June 18, 2018

Meet Trailblazer Toni LoPresti

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni LoPresti.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Toni. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hair has always been a part of my family and my life. My mother was a stylist so I grew up in her salons and my attraction to hair grew with me. From modeling perms for my mom in 2nd grade to perfecting 90s updos in my friends’ bathrooms in high school, my relationship with the art was always central to my identity and it came naturally to me.

I considered other career avenues but found myself magnetically drawn to what I knew best. I worked at many salons in my career, and I saw firsthand how competitive and judgmental they could be, so I found myself searching for a home that was kind, encouraging, and supportive. After a decade in the industry, I also knew I would have to create it myself, and it was in this spirit that Clementine was born. It wasn’t quick, and it wasn’t easy, but I am so thankful for the journey that leads me here.

I was born just outside of Union Square, and it brings me great pride to be a part of the community, where we’ve been welcomed with open arms. I’ve curated a team of highly talented, hilarious, unique individuals, and I’m proud of the space we’ve created and relished the opportunity to welcome every kind of person into it — free of judgment, created in the spirit of community, not competition.

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?
By far the biggest obstacle has been me — my own fear, my own insecurities, and doubts. It’s a huge undertaking to open a business (especially a first business) with no experience. In lieu of a mentor in business, I found my support in the local community, and it was with their support and my own willingness to learn from the challenges along the way that I began to find my groove and my confidence.

I think confidence itself is a huge issue for women in professional settings. I think we are brainwashed to think of ourselves as incapable or lesser, and discouraged from taking the initiative. I had to fight that ingrained instinct in order to build relationships with people who have done it before. If I had questions, I asked! My advice is to speak up! Use your voice. There is no shame in not knowing something–if I ask an electrician a question, it’s not “because I’m a woman”, it’s because “I’m not an electrician”!

We’d love to hear more about Clementine Hair Studio.
Clementine prides itself first and foremost on our expertise. We routinely take classes all over the world to remain on the cutting edge of the industry. We (and our Instagram account @clementinehairstudio) are well-known for our bright, vivid colors, but what’s most requested on a day-to-day basis is our balayage. Balayage is a freehand painting technique that allows color to grow out seamlessly -i t lasts for months, and is great for all hair types! This is my personal favorite thing to do behind the chair. The entire process is like painting a canvas, and there are hundreds of different techniques to match the style, texture, and tone of a client’s hair. It’s a very creative and personalized process, and while I take great pride in tailoring the results to suit each individual, to be honest, it’s also just fun!

Beyond what we do, I think what sets us apart is who we are. The environment is very welcoming, friendly, and laid back. We welcome people from all backgrounds and species (doggy visitors encouraged!), and we work as a team, whether that means helping each other with a client, making sure you have tea or helping you dissect your horrible Tinder date from last night. We’re a warm, vibrant micro-community, and I love that about us.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?

While obviously women still face gender-specific challenges, we also find ourselves at a time of unprecedented awareness of that disparity. Do we still face challenges? Absolutely. But there has never been a better time to find opportunies and seize them, and there’s never been a stronger network of women trying to help other women, which opens doors for current and future entrepeneutresses (that is not a typo). I think it’s our responsibility to continue to grow that network, and nothing is more powerful than a group of women with a purpose. When you support a woman, you support women, so show your support!

Contact Info:

Address: 358A Somerville Ave
Somerville, MA 02143
Website: https://www.clementinehairstudio.com/
Phone: 617-616-5228
Email: clementinehairstudio@gmail.com
Instagram: @clementinehairstudio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clementinehairstudio/

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