Meet Ava Shire of Neighborhood Salon in Echo Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ava Shire.

Ava, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Echo Park Native. Worked in Beverly Hills first few years of career and wasn’t pleased with the type of Salon on that side of town. Wanted a more intimate and real environment. I also didn’t want to drive across town anymore. Quality of life. My dad had an open rental and asked me if I wanted to open my salon in it. I wasn’t ready, having just gone through divorce and being 27 years old…but I hustled and did it anyways. Neighborhood has grown, but remains a small nook of good energy. We just had our 7 year anniversary. What makes us special beyond our ethics and values, we are the only green Salon on this side of town, is that we have a very community vibe. My parents are also echo park natives and they have an art studio behind my shop. My husband and I met because he works next door. I grew up with the husband of the yoga studio next doors owner. It’s really a lucky situation. A neighborhood thing.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Opening a business at a low economic point is risky. You only live once though and I wanted to try. I had worked in an array of salons and they all had their negatives. I wanted to have my own business so I could try and omit those things from my life. It’s hard, but I try. It’s expensive running a small business. It’s very stressful to be ethical and keep afloat. It’s emotional. Sometimes you have to be “not cool” in order for things to get done and respect to happen. It’s also tough having something that people want. We’ve been stolen from and broken into multiple times. That’s tough to handle on many levels.

Please tell us about Neighborhood Salon.
We are a small boutique salon with a large range of expertise. Operated with the mindset of being as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible while still achieving maximum results in color and style. Every stylist we have specializes in several areas. We get quite a few platinum blonde and pastel hair seekers. Curly haired to straight for wash and go cuts. Men’s barber cuts and salon scissors cuts. We have every arena covered. We are proud of the uniqueness and individuality of every stylist we have. We have a wonderful manager who keeps us smooth running and provides excellent client service. We are known for our stylists being extremely virtuous as well as producing desired client results. Our Salon has a really exceptional design aspect to its interior decor and we embrace a sustainable salon ethic partnering with Green Circle Salon eco Salon services and going beyond typical recycling guidelines. Yay!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
There are a few things I would’ve installed earlier if I knew we needed them in the beginning. I also would be easier on myself and remember more often, hopefully, that it’s supposed to be fun! It’s about learning and growing and doing better and then growing from that. It isn’t worth it if it isn’t enjoyable and have enjoyed it. Just stressed and second guessed myself more than I should have.

Pricing:

• Haircuts men 45+
• Haircuts women 80+
• Color 90+
• Highlights 75+

Contact Info:

• Address: 1838 echo park ave.
  Los Angeles, ca 90026
• Website: NeighborhoodSalon.net
• Phone: 323-284-8609
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Neighborhoodsalon
• Facebook: Neighborhood Salon
• Yelp: Neighborhood Salon

Image Credit:
Pskaught

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