Life & Work with Haley Tsalemtzis of Marina Del Rey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Tsalemtzis

Hi Haley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Haley Tsalemtzis and I am a Hairstylist working in Marina Del Rey. I am originally from Santa Monica (born and raised) and have been in the industry for 12 years. When I first started doing hair, I focused primarily on weddings and events. I absolutely loved the creative aspect and thrived in the fast pace environment. At the time, I had no desire to ever work in a full service salon. If I’m being perfectly honest, I was too intimidated. I really had no experience doing cuts and color, other than in school. I ended up working at a blow-dry bar for about 6 years and felt myself completely burnt out from doing the same thing day after day. I also felt like my talent was not being utilized, so I took a leap and applied as an assistant at a high end salon in Brentwood. I got the job but unfortunately it was not the right fit for me and actually confirmed all my fears of working at a full service salon. However, I knew that I could not continue working at a blow-dry bar the rest of my career. After searching for a new assistant position, I was finally hired at a salon suite in Marina Del Rey. Since salon suites are such an intimate space (only two chairs) the owner was able to focus with me, one on one. I was eager to learn and she was an incredible mentor! She was patient, kind and encouraging. For the first time in a long time, I felt passionate about my profession. I worked as her assistant for a few years and then COVID hit. The regulations for hair salons were so strict and even stricter for salon suites, it made it incredibly hard to work together and we ended up parting ways. At the time, I had just gotten married and we were eventually going to start a family. I wanted the flexibility of working and being able to spend time with my family, so it was then that I decided to start my own business.

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?
I have had quite a few obstacles in my career. COVID was initially a huge set back but ultimately, it led me towards opening my own salon suite. I opened my salon suite, HT Hair in 2022 and it was a dream come true! My business was thriving and I was the happiest I’ve ever been in my career. In April of 2024, I welcomed my first baby girl and went on my maternity leave. A couple months later, I began work again. Shortly after returning, mine and every salon suite in the building were evicted without warning. There was a conflict between the owner and landlord. As a result, 30 businesses were forced to shut down within a few days. I was completely heartbroken, saying goodbye to the salon that I poured my heart and soul into. With my business shut down and being a new mom, I had to make a move fast. I was able to find a new salon just down the street from my old location, that I am renting a chair from. Although it is not my own salon, I am beyond grateful to be there and continue my business. Through everything, my clients have stayed with me and allowed me to continue doing what I love. My clients are more than just “customers”, we have formed connections and it is the most rewarding part of my job. I am able to meet incredible people and give them confidence through beautiful hair and meaningful conversations when they are in my chair.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I offer a variety of services, including haircuts, color, highlights/ balayage, tape in extensions and styling. I would say my specialty is natural looking color. I take pride in transforming my clients hair, without giving the obvious look of “just going to the salon”. I find the key to setting me apart, is really listening to my clients. I treat them the way I would want to be treated when getting my hair done. I am detail oriented and ALWAYS make sure my client leave happy!

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My Husband has been my rock through everything! We have been together for over 12 years. He has been with me through cosmetology school and every job that I have had during my career. Through the highs and lows, he has been my motivational speaker, giving me the push I needed to keep going. Any direction I took, he supported me fully.

Pricing:

• Haircuts $100
• Highlights $120-$250
• Balayage $200-$300
• Color $100-$150

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hthair.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h_t_hair?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==