Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Imagna.
Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Originally born and raised in Buffalo, New York. I made the move across the country to Los Angeles, California in pursuit of my dreams to be a professional dancer and continue my journey as a barber and hair creative. The day I landed in LA, I wasted no time at all and got right to work. Within the first week, I was signed to a dance agency that I dreamed about signing with. I immediately started taking professional dance classes and searching for where my next barbershop would be. My life went from small city living with big city dreams into living out my new reality. During my first year in LA, I was faced with many challenges, as would anyone who just moved across the country at 19. In my gut, I knew my purpose was meant to be fulfilled here. After a year of training in professional dance classes, learning from my sister Alex Imagna who is also a professional dancer. I booked my first job on the MTV VMAs as a dancer for Rosalia. This moment changed my life. It solidified the very reason why I moved to LA and showed me that I can really do this. I was able to share the stage with my amazing big sister on live TV doing what we trained our whole lives for. That performance is one of my most cherished memories of my life. After that job, it was a domino effect and kickstarted my professional dance career. Fast-forwarding to now 2021, I can say that I have been able to accomplish some of my dreams as a dancer and as a barber. While dancing took off, my barber career was taking a backseat. When covid happened, I had the time to re-fall in love with the art of hair. I now work at an elite barbershop in Los Angeles called Grey Matter LA where I am surrounded by some of the best barbers in the business. This shop is like no other where it provides training, high-quality services and encourages the barbers to pursue multiple dreams not only as a hair professional. While learning to perfect my craft, I have learned there is much more to a barber than giving a haircut. Barbering became another outlet for my creative and artistic expression. At this moment, I am thankful to be able to balance my career as a professional dancer and barber while striving for the dreams that have yet to be accomplished.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since I have arrived in LA, it’s been a very bumpy road but none of these experiences were complete roadblocks. I have had barbershops be open one day and closed the next day leaving me without a job. I went from working as a dancer with multiple jobs lined up, then Covid happened and all of those opportunities were gone overnight. I have worked through how inconsistent the industry can be. Being far from all of my family to lean on when it gets tough is something that was tough for me. These experiences have been difficult to deal with at times, knowing that I have more to offer and achieve in this city inspires me to find a way to persevere.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In all aspects of my life creativity is the most prevalent and finds its way into all avenues of my life. When I am dancing, I create movement that is unique and passion driven that is true to me as a person. Being my authentic self while dancing sets me apart from others because it is the visual representation of how my brain hears music. As a barber, my creative side comes out by taking risks doing unusual hair colors, combining them with bold haircuts ending in a piece of art rather than just a traditional haircut. I am most proud of how I do everything out of genuine love of my crafts. This keeps me forever inspired and hopefully, my work will inspire others one day.
Pricing:
- $60 Haircut
- $200 House-call Haircut
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @emily_imagna
- Twitter: @emily_imagna
- Other: tiktok @MLEtheLasagna
Image Credits
Paige Vincheski Emily Johnson Carrington Colin Hoefle
