Check Out Evelyn Montiel’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Montiel.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In my early 20s, I got my first job in a salon located in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive. I was a personal assistant to the owners, as well as several stylists at this salon who catered to A-List clients. In the beginning, I was a bit shocked seeing certain people coming in, but soon after, this taught me how to accommodate to that environment. I finally became a stylist on the floor and the majority of my clientele were women. A couple of years later, I did a complete 180 and decided to move my career to Downtown LA at a barbershop/salon in the Standard Hotel as a stylist. This is the first time I had ever picked up a pair of clippers because I had never faded anyone’s hair. Since I had only been trained with women’s hair, I lacked confidence in doing men’s haircuts. Thankfully I was trained by the owner’s nephew who is a barber/stylist over the next couple of months.

My next stop was in Miami where I worked in yet another completely different environment. Not only did I work in a salon in South Beach, I also worked on a few music videos, and because I am bilingual, I was able to work on a Spanish Soap Opera.

I eventually decided to come back home because I was homesick and I realized there is nothing better than LA. I started working at a barbershop/salon in Silverlake which is the same company I worked for in Downtown LA. I continued to build my clientele in LA over the next several years. Interestingly enough, the majority of my clientele that I was building were men.

During this time, I became a personal stylist. I also began to work on different projects, such as TV shows, commercials, and most notably I worked on the “Dressed To Kill Tour” book by Cher. Eventually, I decided to take a leap and open my own private studio in Salon Republic in Hollywood. I have been here since 2019, and I’m very thankful for all the clients who followed me here and continue to support me. For women, I provide cuts, styling, and I specialize in natural-looking colour services. And funny enough, my clientele of men continues to grow, and for the girl who was once scared to pick up a pair of clippers, it’s now second nature for her.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I feel like it’s been fairly smooth most of the way. However, starting my own business was a scary step which includes the challenges that come along with that. And to top it off, I opened my studio right before the pandemic hit. Obviously, it’s tough enough to maintain a business during the pandemic, but I was able to make it work by doing house calls. I am very thankful that salons are open now and house calls are done with.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I provide men’s grooming in all hair textures. For women, I provide colour, cuts, and styling in all hair textures. I am proud of the fact that I have a diverse clientele that has expanded my skills when it comes to dealing with all types of hair. I’m well-versed in lots of different services, however, I specialize in accentuating natural-looking colours, creating a sun-kissed effect, and men’s grooming as well.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned how important loyalty is with clients during the pandemic.

Contact Info:

• Website: evelynmontiel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelynmontielhair/?hl=en
• Other: https://evelyn-montiel.square.site/

Image Credits
Tour Book Photography :
Estudio Machado Cicala Morassut
Soledad Astiz -Producer
Marjan Malakpour – Wardrobe Stylist
Francesca Tolot – Make-up
Gina Brooke- Make- up
Serena Redaelli – Hair/ Wig Design