Today we’d like to introduce you to Brie Coons.
Brie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
High school ended and I tried a little of that traditional path to a 4-year college and after that a year in photography school, and thought I had found my path. I went to cosmetology school a couple of years later in 2007. Wow, it was exactly what I thought it would be, not. Beauty school was a rude awakening to this tomboy who had never styled long hair! I was one of those kids in high school who loved to cut and color their own hair in the bathroom at home. But to learn all these other skills like perms, nails and make-up was a little overwhelming at first.
I made my way to Boston around 2009 and landed at one of the hippest hottest rockstar salons there was. Thats when my career finally started. A swift kick in the butt as an assistant for two years. You had to pay your dues, in total I assisted for three years, counting my first salon before Boston. As much as I hated it, I get it now. All the lessons I learned I’m thankful for now. There I met the best people, had the best teachers, made amazing friends. Yet, I still always dreamed of California. Because who wouldn’t when you’re walking in snow and ice, freezing your butt off rushing to work, haha. I finally made it to Los Angeles in 2018. I was born in Cali and dreamt of it ever since, no hard feelings to NH where I grew up actually, which was lovely.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In 2012, I was awarded “best men’s haircut” by Boston Magazine. That was amazing. Early in my career, I was already being recognized. Now I just have to hold up to that and keep pushing myself to be better and learn more everyday. In 2014, I went back to Barber school to learn more about the barbering world as I found my self so drawn to that community. No one loves going back to school and leaving their full-time job and established career. But this hairstylist survived waking up early again instead of going to work at noon and got it done. I realized now that if I had known about Barbering school first, I probably would have just gone there. But in the long run, I’m so thankful for my cosmo background. I’ve learned so much that I can blend the two words together and offer a certain set of skills to my clients when they sit in my chair to set me apart from the crowd.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Salon Folklore – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I cut hair. I change people’s lives. Sometimes, I just cut hair. But seriously, at this point, I think I’m known for chopping off long hair and giving someone the pixie they’ve always wanted. I love to do short hair, tight fades and abstract line work. We are here for our LGBTQ community, but also our local community in East LA. We are a safe space for people to come to and be themselves. The last year has been a great learning experience for me personally to grow and learn more about my own community and to support Trans/GNC folx we service everyday. I’m so thankful for finding my new home in LA with the Folklore team. Folklore is about to relocate to Cypress Park with a bigger location. We can’t wait to have more events at our shop and more community-building opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1277 Cypress Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90065 - Website: salonfolklore.com
- Phone: 213-483-8435
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Bio pic of me: Elide Samperio
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