June 30, 2016

Meet Beverly Hills Hairstylist: Melanie Ervin

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Ervin.

Melanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

Upon graduating high school I needed a plan, 30 days later I as enrolled at Virginia Farrell Cosmetology College in Ferndale Michigan. With no prior experience or ability I became engrossed in theory.

That was the beginning of a career I could only dream of. Detroit Michigan was once hailed as the “Hair Capitol” and with that locally you could find some of the most talented individuals in the beauty industry. Many only known locally or regionally, talent was not hard to find. So as a young stylist I set out to learn every aspect of this industry possible. Honing in on my theory under the direction of a hair care guru who was booked for months at a time, to an apprentice under a master barber. From there I studied high fashion and event hair, precision hair cutting to hair color. I was complete in the beauty industry with ability to service any patron that would enter the doors of any salon anywhere in the world. I was a well-known stylist, had been apart of an International Design Team and worked and managed a premier waterfront salon….it was time for me to conquered new territory.

Fifteen years later I decided to continue my education, I relocated to the Los Angeles area studying Product Development and marketing. After a few years off for education I realized hair care was needed especially in the urban community, so I took my talents to South Los Angeles hoping to change the mindset of professional, once my mission was complete I rented a station in yet another new area to get a feel for this new chapter. A year to date with a few road blocks I opened a studio in Beverly Hills inside Salon Republic. I felt as if I had been reborn…I am surrounded by creative professionals who inspire me each and every day. I love this industry, working with women, sharing their stories, watching the children grow into adults. It was never about money for me and as a result I have been able to be a professional stylist everywhere I go.

Has it been a smooth road?

My first goal was to have a salon, in 2006 I was given a full salon. I met a guy who had a salon but no knowledge of the industry after 2 meetings he gave me the keys and I never saw him again. Unfortunately my challenge was finding professional, licensed stylists in an area where they were very few. And although I ultimately closed, I walked into a partnership where I leased a space inside of an existing business. I was in demand and worked this location for years before moving to the west side of Los Angeles. Each milestone was better and better in business goals. Today, I work a limited schedule focusing on other areas of the beauty industry, I can honestly say, things are going well and I can’t wait to see what unfolds …it’s been good so great must be around the corner.

What are your plans for the future?

After so many years as a salon stylist, I think the ultimate route would be to have my work shared on a larger platform. Be it magazine or stage, television or movies. I try and not become wrapped up in plans. I rather do my best and see where it takes me. I remain open to possibilities and welcome the next opportunity. Ultimately, the biggest change I see coming is transitioning to more of editorial from a salon stylist. The creativity it takes to do editorial is another level to styling. That’s something I’m looking forward to.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?

I would have to say moving to LA was the most challenging I’ve done EVER! Being away from my family is and will always be the hardest thing, but growth requires change. I have grown in ways I would have never if I had not made the decision to move to Los Angeles.

It was hard because I had built an amazing business, lived a pretty good life. But I find that I am driven by challenges, so to move across the country not knowing anyone at all was a challenge I was up for. Though it was rough and many times I wanted to pack up and go back to things more familiar but I had a faith and a drive that would not allow me to give up.

I was a seasoned professional stylist so surely I could make it with my skills in a land so far away. Well, there was a delay in becoming licensed in California. I had to figure out something else so I did. I focused on my Product Development studies, worked as a bar tender and other odd jobs. A big difference from the self-employed, successful stylist from Michigan. But through it all I remained focused, after getting my license and working in the South Los Angeles market. I made another big move to the West Hollywood/ Beverly Hills area. Ready to rebuild in yet another new market. Almost one year to the date I could say my career was taking off in the right direction. And it was, I am now focusing on the editorial/entertainment industry. I have studied and honed my skills to be able to create almost any look on anyone. Surely there would be a place for those skills in the industry. Slowly yet surely I am finding my place in this new market and with new goals. Yup, I think my career has been filled with ups and downs but over all I can say. I’m doing it and couldn’t be more excited to see where this next chapter takes me. I think as long as I continue to learn it will always be a place for me in the wonderful world of beauty.

Pricing:

Prices start at $65 for a shampoo and style!! All deep conditioning treatments are complimentary as it my job as a stylist to care for your hair.
Extensions start at $200
Color and cut $150 (depending on hair length)
Men’s haircut $45 and up
All new clients 20% off

Contact Info: