Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregga Prothero.
Hi Gregga, 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?
Last time we spoke with Voyage LA, it was all about running a salon during the pandemic! We signed our lease for Gregga LA on February 28th, 2020 – a week before a little thing called COVID-19 started shutting down businesses across the county. Given the timing, opening a salon in the pandemic has kind of become Gregga LA’s origin story.
I, Gregga Prothero, was born in the Philippines and have been living in LA since I was four years old. I was always experimenting with my friend’s hair since the time I was in high school, it continued to spark a curiosity within me. Growing up in a traditional Filipino household, there is always pressure to go into the medical field, and when I decided to attend cosmetology school, the drama ensued. I was determined, though, and attended cosmetology school at night while working five days a week as an office secretary on top of being a receptionist at Toni & Guy Salon on the weekends. Once cosmetology school was done, though, I felt relieved, determined, excited, and ready to cut and color.
Before the opening of Gregga LA, I had over 15 years of experience as a hairstylist and I always dreamed of owning my own salon. In 2021 we finally did it. Together with my husband, Colin, we joined creative forces to collaborate and build a space for beauty/hair services that we now call Gregga L.A.
We created a space that’s known for its laid-back, welcoming environment and that specializes in vibrant colors, lived in looks, and accentuating haircuts. Gregga L.A. has continued to grow and has become Glassell Park’s/Northeast LA’s neighborhood salon where clients come to look and feel their best.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I had the challenge of trying to start a new business during a pandemic. We were so happy to receive updates on government mandates that salons could safely re-open once again and so we did just that, officially opening the doors to Gregga LA on January 25. 2021.
WIth the salon being opened for well over a year now, the road has had its twists and turns. There have been challenges in keeping us stylists, as well as our clients, safe in the salon space by taking all of the right precautions such as following all of LA county’s proof of vaccination laws, requiring our clients wear masks, etc. Thankfully, the majority of our clients were on the same page as us and everyone continued to do their part in being considerate to one another.
Although no one would ever want to deal with a pandemic, I’ve been able to see the good in those around me who want to support small businesses like mine. People have gone above and beyond to show they really care and it has made me see the good in a rough situation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have over 15 years of experience with cutting, coloring and styling, I truly love continuing my education by staying up with current trends as well as mastering the hair classics we all know and love. From vibrant fashion colors to lived-in looks, I am able to combine the two and customize a look for each individual.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success… I think it’s going to keep changing. As of now, I think it’s being able to have your vision come to life, knowing I am giving back to the community, bringing some positivity into people’s lives, and seeing each of the hairstylists at the salon thriving, growing, and knowing they have my support as we build a team. This is why I wanted to have a salon, this is why we have created Gregga L.A.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.gregga.la
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gregga.la
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gregga.la.hair
