Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Emry.
Hi Allison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always knew I wanted to do hair. Growing up, my best friend’s mom did hair from her home. When I later found out you didn’t have to go to college to become a hairstylist, I was all in, which is ironic because I’m now just a semester away from completing my bachelor’s degree!
I trained at Z Hair Academy where my instructor, Sherri, inspired me and helped me to build a strong foundation of skill and professionalism. After graduation, I worked as an associate under two talented and successful stylists for about a year before opening my own suite at Sola Salon.
Self-employment was the best decision I could have made. Freedom gave me the capacity to make my own creative and business choices. The most meaningful part of my journey has been the relationships I have built with my guests. They truly mean the world to me. I get to live out my dream every single day because of the trust they put in me to do their hair.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest challenge starting off was confidence. I wasn’t naturally skilled at hair or communication in the beginning. During my first year, I even told myself I’d work just long enough to finish school and then find a different career.
Somewhere along the way, everything changed. I started taking class after class to perfect my craft, and the dedication I developed made my confidence grow. My mentors also gave me the tools to strengthen my communication skills. Once I became comfortable connecting with clients, I realized I was truly living my dream.
I know the effort you invest in your work always comes back to you. My past challenges have shaped me, and they remind me of how lucky I am to have this career.
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?
My social media handle is “I Am Allison Emry.” I chose this name because it feels powerful and genuine. My salon reflects the same thing; warm and homey. I want every guest to walk in and immediately feel comfortable regardless of whether we chat about life or enjoy the peaceful silence.
I specialize in sew in extensions and lived in color, but my true passion is the connection with my guests. I am set apart by how deeply I value the people who sit in my chair, and I never take their trust or time for granted.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built. The gratitude I feel toward my guests is truly surreal. They are such an important part of my life and my business. More than anything, I want to give them confidence when they leave my chair.
For me, success is defined by happiness. My career has made that simple. I am unsure what my future looks like, but I’m positive it consists of doing hair and building connections – living my dream.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am inspired most by the incredible hairstylists around me. I have an immense support system that values collaboration over competition. I have taken classes from remarkable stylists in the industry including JZ Styles, Color by Kriss, and Hair by Lexie, all of which have helped me gain the skills and confidence to be the stylist that I am today.
Technology plays a huge role in my business. Gloss Genius keeps my schedule organized while Instagram helps me showcase my work to current and potential clients.
I have read many books on business, including works by Dave Ramsey that have positively influenced me and given me a better idea on how to run a successful small business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allisonemry.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamallisonemry?igsh=MXc4eGYwN3d6ZHkxYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
