Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Toulopoulos Driscoll.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always knew wanted a career in the Fashion Industry or in the Beauty Industry. In 2005 I had started out by going to College for Fashion Merchandising. I liked it but I didn’t LOVE it! In 2007 I made the decision to enroll in hair school. It was a 1,000-hour program.
After graduating from the program in 2008, I took the test to become a Licensed Cosmetologist. It was not easy but I succeed in both all while working nights and weekends at a small salon in Belmont. Once I was licensed I decided to stay at the same salon I assisted at to build a clientele. It was a second home to me and felt like the best decision to start my career. I was there for a little over 5 years.
After getting married and having my son, I made the difficult decision to switch salons. I HATE change, but it was the right decision to further my career. I now have been at Essentials Salon in Cushing Square, Belmont for also a little over 5 years. Now I am married, a mom of 2 and can proudly say I have been a hairstylist for over 10 years.
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?
NOT AT ALL!!!! Some days are better than others. Don’t get me wrong I love the career I chose but it definitely comes with its struggles. Back when I was just starting out I thought the difficult times were bouncing back and forth as an assistant and receptionist, plus trying to take clients of my own. You don’t just snap your fingers in the business and you magically have a full clientele. I used to think those were the struggles but then you get older and the REAL STRUGGLES happen.
In this business days off, weeks off and vacation times are your worst enemy, in my opinion. I took a 10-week UNPAID maternity leave with my first child, James, who is now 6. That was so so so hard! First of all 10 weeks unpaid is tough, but also 10 weeks of no contact with clients is hard too. Social media wasn’t huge like it is now.
I am always interacting with my clients on a daily basis now. I learned the hard way on that one. I came back from maternity leave to a dwindled down clientele. When my daughter Ava was born 2 years later, I was terrified of that happening again. So one used week of vacation time as a maternity leave and went right back to work. I was working two days to get as many people in as possible.
After two maternity leaves, I thought the only time off I would have to take was some vacation time here and there over the years. Well, the joke was on me. On September 17, 20015 I broke a tendon in my left hand and needed emergency surgery. I had to be out of work for 8 weeks!!!!!!! I was devastated!!! Not only did I have 2 little kids (in diapers) but I finally had built my clientele back up to where it was originally.
Over the years those have been my biggest struggles and I’m sure there will be more to come over the years which is expected with every career. I try my best to succeed through difficult times and set a good example for my kids.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Essentials Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
I currently work at Essentials Salon in Belmont. I love it here and love my coworkers. It’s located in Cushing Square, a quaint neighborhood filled with coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants. As far as hair services go, I do it ALL!
Well, mostly all, I don’t do men’s cuts or perms, sorry! My days are filled with Balayage, Colors, Foils, Short/Textured Cuts, Long Layered Cuts, Kids Cuts, Blowouts, and even Weddings. I have traveled all over New England doing on-site weddings. The furthest I have gone is Vermont for a dear client of mine.
I mostly do on-site wedding hair but here and there I will have an in-salon wedding. I love the thrill and excitement of the day. I run a very tight schedule on the wedding day, The day hectic but the end results are rewarding. Plus working with photographers from all over is amazing. Getting professional pictures of my work is an added bonus.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Like I said before taking unplanned time off is bad luck! BUT sometimes there is good luck. I totally lucked out by finding a salon I love and a staff that I love. I couldn’t even imagine working anywhere else right now.
Contact Info:
- Address: 79 Trapelo Road Belmont, MA 02478
- Website: www.essentialsbelmont.com
- Phone: 6174841163
- Email: etoulopdriscoll@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_essentialssalon/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/essentials-salon-belmont?osq=essentials+salon
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