We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Cohen DeLaney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Emily Cohen, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
We are in a very unique time right now where anything goes, and I LOVE IT. Tight sleek bun, big messy boho braid- as long as it fits your personality and makes you feel beautiful, it goes.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a hairstylist who specializes in event styling. My grandmother and cousin were both stylists; I was a salon receptionist in college, so that’s how I fell in love with the industry initially. I realized early on how much I enjoyed the styling aspect, so that quickly became my niche. I’ve developed a rapport, even friendship, with a lot of the local event vendors, so I have a working knowledge of the many moving parts to make an event happen, which helps me help the day go more smoothly. As of now, I have 11 years experience, and I’ve learned a lot of adaptability in those years!
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me is word of mouth! A bride’s wedding day isn’t just another day for me; I acknowledge that even though it’s something we do all the time, it’s one of the biggest days of their lives, and is treated as such! Each bride is catered to in the best of my ability, and I think that makes it easier for them to recommend me to their friends getting engaged. I’ve also made it a point to learn how other professionals in the industry work, so as to make it easier on them, easier on me, and ultimately, easier on our bride. Photographers and make-up artists are who I work most closely with, so I’m always intentional about asking about personal professional preferences. Because of this (I think), I’ve become an easy to work with vendor, and a recommendation of theirs, as well. Because I give my best to each client that I have, and work respectfully with other vendors- I provide a service worth talking about!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
As I’m certain is true for so many self-employed/small-business, the most memorable time to “pivot” was during the COVID-19 shutdowns, and that was a time when I pivoted not only professionally, but personally, as well. In early February 2020, I was self-employed, but renting a chair at a full-service salon – I had been mulling over the idea of a salon suite for several years, but wasn’t quite sure the direction I wanted to go, in addition to not really having the free time to make such a huge change. Quarantine provided a hard-reset for me, where I had time to think, “If not now, WHEN?!” I moved into my own suite in June 2020, and have since been able to provide ample area for bridal trials, bride’s mom to come along, veil try on’s – all the things! Additionally, I feel it has been a happier space for my regular clientele – Netflix while their color is processing, snacks, and a more tailored experience. While all of this looks so simple in the rearview mirror, at the time, was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences. I was also in the middle of purchasing a family home (my grandmothers; near and dear to my heart!), which is difficult enough on a single self-employed income, without factoring in a pandemic and nearly 3 months of no income at all. Starting a new business venture during this time added to the chaos, but I’ve never been someone who is easily talked out of her goals! It was definitely a humbling experience, and thanks to a savings account, prayer, and a little encouragement from my mama, here I am on the other side!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilycohenhair.com
- Instagram: @emilycohenhair
Image Credits
Kelly Ginn Photography The Warmth Around You The Hatches Rob + Deanna