Life & Work with Erika Vaught

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Vaught.

Hi Erika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
I started my cosmetology journey immediately after finishing high school. From there, I started working at 6 salons in Detroit, MI. I worked for so many incredible mentors that helped me advance my career and skills over the past 11 years. Taking as many opportunities for education and classes all possible. I finally decided to take the risk of leaving my space there and move out to Los Angeles in hopes to grow even more within my craft. I got in contact with HAIR Los Angeles, knowing I could grow and change at their studio. I was blessed to be given that chance. I currently work full-time behind the chair with this new team. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a perfect smooth road. I would say the beginning years of being in this industry test you immensely. I feel as though during that time, you truly learn if this is the right path for you. Of course, with that challenge, you have many moments of weakness. Once that seems to come to a close there is a bit of peace. As I grew in my career, I faced many challenges I didn’t see coming, but even through the hard times I may have had the salon was always my safe space. I could stay for hours completely finished with work because I knew that this was my whole life and all of my passion. Of course, leaving my home and starting over in a new city has brought many new ups and downs that continue to challenge me, but I really believe that all of this changing and challenging myself to fight through and grow has made me stronger than I could imagine. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do all different types of hairdressing, from creative color to natural color, cutting, and styling. I specialize in color. I would say I’m the big project girl. From full bleaching to rainbow Mohawks. 

I would say my work with creative color is what I am most known for. 

I am most proud of the amount of dedication and discipline I have showed myself I can do in order to get to the level that I can work at today. 

I think what sets me apart from others is the love and detailed care that I feel is deserved by every single person who sits in my chair. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was so many different versions of myself. As a kid, I was loud and outgoing. I wanted to go everywhere and anywhere. In high school, I was the cheerleader but also the rebel, angsty kid. I always wanted to be creative and would experiment with my hair and makeup. I was the full Myspace girl. I had the bangs across my face and would dye my hair all different types of colors with bleach I would secretly buy at CVS. That was completely opposite of my cheerleading life. I enjoyed working hard at a sport, and it fully provide that to me as a teen and helped build my discipline. So, I would say I was always a girl who wore many hats. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Hairlosangeles.com
• Instagram: Erika.v_hair