Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Paszke.
Hi Emily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a self employed hairstylist at West Oak Salon located in Canal Winchester, Ohio. I grew up in a very small town, not far from where I am now, called Carroll. My interest in doing hair started at a young age. From cutting my dolls’ hair to later doing my friends’ hair and makeup for school dances to eventually becoming a licensed hairstylist and salon owner. My senior year of high school, I took a tour of a Paul Mitchell Partner School, and my mind was made up that I wanted to be a cosmetologist. Throughout hair school, I also worked part-time as a receptionist at a local salon, where I eventually assisted and worked as a commission stylist for another year after I graduated. I then transitioned into booth rental at Salon Lofts, where I got a taste of business ownership. After one year as an independent stylist, my business partners and I opened up our own salon in Canal Winchester. Since then, we have moved to a larger location and built what is now known as West Oak Salon, where I have continued to build my dream clientele and offer services that I love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been anything but a smooth road! Everything from financial, to physical, to mental and emotional stress have been a factor at some point or another. I believe most business owners go through similar situations. Building a business is tough. At some points, I felt like I was dumping money into things that I wasn’t sure would work out. At other times, I’ve been so emotionally drained and stressed that I’ve needed to seek professional medical help. In the end, you become stronger from it and learn what is best for you and your business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in hand-tied extensions and lived in hair color. Extensions have really blown up in the last 10 years, and lived in color (balayage, smudge roots, etc.) is becoming more and more popular. There are so many stylists who specialize in both types of services. That being said, it’s not hard to find someone who is great at either of these things. I think what sets me apart, however, isn’t necessarily related to how well I do hair. Obviously, specializing in these services, I spend a lot of time and money furthering my education to offer the best experience possible for my clients. But, for me, the stylist and client connection goes beyond the hair. I love to be able to relate to my clients on a personal and professional level. I know that a client and I will be a great fit if they get the services I specialize in, read the same books that I do, watch the same tv shows, and have similar hobbies/interests. My goal for my clients is for them to leave with beautiful hair and the feeling that they just had lunch with a friend.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve had several mentors during my time in this industry. Some have been from before I even started doing hair, and some have been through networking since then. For me, social media has been a huge tool as far as networking goes. Don’t be afraid to “slide into the DM’s” of someone you really look up to. If I see a stylist or even an entrepreneur that isn’t in the same industry that I admire, I make it a point to go to a class that they are teaching. If they don’t host classes, I will reach out and make a connection of some sort. You can never stop learning. So, surrounding yourself with people that you feel drawn to in a professional sense is so important.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilypaszke.com
- Instagram: @emilypaszke
Image Credits
Natalie Day’s Photography
