We recently connected with Corey Powell and have shared our conversation below.
Corey, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?
I was 22 years old (1984) when I got my cosmetology license. I was told that Jose Eber was the best salon in Beverly Hills, and it was hard to get a job unless you were European. So that was the first place I went. I got a job assisting Jose; he would be away for a month, so I got two other jobs at prestigious salons to check out. I worked at Jose Eber for five-plus years. I developed a stellar career working with celebrities, designed looks for movies and TV shows and was a sought-after hair savant. We, my partner in business and life, 0pened up a hair salon called The Parlour in 2000. The salon was a success; I became a bigger brand. Then, about four years into it, I became a pill-popping drinking fool, an alcoholic. I got sober, and then my relationship fell apart. My partner ran the salon and the finances. We broke up, which was ugly as we owned the salon’s building, etc. Now, I had the business on my shoulder; it was not my forte, I found crystal meth, and the business was deteriorating; it was a dark time for me. Then my cleaning girl was murdered in the salon, stabbed to death by her husband. By this time, I lost the confidence of my celebrity clients. I sold the salon, moved on, I got sober again, and built my career back up a bit. Then COVID took it away again.
Corey, 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?
I went to Moorpark Junior College right after high school; while in school, I realized that my study skills felt inadequate. I had an ease with doing hair, and I could execute my vision of doing hair on family and friends. A friend told me that Simi Valley Beauty College offered a special discount. I went and applied, and they accepted my application. I felt right at home here. Cosmetology school teaches you the basics. It was suggested that if you want to develop and hone your craft, you need to assist someone whose work you admire and respect. As mentioned, I accepted the job assisting Jose Eber, whom I assisted for two years. I continued to work for Jose Eber for three years as a hairstylist, working in the salon, On set for photoshoots, and TV shows, and doing one movie. I moved to Christophe Salon as a new, better opportunity was presented. My career was in high gear. I was working with a colorist, and our relationship took a turn for the worse; games were played, and they referred my clients to others. This was a pivotal time in my career. I was never going to let someone have that control. I went to Paris and Berlin for color courses and began to do my own color. And known for doing color. I have always wanted to be the best I can be, always trying new ideas and creating fresh perspectives to keep it fresh for clients. I also developed a natural organic oil to keep the hair healthy. What sets me apart is my vision of edgy, elegant, sexy hair. I always consider face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. People come to me for my talent, perspective, and honesty.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source for getting new clients is word of mouth. Each client that leaves my chair is a possibility of three clients. , I also am not afraid to tell someone they have great hair, and I would love to get my hand in there (or something like that. ‘Hair is sexy, and I love what you let me do to it.’ my quote. Be an excellent listener; listen for the value of their hair and appearance. What’s important? Create a connection by creating a co-active conversation. Hiring a PR for my salon was genius. Creating a brand, getting write-ups in top magazines, and appearances on TV shows help to expand the audience. make the salon and I experts.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
When we opened our salon, we saved the money for equipment and remodeling, we also bought the building. My partner has a master in finance, that was helpful
Contact Info:
- Website: coreypowellhair.com
- Instagram: coreypowellhair
- Facebook: coreypowellhair
- Linkedin: coreypowellhair
- Twitter: coreypowellhair
- Youtube: coreypowellhair
- Yelp: coreypowellhair
Image Credits
my cell phone

