Meet Luz Cortes of Hair By Luz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luz Cortes.

Hi Luz, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
You could say that one way or another, I was going to fix people’s heads! Out of high school, I had an inclination towards the medical field, and specifically wanted to work in neuroscience. I wasn’t someone born with a silver spoon in my mouth; my family worked hard to support me, but I knew if I wanted to get ahead in life, I was going to have to get myself there. When medical school seemed like just too far out of reach, I decided to build a foundation for myself and settled on cosmetology, and it was nothing like I expected. It wasn’t all just cutting, coloring, and curling hair, there’s a hefty amount of theory, chemistry, and anatomy that you have to understand. There’s a whole science to looking your best!

Maybe it was my impatience, but I immersed myself in this new world. Always looking for ways to improve and excel, I managed to turn a 12 month course into a 9 month course, and even earned a full ride through Barber School. To be honest, however, up until this point I still saw this as a transitional time in my career; a stepping stone on my path back to medical school. That was, until I first picked up a straight razor. Barber School allowed me to feel the precision and focus I was so adept at expressing myself with and finished in a record 4 months.

My career as a Barber/Cosmetologist took me from mom and pop locations, to being employed by established shops, to eventually managing these shops themselves. My work quickly found its appreciation, having over 500 clients before even deciding to open my own studio, and even traveling to share my expertise with colleagues emphasizing head shape and bone structure.

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?
Hardship tends to be the best teacher. Understanding that empathy can co-exist with a keen business sense was what allowed my business to succeed.

Once out of beauty/barber school, it seemed like my confidence went out the window. How could someone like me possibly work at a well known and established business? I limited myself in scope and looking back on it, I realize how much I learned in doing so. It taught me the value of my skills, by first seeing them underappreciated. I learned responsibility, by first having to pick up after those who shrugged theirs. And, learned to chase new opportunities, by learning how to let go of the things holding back my growth. It was difficult starting my studio on the back-foot of personal and professional troubles. However, with nothing but $1000 and the desire to see myself better, my studio was born!

It wasn’t all harsh lessons though; I was able to bring in a lot of positivity to my shop from other aspects of my life. At one point, in order to supplement my income, I worked with special needs individuals and learned to be patient and mindful with my clients. In working through my own personal problems, I developed strong interpersonal skills and encourage my clients to prioritize their mental health. But, above all else, I always try to intentionally listen, because we could all use a little more kindness in our day to get us feeling AND looking our best.

As you know, we’re big fans of Hair By Luz. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Hair By Luz opened for business on September 2019. It features an intimate and relaxed studio environment with timeless styling. Convenient, by appointment only booking, avoids the stress and hassle of conventional shops and salons. With over 13 years in the industry, and being a certified master barber (2017) and master colorist (2023), my priority is helping clients reach their hair and skin health goals. No two clients are treated the same, and everyone is offered honesty and transparency in their treatment. “The extra mile” “white glove service” and “a safe and inclusive environment” do not even begin to describe it!

Additionally, you can choose your appointment type. Silent and straight to business, upbeat and inviting, or anything in between. Men- don’t let the word “studio” turn you away. This is a bonifide barber experience offering traditional hot towel straight razor shaves!

Se habla español.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Some folks are lucky enough to have a friend or a colleague who is also their barber/stylist. Others are not so lucky, but what if they could be? In my studio, you’re not walking into a busy shop, waiting in line, silently hoping there’s enough time for you. Instead, you instantly become the most important person in the room the moment you walk in. Providing a personable experience is the key to any successful business endeavor, and mine is certainly no exception.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hairbyluz.square.site
• Instagram: @hair_byluz