owner. You are the artist, manager, customer service center, accountant, etc. all at once. All in all, I feel so fortunate to have the experiences and growth that I have in this career so early on.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Hair By ELM story. Tell us more about the business.
I am in the business of creating art on clients hair. Whether it’s supernatural looks or wild vivid colors, I specialize in creating a look custom for each client. I am most known for my coloring skills, and I also love cutting as well. What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail. It’s a blessing and a curse how much of a perfectionist I am with every aspect of my business, I will do everything and anything to achieve the best looks, and I don’t take shortcuts ever. I spend a lot of time with each client, I do not rush through my work and I am very thorough when consulting with clients in order to achieve their goals. It is not hard for me to say “no” if I feel what the client is requesting is not right for their lifestyle or their hair and I think, that is special. I would rather turn someone away and not make the money if I knew that it would damage their hair or be unrealistic for their maintenance schedule. I think my clients really trust me because I am super honest and upfront, and I really try to educate them so they understand what is possible and what is best for their hair. I am most proud of my business when I look at the amazing list of clients I have that continually come in. I have a great client retention rate, I have regulars who trust me and I truly enjoy all the beautiful people I get to work with day in and day out. I am beyond grateful for my loyal clients.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The industry is always changing, and right now it seems to be shifting toward stylists becoming individual business owners as opposed to working in large salons. Also, independent education is huge, but there is always going to be large companies that play a tremendous part in trends and education as well. One thing I do feel is happening in recent years and ongoing is the respect that hairstylists are receiving from the general public. Back in the day, a hairstylist was just someone who didn’t want to go to college, someone who didn’t take their career or life seriously, the wild and crazy party people. Now, we have created this culture and shift where people look up to us as ARTISTS, not just stylists. people are willing to pay steep prices because they value our work and our craft. They value our art. It’s probably the best time to be a stylist, and that’s why I always say I am so PROUD of this career choice I have made. We do touch peoples lives in more ways than you can imagine, and for others to really see that we are solid business people, this is our livelihood and we take it super seriously, is pretty awesome.
Pricing:
- Color can vary from $150-$600+ (It truly depends on the individual situation and desired end result)
- Women’s Haircuts are $85
Contact Info:
- Address: Butterfly Loft Salon
ATTN: Elise Melnick
17401 Ventura Blvd, Suite b19
Encino, CA 91316 - Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @hairbyELM
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
