When I was 20 years old, I had been thinking of pursuing a career as a stylist but after receiving the worst haircut of my life I knew it must happen.  If anything, it would teach me how to do my own hair and be able to create my own style. 

 

Fast forward a few years, at the age of 24, I decided it was time to open my own shop. I sold my car to help with the downpayment and bought a 4 chair salon three blocks from my home.  My best friend, that I met in beauty school, and I worked side by side for three months before taking on another team member.  Within six months of being opened, our salon was filled with stylist and our vintage shop was thriving. 

 

With no money for art, we put out a call to action to the talented local artists around the city, offering cozy walls to display their creativity, at the same time filling our unconventional space. At the time we were the first salon to support local artist and have a funky little vintage store in the back.  Two years into the new salon we had stylist weekly coming in wanting to work at the Velvet Monkey.  I just had to find a way to put these talented stylist to work. 

 

By year three I rented another location and remained there for two years before purchasing our current location on N May and 63rd. It has now been 18 years since our doors opened and I couldn’t be happier.  I have seen so many talented stylist come thru our doors to pursue their own dreams.  Over 20 salon owners have come out of Velvet Monkey.  I am so proud to see these stylist follow their dreams just as I did. Life is what we make it. 

 

Peace, love & beauty. 

Estrella