Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Cie. They and their team shared their story with us below:
It’s no secret that Malibu is a sun-drenched mecca for beautiful people. The laid-back lifestyle that oozes out of the air is something of a phenomenon. And if you’ve ever seen a freshly coiffed woman strolling through The Malibu Country Mart, chances are she’s just left the chair of top Malibu colorist & stylist, Heather Cie. Heather is the owner of Cie Salon, a 7-chair boutique hair salon nestled in the north end of The Malibu Country Mart. She’s widely recognized for her lived-in beachy Malibu color vibe. Her signature technique produces hair with shine, texture and a patina that looks not only effortless but also naturally touched by the glisten of the California sun.
A native of southern CA, Heather grew up with a creative edge and started dabbling in hair color at a young age. Her Malibu Barbie doll was her first “client” at the age of 8. She’d alter the hair color of her Barbie dolls from blonde to brunette or even shades of pink or strawberry red. She continued her exploration with hair color on her friends in high school. Boxes on boxes of hair dye were her tools along with the power of a good hairdryer. But before going professional with her craft, Heather found herself working as a personal shopper and stylist at Malibu fashion staples such as Madison and Planet Blue. After eight years in retail, cosmetology school came calling. Post-graduation she landed in an exclusive Beverly Hills salon and her passion for hair color came rushing back. “From that day, I never had a second thought and have been a master colorist now for 15 years,” says Heather. “Professionally, I was inspired by Tracey Cunningham who gave me my first job, mentored me and trusted me to work on some of the most high-profile clients & celebrities in all of Los Angeles.”
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?
“Owning my own business has been my greatest accomplishment. I’m entering my 10th year in the Malibu location and I’ve survived threatening wildfires, a global pandemic and a divorce. Some say I’m brave. Sure, probably so, but I’m also relentless and have no regrets. I’m so proud to still be standing and thriving and always evolving.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cie Salon?
Heather simply loves making women feel beautiful. “It just doesn’t even feel like work”, says Cie. “Nothing makes me smile bigger than when I see a woman walk into the salon one way, then walk out feeling confident, inspired, beautiful and ready to take on the world!” Her approach to color leaves her clients with bright, luxurious hair – natural and healthy, not trendy. To date, Heather has seen more than 2,500 clients, some who travel thousands of miles for her to work magic on their tresses. “I think I currently have 2500+ formula cards”, says Cie. She never forgets a face or a formula. “Once you’ve been in my chair, I’d like to consider you a client and a friend for life.”
So what’s next for Heather Cie? She is about to launch “Cie Academy”, an educational curriculum designed to inspire colorists to employ her signature color techniques, to work faster, smarter and grow their clientele. She’s also expanding her business to the east coast and seeing clients in Atlanta regularly. And thanks to her co-workers and significant other Jonas, a remodeled Cie Salon refresh has just been completed.
Cie Salon is open Tuesday through Sunday in the Malibu Country Mart. On the weekends, you might see Heather driving her Bronco toward the beach at sunset with her beautiful blonde hair blowing in the Malibu breeze.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
You’ll always find Heather working with an assistant because she believes she also a teacher at heart. Mentoring and helping young women learn brings her joy. Heather’s advice to women wanting to own their own business is this: “Get a strong foundation behind you because it’s not a one-woman show. It truly takes a village. Mental stability is also critical because fear and self-doubt can easily peep in and slow you down. So practice confidence and give it your all. You have to show up, and if you fail, then at least you tried!”
Heather credits much of her success to her parents who taught her to shoot for the stars, work hard and follow her passions. One of 3 children, she was surrounded by support and unconditional love. As a mother herself, Heather tries to emulate those same values with her 5-year-old son Thatcher. “Thatcher is my greatest inspiration. He makes me want to be the best person I can be so I can give him the world!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ciesalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciesalon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ciesalon
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ciesalon
