Daily Inspiration: Meet Erin Blume

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Blume.

Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Wow! Where do I start? I began my hair career 20 years ago without any intention of becoming a hairstylist; makeup was my true passion. When I moved to LA, I dreamed big about working in television makeup, but then a writer’s strike hit, and I realized I needed a steady job. I found myself behind a makeup counter, which didn’t inspire my creativity. So, I transitioned to a corporate role in R&D for a Japanese wig company. Eventually, I craved more creativity and joined a salon, and I’ve been there ever since. Salons and hair provided the energy I had always sought but never quite found. And voilà! I became a hairstylist. I started as an assistant (not my best role), moved up to junior stylist, then senior stylist, became a hair color educator, and worked on various shoots and brand shows, even have had my work published a few times, and won a couple of awards for my work. It’s wild to think I once believed hair wasn’t my path, and now here I am, fully immersed in it!

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?
Oh no, not at all. I often joke that every ten years I want to leave and start something new, but then I find myself falling in love with hair again. Being a salon assistant is tough, and I’ve shed a lot of tears. It’s hard to face criticism from top stylists you look up to, especially when you mess up something as simple as their coffee order or how you hold a bobby pin. Growing up in a time when the mentality was “take any job, even if it’s unpaid, because you’re fortunate to have it” is challenging. I’ve probably gotten more round brushes stuck in hair and botched countless color formulas, but those experiences have shaped who I am today. I learn from them and continually strive to improve. These mistakes also enhance my teaching, as I want to make sure no one else has to learn the hard way like I did.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I spend four days a week behind the chair at Foxtrot Salon, focusing on hair color and extensions. I exclusively use ethical brands like Davines Haircolor and Great Lengths extensions, both of which are B Corp certified and made from responsibly sourced materials. Whether it’s subtle adjustments or dramatic makeovers, my priority is ensuring my guests leave feeling absolutely amazing and eager to return.

If you’ve been in my chair, you may have heard me share about my work in Cambodia, where I collaborate with a cosmetology school and local salons. I feel incredibly lucky to have found the Justice and Soul Foundation ten years ago, a nonprofit based in Phnom Penh that offers free cosmetology education and job assistance to survivors of sex trafficking. This program allows students to earn a livable wage as they start a new beginning. Over the past few years, I’ve committed to teaching there and providing essential supplies—like gloves, shears, clips, and foils—that many hairstylists in the U.S. often overlook. The quality of supplies in Cambodia doesn’t match what we’re accustomed to, and I believe everyone should have access to the best tools for learning.

My experiences in Cambodia have reshaped how I approach hair and interact with guests in the salon. I used to be the stylist managing multiple guests with two assistants, always feeling stressed about meeting production demands. However, my time there and the insights from my students taught me the importance of slowing down. Every moment with a guest is valuable. I now strive to provide each guest with a tailored, one-on-one experience that focuses on their unique needs, regardless of how long the service takes. Building connections with my clients is now a top priority.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe education is crucial for achieving success. Staying informed about the latest trends with beauty, to business development is key; otherwise, your career can become stagnant real quick. Additionally, cultivating a community that motivates you is vital. I’ve surrounded myself with artists from various fields, ages, and backgrounds who inspire me. The most impactful individuals in my life aren’t necessarily those with millions of followers on social media, but rather everyday people who are passionate about creativity and provide a great sounding board for my ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.foxtrotsalon.com
• Instagram: @erin_blume
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/2Ln2WsLlUg
• Other: https://www.justiceandsoul.org