May 8, 2017

Meet Emily Oliveira of Hair by Emily Oliveira in Brookline

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Oliveira.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started in a hair salon 11 years ago in Allston while I was still in hair school. That salon make a big boy move to Brookline and I continued to work for another few years there. I started to come into myself and who I was as a profession and individual and felt this salon was holding me back from achieving the things I wanted to for myself in life. I left that salon and decided to become a renter in another salon in Brookline Village. After 2 years of renting 3 days a week my schedule was so jam packed I knew I needed an option where I could work more days. I found the perfect space to call my own and went from working three 12hour days to working six 12 hour days! In between all of this I traveled around the country taking a number of hair classes and certifications. I became certified in women’s hair replacement, a member of the Board of Certified Hair Colorist, and I specialize in many types of hair extensions. I have also grown a clientele in New York, DC, and San Francisco where I try to visit and spend my weekend doing hair!

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?
Never is a “smooth” road. So many business setbacks! Delays on permits, thousands of dollars into a broken HVAC unit, a smashed front door on the day of inspection in my salon, leaking ceilings, hair sinks breaking and dumping water on my floor…Should I continue? There are ups and downs but that’s what comes along with being a business owner.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hair by Emily Oliveira – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I have a real culture in my hair salon. It’s a place to relax and be you. I have many clients that just stop in to say hello and have some candy from my jar. I have neighbors that pop in and make a cup of coffee and just want to read a magazine when they don’t even have a haircut! My doors are always open for whoever wants to come in and everyone feels a part of my family in the shop. And, everyone is my family in here.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Continuing traveling and growing my clientele around the world. I would love to get into teaching and consulting. I currently have people that will reach out and ask for help or advice on opening salons or just managing their time better. I have so much to give and I love to give.

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