Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Chapdelaine.
Emily, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Studio Em is a unique studio experience. Sometimes I think of myself (Emily) as Studio Em. Because I am it! A one man (woman) show! My grandmother owned a small hair salon in Massachusetts, and growing up I spent a lot of time there. I loved every aspect of the salon life. The hustle and bustle, the gossip, answering the phones and most importantly the independence of it all. It always was amazing to me that my Nana could do all of this! I knew being a stylist was for me. someday I wanted to own a salon. I knew I could do it, I just had to figure out how. I graduated high school and enrolled in Cosmetology School as soon as possible.
Watching my Nana do hair for so many years, seeing the toll it took on her body, one of my main concerns was trying to be a “healthy hairdresser” A big part of the job was using chemicals. I found a small salon in Manchester NH that used an organic hair color line and I was HOOKED. Managing this Salon gave me a chance to figure out how I wanted to run my salon and I knew I wanted to be using only the best products. After using Organic Colour Systems for about 7 years I applied for a job to educate for them.
I truly loved helping other stylists learn about a safer way to create beautiful hair. I was managing the salon and educating here and there, and knew I was ready to make a move. In the cosmetology world, a small step into owning your own place is renting a chair somewhere. Luckily I stumbled upon a small studio space to rent in Nashua, This was where Studio Em was born in 2015, it was perfect, Just me. Doing what I love. Finally working for myself. After 3 years in my first location, an offer too good to pass up presented itself to me.
A new salon space, 4 times the size, a mile away, went up for sale. I opened my new location in the Mill House Cove in Nashua in May of 2018. Here I continue to work by myself, teaching, beautifying and loving every day. One of my main goals here to it show clients and other stylists that there is a safer alternative to the traditional way to color hair. Studio Em books clients by appointment only and is a very personal experience. My clientele has become my family, because of such a personal touch. I’m truly blessed to be able to make a living out of something I love so much.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am a small business owner, who has no formal Business Education. It’s a bumpy road. I learn something every day.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Studio Em – what should we know?
Studio Em is a unique studio space. I offer haircutting, coloring, and wedding hair and makeup. My main specialty is color. I use a UK based hair color line called Organic Colour Systems, I work directly for this company as well, educating other stylists on how to use the color.
I am most proud of the fact that day and in day out its ME. I don’t rely on anyone else for my income. The success of my business is all on my shoulders. And business is booming.
Studio Em is unique in that, for the most part, your appointment is just me. From booking, the transformation and the follow up is all me. The one on one experience allows me to really get to know my clients.
Because I work by appointment only it allows me to do a lot of gigs outside of the salon. Wedding hair and makeup is a blast! In the 2016 presidential election, I had the opportunity to work for FOX, CNN and ABC doing hair and makeup,
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Most of the credit goes to my family. They are always willing to help. Whether it’s painting the salon, helping with the never-ending laundry, or walking my dog. My family has always pushed me to keep going and encourage me every step of the way.
My biggest influence was defiantly my Nana. She passed away in February 2018. I am so happy she was able to see me fulfill my dream of owning a salon. She was a single mom who worked tirelessly to provide a good life for my mom and her siblings. My Nana made it look easy.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5 Pine Street Extension #2D
Nashua NH 03060 - Phone: 508 272 7358
- Email: studioemnh@gmail.com
- Instagram: studioemnh
- Facebook: Studio Em
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