Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra English.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sierra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My career as a hairstylist has evolved over a 15-year time span. I moved to Los Angeles at 19 years old to attend Vidal Sassoon Academy. I spent countless hours of whipping up early morning cappuccinos at Starbucks in order to support myself through school. After graduation, I was an assistant in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica for a couple years. I built my own clientele as a hair stylist in Venice, CA, which is where I have remained for the past 10 years. Each stage of my career has helped me understand what works and doesn’t work for me as a stylist. I struggled with many ups and downs as a hair stylist and often wondered if it was the right path for me. I attended Santa Monica Community College while working as a stylist, and eventually transferred to UCLA. Originally, my plan was to finish school, become a therapist, and eventually move away from doing hair. Nevertheless, towards the end of a ten-year process that took me through school, work, and therapy, I have rediscovered the passion I have for doing hair. I arrived at a place that feels truly rewarding and authentic. It has taken many trials and errors to get here, but I am so happy to have stuck with it. I now work in a boutique salon space which is perfect for personalized service and an intimate connection with my clients. I enjoy being able to create while connecting with people.
Unveil Bridal began after I got married and discovered how much I love weddings. I love being a part of someone’s special day, and it is truly an honor to help them feel comfortable and beautiful. I offer a unique approach to doing bridal hair which focuses on “the whole look.” This means that I consider and apply the cut and color that will best compliment the wedding style. This creates a more personalized look for the bride and accentuates the wedding hair style. Furthermore, styling hair for weddings gives me a chance to create something that can’t be accomplished inside the salon. It is a beautiful process and I love it!
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?
The road to where I am now has not been easy. The biggest struggle for me was overcoming the many challenges I have experienced with depression and anxiety. Anyone who has struggled with this knows that it can be completely debilitating. Nevertheless, I pushed through and spent years exploring my emotions in order to become the person I am today. In addition to this, it took me many years to discover what type of working environment fits my personality. I am an introvert who loves to create and connect with people. Once I embraced this a lot of doors opened for me. I was able to find a boutique salon space where I can work independently alongside a few other creative professionals. Furthermore, the years I’ve spent in therapy have aided me in becoming a little less perfectionistic, which has allowed more space for creativity. Of course, I am an artist who has a vision, but allowing for more space in my work has helped me become a better stylist. I always try to learn from mistakes and be curious about what I can do to make something even better. Like anything in life, it is a work in progress. I enjoy the process of learning and creating while being able to really connect with my clients.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Sierra English Hair + Unveil Bridal story. Tell us more about the business.
I feel excited about what my business has to offer, and at the core, it is simple. My goal is to focus on being present with each client and discover what we can create together. As a hair stylist, I am an artist along with many other things including an ear to listen, an agent of customer service, and a mirror for authenticity. When you have a live human being as your canvas, the work becomes multidimensional. It is important to communicate, listen, and explore as a team. It is a true collaboration, and it takes time to establish the connection that is necessary for ultimate artistic expression. I often tell my new clients that their hair will get better and better as we get to know each other. In addition, I encourage my clients to explore their own creative nature by trying new styles and colors. In the end, my clients must wear the style, so it is important that it feels authentic to them. I like to think of myself as an artistic guide in this way.
I specialize in: women’s haircuts, men’s haircuts, balayage color, and bridal styles. Each of these genres allows me to express my creativity in a different way. I believe my clients come to me because I am meticulous, creative, and attentive. In addition, I am continuously learning and trying new things. My most recent project is to focus on creating a balance between providing a good quality, beautiful product while offering organic and environmentally friendly options. You can’t always have both, especially in the hair industry. My goal is to create beauty through balance, not perfection.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in luck, but I definitely think I had some advantages going into my career. I worked hard to get here, but I’ve had great people in my life to guide me along the way including my husband and my therapist. If it weren’t for these people in my life, I’m not sure I would be in the same position. I am forever grateful for the endless support they have given me.
Contact Info:
- Address: Eco Heads
306 Westminster Ave.
Venice, CA 90291 - Website: www.sierraenglishhair.com
- Phone: (310)429-8232
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierraenglishhair/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sierraenglishhair/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sierra-english-hair-venice
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/unveil-bridal-by-sierra-english-hair-venice-ca-888198
Image Credit:
Rose Colored Photography
Brooke Borough Photography
Natalia Risheq
Connie Murray
Ray Kang
Sun Lee
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.
