Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Aoun
Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started in the hair industry after graduating college hopeless and confused because I was no longer interested in what I was getting my degree in (business-admin and Human Resources). Once I finished my internship and graduated, I quickly saw I did not want to spend my weeks in the office wearing fancy clothes and doing a 9-5. My sister in law who was a big part of my life and my best friend suggested I looked into the hair world because I was creative and drew and painted often. She worked in a salon as a receptionist in college and saw how creative the hair game was turning because it wasn’t just regular “highlights” and “color”. It was more based on creating custom looks with balayage and custom tones. I NEVER thought I’d be going to cosmetology school because getting my degree was all I knew and it felt as if I was settling/failing at 22 doing something new when everyone in cosmetology would be 18.
Soon after, I did research and found a cosmetology program at Cerritos college. My sister was now pregnant at the time with my niece. I soon moved in with them, babysat 8-4 weekly and went to cosmetology school 5-10:30 weekly. I did this for 2 years until I graduated. It was the best decision I’ve ever made, although the scariest as well. I owe it to my sister to see things in me that I always had a hard time seeing. I also then developed one of the best and most fulfilling relationships of my life my niece, Elle.
After cosmetology school, I started at a commission salon called Regis to get me started where I quickly learned that commission salons take 60 percent of your earnings! You also have to sell products that THEY want you to sell. I expressed my concerns to the manager and she told me if I left and went rental I would never make I because I was “too new”. I couldn’t stand behind that so I continued to a Long Beach salon where I would be a rental stylist while still developing my whole clientele through posting and following people on instagram. Although this was another risky jump, I was willing to do whatever it took to build. I caught on to hair and coloring quickly with my art background which helped me move faster than normal. I was there for 5 years and only left because I didn’t agree with the business model of the owner, which was to make more money at any cost and not really concern herself with the needs and happiness of the stylists.
My last straw was when she added a new stylist into our waiting room and took away our waiting space for clients. This was not okay and I knew I had to be in control of my own space to do what’s morally right for myself and my clients.
On my 3 minute drive home, I came across a “for lease” sign that had been there for weeks that I never paid attention to and it hit me, I need to own my own space so I can give myself and fellow stylists the same experience where they come first and things aren’t done cheaply or with drama.
That day I called the number on the sign. I was in! The place had been run down and destroyed from an old tenant because of a discrepancy with the landlord. I knew it was gonna cost at least 35000 to fix up but I was saving subconsciously for this moment . A moment where I could create something from scratch MY way, the right way, and hope that others would see the space as beautiful and safe for us as I intended. My dad and family helped me from the ground up to do everything from new floors, hire contractors, design the layout and all other things that needed to be done. I spend days working at my old salon and nights trying to get my salon off the ground. March 2019, the day came. I was ready. My salon friend at the time was leaving as well due to similar reasons and came with me! Two other girls who I had gone to cosmo school decided they were in too! I was so happy to be opening Elle BC Salon as a tribute to Long Beach and my niece, Elle. Thanks to my brother, the real creative genius, the name couldn’t be more perfect.
I had the best first year and was very transparent that my business model was that this was not a typical salon. I was not in owning a space to profit, I was owning a space so that myself and others who were fully on their own as renters, could utilize a space where they didn’t have to guess or complain what mood the owner would have that day, what electrical problem wouldn’t get fixed properly, or what drama the girls would bring that day to work. It was SAFE. I made my own money with my talent and the salon rent is paid solely through us all paying rent instead of outrageous commissions and retail profits. “Have a key, sell what you love, do what you love, all I ask is you treat this place as your own and you’re kind to all”.
I was so happy for a year then boom, Covid. March 2020 we closed on and off for almost a year and a half. We did not put up curtains or do anything illegal as far as working during the times that were prohibited. I also did not feel it was fair to require rent from my girls while they couldn’t work. I was paying rent monthly from my own savings and hoping it would end soon. By the time we were unexpectedly told we could really reopen, 4 out of my 6 girls had decided to work from home or go elsewhere. I also had gotten a puppy, who I thought I’d have more time with to train at home. It was devastating and I was starting from scratch again.
It wasn’t time for me to give up, I had to find new girls I loved and I knew would be a good fit. Fast forward from 2019 to now, we have been open 5.5 years and have an amazing group that I consider drama free and some of my closest friends. Even through emergency plumbing issues, Covid, personalities or work ethics that didn’t mesh, I was able to filter out who would appreciate and love my space as much as I did. Along with that, who would love Bucket, my puppy, who turned into a salon dog and has brought so much joy to the stylists and our clients as he holds their hand while they get their hair washed at the shampoo bowls. (A job he has given himself).
Elle BC Salon is a house turned into a salon like lots of businesses in Long Beach and honestly it feels like a home. I walk to work with Bucket, the girls love it here, everyone is SUPER talented and kind. A dream came true that I didn’t even know I had. And yes, Elle is now 13 and gets her hair done for free! lol
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a smooth road but definitely one worth traveling. These are some of the big obstacles I faced along the way.
-Building from the ground up
-Covid and reopening after
-Finding the right team to continue a new drama free and talented group
-getting our name out there
-Manipulative hairstylists who posed as kind and took advantage of my laid back trusting approach.
-unexpected costs due to old Long Beach building structure and plumbing
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in blonding . I started with balayage because of my love for painting which is a true balayage. Other highlight forms have come into play in the years and I’ve made it my mission to always stay up on the latest trends. I don’t like saying what I specialize in honestly because I feel like I’m equally as good at blonding as I am with color or haircuts whether it be a long dimensional blonde with blended layers or a short red blunt bob. i work visually and realized everything in hair should be customized.
I am most proud of how my art background and my business-HR degree have come together to create the best client experience. I listen to needs and also use my communication skills to build relationships. What sets me apart from others is that I am not money driven, yes I need to make a living but I believe honesty and integrity are more important. I would never say yes to a service that I know will damage a client hair. All hair I do is done with expensive but worth it products and intricacy to make sure the hair keeps its health and integrity. I dont keep information a secret and I will educate all my clients for free during their appointments to ensure they have the tools at home and know what to expect.
Being able to bring my goldendoodle to work to accompany myself and clients is also something that has set me and the salon apart. He’s not a tiny dog. He will literally hold your hand through the process. 🙂
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My sister first and foremost. She’s the reason I’m here. She’s believed in me through all my anxiety and worry. Her being a therapist I’m sure helped too lol.
My brother who created the name and helped me with nights putting chairs and shampoo bowls together.
My mom. My mom has been our personal green thumb. She brings us succulents and new plants to create the green beautiful space
My dad, this is his salon in my eyes. I owe it to him. Him and my mom immigrated from Lebanon where he had to start his business all over which caused him to have to go a different direction for himself. He spent countless hours building things and buying things and painting to help me open in 3 months. I’m so happy to say he in a way got the business he deserved. He can’t do an ounce of hair haha but he’s definitely a household name here lol.
Pricing:
- Blonding, 250-450 depending on specific service
- Custom Haircut, 85-115
- Color, 50-150
- Olaplex treatments $35-50
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ellebcsalon or my personal @amandamariebeauty
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/skc8Pm-hK6
