Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cerissa Leese. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cerissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

We all walk around with our own personal bubbles. When someone touches you, whether it’s holding hands on a date or, in my case, doing hair, the relationship instantly becomes more intimate. It’s incredibly special to be invited into someone’s personal space. As a hairstylist, I often tell my clients how humbled I am to be chosen to invade their space.

As such, many times the hairstylist-client relationship becomes more than just that. We become friends, possibly even seeing each other more than family or friends. There have been times throughout my career I’ve given gifts to clients, celebrated wins, and cried with them over the losses. It’s just how I approach being human and being a stylist, and there are times when I’ve gotten the same in return. There’s one time however that really sticks out for me.

Last year my son decided he wanted to celebrate Hanukkah. Now, let me say that neither my husband are myself are Jewish nor have we or our family ever been. I, naturally, was unsure how to make that happen for my son. It happened that during that week I had a client who is Jewish and knew I could ask her some questions. Not only did she let me ask her questions and she shared the story of the holiday with the traditions, she left her appointment and came back later with a gorgeous menorah and candles for my son! I was so moved that she took the time out of her day to make such an incredible gesture and it’s something I will never forget. We will celebrate Hanukkah the best we can with this special gift every year. The best part was showing my son how kind people can be. What an amazing lesson for him, and a moving moment for me.

Cerissa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi. My name is Cerissa; pronounced like Theresa but with an S sound. I have been a hairstylist behind the chair for 17 years, with a previous decade spent doing musical theater, photo shoots, and runway shows. Throughout my career I’ve tried it all, but I settled on hair color and extensions as my specialties.

In 2019 I became a certified Master Color Expert and shortly after a certified Luxury Hairstylist. I fully believe that the celebrity treatment can, and should, be for everyone. It doesn’t matter what you spend, you should leave the salon feeling the best you’ve ever felt.

One of the first things I let all of my clients know is that I’m honest. I’m the hairstylist that will tell you what I think will look best on you. When I formulate color or pick out what extension method is best, I look at the whole package – eye color, skin color, what kind of maintenance is preferred, even the “vibe” the person has. Hair should be enhanced to bring out the most natural beauty, without damage, and with budget in mind.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

In the hair business, most would probably say it’s got to be social media! That would be so far from the truth. I actually get most of my new clients from word of mouth referrals or finding my website through online search.

While referrals are the best source of new clients, there’s not enough said about the importance of a quality, well built website. If Instagram or Facebook disappeared today, I know I may lose some content but I wouldn’t lose my ability to gain new clients.

How did you build your audience on social media?

To piggy back on my last response, I don’t use Instagram to purposely gain new clients. I do however gear my content to current clients. I think about what questions I get asked in the salon and then answer those questions in posts, stories, or videos. I post how to videos, product breakdowns and the same educational information I talk about daily. This allows for content to feel personalized, rather than sales pitchy, which builds trust.

The other trick up my sleeve is content planning. I sit down once every few weeks and plan what I’m going to post and get it scheduled so I don’t have to think about it. Using the business tools on social media I can plan posts on the days and times when my followers are on the most. It’s also helpful to keep up to date not only with trends, but the ever changing algorithms. Don’t fear the change, embrace it!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hair-rebel.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hairrebelsalon
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/hairrebelsalon

Image Credits
Jasmine Kerbel Ashton Kelley