Meet Trailblazer Elena Griego

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Griego.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Elena. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am married for 20 years. Thank you, thank you. I have two daughters, 20 and 17. I love to run. I love to read. But what I do, what has given my family and myself the opportunity to thrive is I am a hairstylist. Ground breaking, right? BUT, I work for myself, and THAT is what is groundbreaking for me. I have had my own studio coming on to 5 years and I see myself doing this 5, 6, 7, 8+ more (if my health allows me to). I have been working in the hair industry for over 13 years already. How hairdressing came to be for me was simple. Same story that I feel happens to most people. I simply wasn’t happy with my current situation. I was an assistant branch manager for a banking center and had my first of many seizures. While I was on medical leave I realllllly didnt want to go back to work, so I thought hair would be fun. I told my husband and showed him the numbers and stats of what I could be making and ran with it. I never thought I wouldnt be successful. Through most of those early years medication kept the seizures away and I never really thought twice about them. After Cosmo school, I worked at one salon before I found my home salon where I worked, built a great clientele and became salon manager for about 8 years. I wasnt restless there, but I knew I could do more, so I decided to move out on my own. I now work in a salon suite. I small one chair studio. I am able to lease my space to two other stylists when I am not working as well. I have managed to stay booked 6 weeks or more and at times have had to limit my new client intake. I am pretty damn happy with myself. Am I influential? Ive thought a lot about this since I received your email. I am no better than the person sitting next to me, but I know Im not done yet. I am currently going through a health situation regarding my seizures (that I absolutely don’t mind sharing, if you would like) and not sure how it will end up, but I am still rocking my job, I love doing wedding hair, prom hair, color, hair extensions, haircuts, and just being able to tell a client they are amazing. So, Im not sure if this is what you are looking for in a story. My husband told me this is a great time to sell myself! But this is only a little part of me and if anything I really apprieciate you letting me share a little about my life and accomplishments. (bad grammar and all).

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. I made things a little difficult for myself MANY times. We started our family a little sooner than we had expected. Married at 18, baby girl at 19. Getting a job, not a “career” to help contribute to the bills. I have been selfish at times not thinking of others around me. I have lost focus many times.
After finally getting the dream job as a hair stylist.i had to deal with my seizures coming back. The drs at first had no idea why I was having them. All tests coming back normal. Trying this medication, no, that one makes me feel drunk all the time, how about this one, perfect, well now it’s not doing its job anymore. Finally, after recent MRI scan, we found an answer. I was born with two benign tumors in my front right temporal lobe. Schizencephaly is whats its called This should have ended as a miscarrage. Or at best be born with severe defects and not have a full healthy life. I, however, am the lucky 1% who ends up having only epilepsy later in life. THIS MEANS SOMETHING TO ME. It’s pretty amazing. It is something that is apart of me. Something I have to work with. I want to show my girls that there are things you cant control. But, you deal with them. Some of our struggles are self-made and some are not. But YOU can decide how to deal (and you better learn from them too) I JUST recently had another episode of them and NOW, I can’t drive for a while. I am bummed. Im frustrated. But, you better believe I am still working, I am still running.

So, my advice for women, for any young girl… your bumpy roads, your roadblocks, that’s just God, the universe, whoever you believe in, getting you strong. Getting you ready for your greatness. 1. Have a plan and 2. dont lose sight. And remind yourself of that however many times you need it.

We’d love to hear more about owner of Boss Hair (a salon suite).
I am a hair stylist.

I offer a wide range of services. Haircuts for women, men, and kids. I do the coloring, highlighting, and hair extensions. I offer bridal hair and prom hair.

My studio is named BOSS Hair. (because I always wanted to be my own boss, duh…!)

I am very proud of my little hair universe I have made for myself.

If all goes well for me this next year, I want to expand my bridal and prom hair services.

**(I am a runner, it’s fun! I am in the works of starting a running club in my area. Nothing big, just wanting to help anyone who maybe wants to start but doesn’t know how or just wants someone to run a mile or two in the mornings).

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
This might sound silly, but I love Instagram. There are so many fantastic hair stylists always sharing there methods and tips. It’s so great that you can learn even through your phone. I love Heather Chapman, she has a great website for updos and hair styling.

I will read books, usually fiction, but I feel that taking a break from work and enjoying a good book is vital. And you can sometimes learn from the fictional character, No? Don’t believe me? Read the Count of Monte Cristo. You won’t be so naive in your own life.

And I love the gym and running (sorry if that is getting redundant). Find a friend/trainer anyone who you can burn off steam, work up a sweat and just stay healthy with. No health, no life. 🙂 (I LOVE Bethany Blazevich… she is not just my friend but a great trainer, I am so happy you did a feature on her!!!)

Contact Info:

• Address: 6318 S Higley Rd Ste 102 Room 5
• Phone: 480-309-0584
• Email: getbosshair@gmail.com
• Instagram: @_hairbyelena

Image Credit:
John Petty, Kolorphx

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