Life & Work with Laura Salazar of Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Salazar.

Hi Laura, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My passion for hairdressing was ignited after attending one of my older sisters’ hair show competitions. It hadn’t occurred to me until that day that you could compete in this industry. The room was packed with energy from the intensity of the competitors, an intensity I know well. It is hard for me to turn away from competition (to a fault at times!) As much as I love competing, my life didn’t take the turn down that path. I realized I didn’t care to compete regarding my artistic ability. The artistry struck me on display, and I immediately knew I could make hair that beautiful. But I didn’t want to do it for show at competitions. I knew, felt, and dreamt I was destined for something more. I grew up in Peoria, Arizona, with my two sisters, brother, mom, and dad. It was sometimes challenging. I remember one winter when I had no jacket or sweater to wear to school. My 1st-grade teacher gave me a jacket, and my gratitude was overwhelming.

Years later, when I was around 8 years old. I saw a commercial about starving children that urged viewers to donate because, for just a small amount of money a month, “you’d be making a difference in a child’s life.” I remember asking my dad if we could help. I felt strongly about helping others, just as my 1st-grade teacher helped me. It was around that time that I connected the dots. I knew my purpose: To help others in need, somehow, in some way. I didn’t know it yet, but I would get there one day, and it would be through hairdressing.

Fast forward to my adulthood: I graduated from cosmetology school, got my license, and worked making beautiful hair. I loved my first few years working behind the chair, yet, I felt something was missing. I am an introvert, and I realized that I did not agree with the culture of hairdressing, like “small talk.” I knew it was part of the culture, but I only realized how laborious it was once I was behind the chair. Strangers are asking me questions like where am I from? How many siblings do I have? Am I married? I thought, “You can’t be serious!” Are you here for my skill? Or are you looking for a therapy session?” I’m trying to deliver the skill that the client is paying me to do, and trying to talk at the same time was overwhelming for me. I knew something had to change because I wasn’t the only one who would benefit from a change in the culture. I had my first idea for a culture change in hairdressing, and it was time to get noticed. I made it to Orange County and was ready to get down to business. I thought, “Okay! I’m out here! Let’s do this!” I swallowed all my pride and started again from the bottom at an inland Super Cuts in Rancho Santa Margarita. Three months later, inspired by the OC vibes, I knew it was time to move on to something bigger. I interviewed and got a stylist position in Laguna Beach at Ocean Blue Salon. The owner, Ali, really gave me a helping hand. I wouldn’t have survived in Laguna Beach if not for his generosity. During my first year in OC, I lived out of my car for a few months, determined to make success happen in California before returning home to Arizona. A client of mine put in a good word for me, and I could rent a room from an older woman who lived within walking distance of the Salon. I built a clientele. It was all going well, and I was proud of myself for sticking it through.

Unfortunately, soon after my salon dreams were falling into place, my “competitive behind” slipped a disc after climbing a 10,000 ft elevation gain mountain. That injury made working impossible, bringing me back to Arizona, where I stayed on bed rest for 3 months. As soon as I could somewhat “walk” with the help of epidural injections, I hit the ground running. A few OC clients asked if I would like to return to OC. Yes! That decision led to going back and forth from AZ to OC for 7 years. During that time, I implemented “Hush and Cut,” where you can choose when booking an appointment. Option 1: The Hush N Quiet Appointment -Enjoy a quiet experience with spa music and no talking during this appointment. Shut your eyes, stay on your phone, read a book, or work from your laptop. Relax and Zen out! Option 2: The Cut N Chat appointment -Let’s talk about it, girl and gents. Let’s chat, catch up, listen, and laugh! We talkin! Your choice in music, movie, or show to watch. Option 3: The Hush N Chat appointment -Enjoy a combination, a quiet experience during the color application, chat, and catch up during your processing time. Your choice in music, movie, or show to watch.

I also opened up a Salon Suite this year in Scottsdale to deliver my quiet chair concept and to give my extension clients the privacy they deserve and prefer. I want my clients to feel relaxed after their appointment. Women set this time aside for themselves, whether it’s time away from their significant other, children, or any other responsibilities. I want each client to leave as if they just had a massage: Relaxed, rejuvenated, and beautiful.

This brings us to the present. I still felt something was missing in my life and the hairdressing world. I was proud of how far I had come despite the obstacles and of the connections I made on my talent alone! Yet, my childhood dream of helping the less fortunate wasn’t being fulfilled. Would there be a way to bridge the gap between my philanthropic side and my entrepreneurial spirit? I ended up in Tucson at Salon Salon. I developed a passion for hair extensions thanks to a coworker who pushed me toward them. It aligned with one of my visions for my clients as they sat in the chair in front of me. I want to make other women feel empowered. For many women, hair is their identity and security; their confidence lies in how good they feel about their hair. I would like to empower them with my art and skill by adding extra length or thickness. Yes! Let’s go there! I started brainstorming other avenues my brand HUSH could take like natural hair products specifically made for extensions. The ideas kept flooding in! What about investing in my line of hair extensions to empower women workers? HUSH is founded on impact and how confidence in yourself can help you succeed in all facets of life. Because of this, HUSH has plans to donate a percentage of all proceeds to support women in need in Mexico. By happy coincidence, one of my Tucson clients is the CEO of Start-up Tucson, Liz Pocock. I pitched my idea about my brand HUSH. “Great idea!” she said. She put me in contact with a great team of people who sees my vision as clearly as I do. I’m looking forward to my new journey and sharing what I feel is the missing piece to a fulfilling career for me -helping the less fortunate. You can follow my Instagram account to join me on the ride. I know it isn’t going to be easy. I want people to see the ups and downs. I want you all to see, behind the scenes, the real stuff. I’m going to need cheerleaders. I don’t want to go through my final chapter alone. I’ll need all the support I can get.

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 was not smooth at all. Mostly, it took hard work, determination, consistency, and perseverance. I look back now and remember certain situations where I wanted to quit. It’s quite easy to think that way, but I’d quickly think, “Yeah, right, there is no way I’m quitting now.” I believe it takes a certain mindset to keep going even when things aren’t going as smoothly as you wish. But, you must keep going.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I believe most hairdressers have a reputation or are perceived as “crazy.” That perception has bothered me somewhat since the beginning of my career. It’s a lot of why I pioneered the “quiet chair concept.” Not only to appease the anxiety of first-time clients. It also allows me to immerse in deep focus on each creation. I truly enjoy getting lost in my work. The high I get from a well-executed masterpiece is something felt and can’t be explained. Actually, it doesn’t feel like work; that’s the best part of what I do. And, to be quite honest? We all have a little crazy in us no matter what profession we’re in, and that’s okay.

What’s next?
As far as my future is concerned. I feel I’ve only scratched the surface. I’m happy with how far I’ve come, yet I know how much further I need to go. Again, I’m hoping for a smooth road. Yet, ready for more obstacles. I want to continue pioneering/branding “the quiet chair concept.” Aside from that concept, this next chapter I’m diving into will be manufacturing my hair extensions. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to help the less fortunate. I thought: “How can I use my career and help others at the same time”? Then, one day it hit me! “I’m going to have my line of hair extensions; I will have a non-profit organization in Mexico and have them sourced from there.” Not only are women purchasing this line making themselves feel better about their appearance, but they are also helping other women in need as part of the proceeds from “Hush extensions” will go towards this non-profit. Words can not describe how enamored I feel about finally having the opportunity to help others. I’m looking forward to any, every, and all future obstacles.

Pricing:

• Upon consultation

Contact Info:

• Website: Hushncut.com
• Instagram: Hush_Ncut