Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Titus & Genai Canale.
Hi Meg & Genai, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Megan: We met in 2016 at a salon in Studio City. Our stations were next to each other and we immediately clicked.
Genai: Over a four year period, we became friendly and would have casual chats about opening a salon together. It was mostly dreamy talk. We probably thought it would never happen as we were pretty content in our current location.
Megan: Suddenly, COVID hit and with it came the shutdown. We both shared fears of the pandemic worsening and no longer felt comfortable in a ten chair salon.
Months into the pandemic, an opportunity to sublet a charming, two chair bungalow presented itself. I thought of Genai immediately and we jumped into the space together. We worked as a team for a year and realized we were great partners. It was also a relief to have more control over our work space. Our clients appreciated a more intimate atmosphere. Once the world started opening back up, we knew we would soon outgrow our little two chair bungalow.
Genai: Our eyes were always peeled for retail spaces. We wanted to find something cheerful and bright. Luckily, we landed at 3951 Laurelgrove Ave in Studio City. Westfolk is tucked away on a lovely side street, right between a bustling Ventura Blvd. and a beautiful residential neighborhood. The buildout took a couple of months. Near the end of August 2021, our sunny, four chair salon opened it’s doors. We’ve gotten such a positive response from the locals. Meg has also won all the neighborhood dogs over with treats. They love us!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Megan: COVID was one of the biggest challenges but also the catalyst to us finding a new location and opening a business together. Since COVID began we were always on the same page with safety measures. We trusted each other and, essentially, were in a Covid bubble together for a long time.
Genai: Supply chain disruptions were frustrating for us. Shipping delays, increased costs for wood, products and labor were issues we had to contend with. There are always surprises when you are doing construction, so you have to expect the unexpected. Somehow, we still managed to open pretty quickly. It took us a good five months to complete the design after we moved in. It’s all been a learning curve, as first-time owners, but we are finding our rhythm!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Megan: I am a third-generation hairstylist. I grew up north of San Francisco and have been working in Los Angeles since 2006. I currently teach for Kevin Murphy and specialize in color; lived in color, dimensional color, balayage and creative color. I enjoy free-form textured cutting.
Genai: I was born in LA and have worked as a stylist in Studio City for about 17 years. I love the freedom of being my own boss. I’ve had education through Kevin Murphy, Vidal Sassoon, Bumble and Bumble and Wella to name but a few. I specialize in textured cuts, bobs, balayage, redheads, lived-in looks, shags.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Genai: As far as finding a mentor we advise that young stylists work for a salon that offers education or work for a stylist that is always continuing their education. It’s important that your mentor isn’t stuck in a rut and keeps you motivated.
Megan: Social media is essential to building your business. Educating yourself on both creating and posting great content is beneficial. There is a whole world of mentors and opportunities to network on social media. Stylists have infinite access to other stylists, potential clients, new techniques and trends. We didn’t have that when we were starting out. It’s amazing.
Contact Info:
- Email: westfolksalon@gmail.com
- Website: westfolksalon.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/westfolksalon
Image Credits
Cathyn Farnsworth Jeff Gardner
