Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Kershner.
Hi Emily , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ever since I was little, I always loved doing hair and would tell my parents- or whoever asked- that I wanted to be a hairstylist when I grew up. I would spend hours on YouTube learning new braids or hairstyles and then practice on my sister or friends. Although my initial passions changed, and I decided to pursue a marketing degree in college instead of beauty school – I still always loved styling hair.
It was just a personal hobby of mine until one of our family’s friends’ daughters was getting married in the summer of 2020. Her hired bridal hairstylist got COVID-19 a few days before the wedding, leaving the bride in a pinch. She remembered I did her hair for homecoming one year in high school, and she asked if I was willing to help. The rest is kind of history at this point.
It’s funny looking back on this and realizing how much has changed from this initial wedding. Not only my skills but I quickly realized the business opportunity set before me. There was a need for traveling bridal hairstylists… and people were willing to pay decent money for a good one! I had this picture in my head of what this side hustle could become, and I was willing to do everything in my own power to achieve it.
I started reaching out to other people I knew who did hair and asked if I could join them for their next wedding. I created an Instagram and website that showcased my work. I would reach out to people I personally knew who were engaged and ask them if they needed a bridal hair stylist for their day. Eventually, it snowballed, and people started reaching out to me.
Being self-taught, I would initially believe the lie in my head that I wasn’t capable of doing this. But (over) 150 weddings later… I can confidently say I can now!
I am not exactly sure what the future holds for Bridal Hair by Em. I joke with my family and friends that this side hustle is my second “full-time” job. Sometimes, I am running home from work because I have a bridal hair trial or am up late emailing brides and responding to multiple inquiries. It can be a lot juggling both. This has taught me the importance of using my time wisely. If I am “giving up” a Saturday morning for hair, it has to be worth my time.
On wedding mornings when I want to sleep in, I think about the little girl who wanted to be a hairstylist when she grew up. I get to live that out, and it really is a dream come true to get to live out both passions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Big picture, it has been a smooth road. But don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of things I needed to learn along the way to get to where I am now.
This included: Learning the questions to ask brides before the wedding day to understand what they need…. and what I need. Also, at first, I was always so scared to bring up payment or how much I charged for my service, fearing that I would be rejected. I now approach it so differently and clearly communicate that beforehand. Lastly, on the business side of things, keeping track of inquiries, who I’ve talked to, details about weddings, etc. It is a lot to keep straight and very important I do.
From being a bride once myself, I can confidently say that there is nothing worse than not feeling confident about your vendors. I always want to make sure my responses are timely, and conversations are well-tracked.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I love most about this job is making someone’s wedding “hair dreams” a reality. Some brides know exactly what style they want, but others have no idea. I think this is where my strengths as a hair stylist come in. Unfortunately, not every style on Pinterest works for every person. My goal is always to find the style that not only the brides love but that is also best suited for their hair type. I think this is what sets me apart – I want brides to leave my chair loving their hairstyle and learning more about their hair and how they can style it themselves for future events.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
To work with me just visit my website, www.bridalhairbyem.com and fill out my inquiry form! I am constantly posting hairstyles and inspiration on my Instagram, so make sure you check that out as well, @bridalhairbyem!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bridalhairbyem.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridalhairbyem/
- Other: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfy1s5YzHnyaRdxoRX0vIH5KsL1QGokSi86HSj-uq-AXUuBwg/viewform
