Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Gurvich.
Elena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I came to the United States as a young woman with big dreams and very little else. I didn’t know exactly where life would take me, but I knew I wanted to build something of my own, something meaningful, something lasting, and something that would make my children proud. As a single mom, every step I took was driven by the desire to give my 2 daughters stability, opportunity, and a strong example of resilience.
I started my career behind the chair, learning the craft of grooming and, more importantly, learning people. I loved helping clients feel confident, and I quickly realized that men were craving an elevated grooming experience, something modern, polished, relaxing, and truly tailored for them.
In 2012, an incredible opportunity came my way: the chance to become the owner of The Men’s Salon and Spa. It was a life-changing moment. Owning a business as a single mom wasn’t easy, but it gave me purpose, direction, and a chance to create the kind of environment I always envisioned. I poured my heart into elevating the brand, expanding services, investing in renovations, and building a strong, professional team. I wanted to create a space where men could relax, feel taken care of, and enjoy a premium experience.
Over time, our Symmes Township location became a trusted destination for men’s grooming. As the business grew, so did my vision. In 2025, I opened our second location in Mt. Lookout, a milestone that symbolized not just expansion, but everything I had worked for as an immigrant mom building a business from the ground up.
That same year, after many years behind the chair, I transitioned fully into my role as CEO. Stepping away from cutting hair was emotional, but it allowed me to focus on leadership, operations, growth, branding, and building the kind of team culture that reflects the heart of our business.
My journey has been filled with challenges: balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, navigating slow seasons, leading a growing team, and expanding in a competitive industry. But every obstacle strengthened me. Every risk taught me something. And every moment I look at my children, and at the two thriving salon locations, I feel so grateful for the path that brought me here.
Today, The Men’s Salon and Spa is more than a business to me. It represents resilience, reinvention, and the belief that with hard work and heart, you can build something extraordinary, no matter where your story begins.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the business owner I am today. Building a business, especially as a single mom and an immigrant, came with its own set of obstacles that I had to figure out one step at a time.
There were financial challenges, long days at the shop, and lots of moments of doubt, especially in the beginning when I was learning everything on my own while raising my girls. I was trying to create stability for my family at the same time I was building a future with no safety net, just determination.
As the salon grew, new challenges appeared: hiring the right people, creating strong systems, maintaining high standards, and learning how to lead a team while still working behind the chair. Opening the second location added even more pressure: slower months, high overhead, staffing needs, and building clientele from scratch in a new neighborhood.
Leadership also comes with tough decisions and constant growth. Some days it felt like I was carrying everything at once.
But every struggle made me stronger. I learned resilience, patience, financial discipline, and the importance of staying committed to my vision even when things were uncertain. The hard seasons taught me the most, and they made the success even more meaningful.
I wouldn’t change the journey, it’s what built the business, and it’s what built me.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Men’s Salon and Spa is a luxury grooming destination designed exclusively for men who value quality, comfort, and an elevated experience. We offer a full range of services: from precision haircuts and tailored beard trims to facials, waxing, scalp therapies, and our signature Japanese Head Spa, all delivered in a calm, modern environment where every detail is intentionally crafted.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to exceptional service and consistency. Every stylist on our team is highly trained in men’s grooming, and every room is designed to feel clean, private, and welcoming. We believe men deserve more than a quick haircut, they deserve a place where they can relax, unwind, and feel taken care of. Whether a client prefers conversation or a quiet, peaceful appointment, we tailor each service to their comfort.
One of the things we’re especially known for is our Japanese Head Spa. It’s a deeply relaxing scalp therapy that blends luxury with wellness, and it has quickly become one of our most sought-after services. We were recently voted Best Japanese Head Spa for Men in Cincinnati by Cincinnati Magazine, which has brought even more attention to this unique experience. Many clients describe it as the most rejuvenating and memorable treatment they’ve ever had.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the elevated standards we’ve built. From our dress code and professional presentation to the cleanliness of every room, the ambiance, and the consistency between our Symmes Township and Mt. Lookout locations, everything is designed with intention. We’ve created a space where men feel valued, respected, and confident from the moment they walk in.
At The Men’s Salon and Spa, we don’t just offer grooming, we offer an experience. A modern, upscale environment where men can relax, recharge, and walk out looking and feeling their absolute best.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Community is at the heart of what we do, and I love partnering with other local businesses to create unique experiences for our clients. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with amazing Cincinnati businesses: from Vinology, to No Wake Marine, to local cigar shops etc. and these partnerships have helped us bring something fresh and fun to the men’s grooming space. Whether it’s cross-promotions, special events, giveaways, or seasonal collaborations, I truly enjoy working with other entrepreneurs and supporting each other’s growth.
I’m always open to new community-focused partnerships, especially with businesses that align with men’s wellness, lifestyle, relaxation, or luxury experiences. When local businesses support one another, it strengthens the entire community, and I love being part of that.
People can support us by visiting either location, booking services, purchasing gift cards, or simply recommending us to friends and family. Word-of-mouth support means everything to small businesses, and we’re incredibly grateful for it.
Anyone who has an idea for a collaboration or community event is always welcome to reach out. I love building relationships, supporting fellow local business owners, and creating opportunities that benefit the community we serve.
Pricing:
- Haircuts $43+
- Japanese Head Spa $85-$185
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesalonformen.com
- Instagram: themenssalon
- Facebook: thesalonformen
