Community Highlights: Meet Julie Tran of Salon boutique owner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Tran.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up I always thought I would want to be a teacher. After attending Cleveland State University for less than 2 months, I found myself working at a salon and obtaining my hair license. I started out assisting and training at a corporate salon. I wanted to gain more guidance and training. While working at this salon, I realized I wanted independence and autonomy over my business. I wanted to create a positive salon culture in a space that was mine. Now 10 years later, I run my own business and have an amazing friend and stylist who works along my side!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey to becoming a business owner came with certain challenges. The year I began building my career as a stylist was when social media was rapidly gaining popularity. It became essential to highlight your business using hashtags and geotags. Small business owners were trading services to cross-promote, and influencers became key to promoting a brand. Through this process, I learned how to grow my business and, over time, I discovered what works best for me. I’ve built an amazing clientele with whom I’ve developed meaningful relationships, and they are the reason I love going to work. I remember being a new stylist and wondering if I would ever have a loyal, consistent clientele. Today, they are the reason I was able to open my own business and continue doing what I love. I do struggle with balancing motherhood and running my own business, but I try to remain grateful that I get to do both. Owning my business allows me the flexibility to carve out time for my loved ones and to be present.

As you know, we’re big fans of Salon boutique owner . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I own a three-chair salon suite here in Lakewood, Ohio. We specialize in lived-in hair and extensions. For those who aren’t familiar with lived-in hair, it is custom and low-maintenance hair that enhances your natural beauty. The color and style grows out softly and flatters your features. It is all customized specifically to your hair type, skin tone, and lifestyle, so it looks effortless—like you woke up with great hair. It’s a full experience beyond just getting your hair done. The goal is to give you a look that lasts, with fewer salon visits and easy styling at home. The extensions are just the final touches to make my clients feel beautiful!

Our mission at Mane Haus is to create a welcoming, feminine sanctuary where every client receives a personalized experience that celebrates their unique beauty. We are dedicated to fostering a space of relaxation and comfort, ensuring that every visit leaves our clients feeling refreshed, confident, and cared for.

I’ve been in the hair industry for 12 years now, and what I’m most proud about is the community that I have built here in Cleveland. I have connected with so many clients over the years, and this has also led to me connecting with other local business owners and stylists.

Since becoming a mother, I took a few steps back from behind the chair. I began narrowing down my days and what I was specializing in. This has helped me find another talented stylist for my clients. The beauty industry is very competitive. I remember we were taught this in hair school, and I didn’t like that. I want to change the culture of our industry because there is a lot of talent here in Cleveland. There is enough for us to all grow and be successful.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories would always be with my cousins. We grew up around each other and they’re practically my siblings.

I never thought doing I would be doing hair but as I think back to the memories I have as a child.. I could see how that lead me to where I am now…
I remember a time I hid underneath the dining table to cut my hair and a few minutes later was busted and told not to do it again.
When I looked in the bathroom my hair wasn’t as short as I wanted to and I remember going back to the kitchen to get the scissors so I could cut it shorter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Manehaus.com
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/manebyjulie