We recently connected with Gregga Prothero and have shared our conversation below.
Gregga, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?
Creating an inclusive workplace starts from within. It reflects who you are as a person, your values, your heart, and how you treat others. If you want to feel safe, respected, and valued in your work environment, you need to foster that same atmosphere for others.
Ask yourself: How would I want to be treated? If you want kindness and respect, you need to extend that to your team. It is about recognizing that we are all human, each with unique styles, personalities, and backgrounds. In the salon industry, individuality is key. I do not want a team that is a carbon copy of me. Yes, we should share the same core values and commitment to creating a welcoming space, but diversity is what makes a workplace vibrant and dynamic.
At the end of the day, as long as someone is making their clients happy, representing the brand well, and contributing positively to the environment, that is what matters most. Fashion choices, music tastes, or personal style should not overshadow the bigger picture. An inclusive workplace thrives on individuality, mutual respect, and a shared goal of providing the best experience for everyone who walks through the door.
There were moments in my past that shaped my journey and views on diversity and creativity in the workplace. I started my career in places that felt very cookie-cutter, where everyone looked the same. If you tried to change things up or explore new styles, it was often frowned upon. That kind of environment really stunts creativity.
Later, I worked at a place that began as a diverse and inspiring space filled with talented artists. I learned so many new techniques and found endless inspiration from the people around me. But over time, that environment changed. It started to feel more uniform, and being creative or different was seen as a threat. That shift dimmed the light within the workplace. It stifled creativity, inspiration, and joy because people became afraid to try something new or push boundaries. It created a standstill for growth, both artistically and as a business.
Experiencing that initial diversity made me crave a work environment where individuality thrived. People were happier when they could express themselves freely. But when that was taken away, anyone who didn’t fit a certain mold was either made fun of or dismissed. The reluctance to work with different hair types, textures, or styles was disheartening. It revealed a lack of growth and skill because some were too afraid to challenge themselves.
I realized I never wanted to be in a place where diversity and individuality were discouraged. I wanted to be in an environment where stylists welcomed the challenge of working with all hair types and embraced unique, edgy styles. Seeing those who were open-minded and willing to evolve as artists inspired me. They created beautiful work and thrived in their careers. That contrast showed me the importance of innovation, diversity, and inclusivity in a work environment, and it shaped the values I hold today.
Gregga, 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 can’t believe it’s been almost 19 years since I started beauty school and about 17 years of working behind the chair. What first got me into the hair industry was being a that scene kid who wanted fun, edgy hair. Back then, a lot of local salons didn’t offer those kinds of looks, and if you wanted to look like your favorite band or artist, you often had to figure it out yourself(waaay before the youtube/ tiktok hair tutorials!), especially when you couldn’t afford a fancy salon. So, I just did it myself.
As more people started asking me to do their hair, I realized, Hey, I can actually get paid to do this. I loved the creativity, and that’s how my journey began. After graduating high school, I took a year to figure out what I wanted to do. My family hoped I’d become a nurse, and while I have so much respect for nurses, it just wasn’t for me. They were a little disappointed at first, but I’m the kind of person who thrives on proving people wrong.
I believed that if someone has determination and passion, they deserve a chance to pursue what they love. Back then, the beauty industry wasn’t always seen as a “respectable” career choice, and I wanted to prove that you can be successful and build a solid career in hair. And I guess it wasn’t just a phase because here I am almost 20 years later, still doing what I love.
Eventually, I decided to open a salon where I could fully express myself and create a space for like-minded artists. That’s how Gregga LA came to be, a true reflection of what I believe in. I wanted it to be an inclusive, welcoming, and creative space for both clients and stylists. My goal was to build a place where people not only love their hair when they leave but also feel genuinely good when they walk in and out of the salon.
What I’m most proud of is hearing clients talk about their positive experiences at Gregga LA. When I overhear someone say how happy they are to be there, how comfortable they feel, and how much they trust us, it means the world to me. It’s not just about good hair, it’s about creating an environment where people feel seen, valued, and inspired. That energy extends to the stylists too, and you can’t fake that.
You can talk all day about the kind of culture you want, but the truth always shows through. The fact that people see and feel that authenticity at Gregga LA is something I’m so proud of and deeply grateful for.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A story I can share about my journey that illustrates my resilience is rooted in my experience of being born in the Philippines and moving to the United States at the age of four. Being in a new place at such a young age meant trying to survive and find my footing in an unfamiliar world. Another challenge I faced was having an uncommon name like Gregga. It’s funny how something as simple as a name can reveal a lot about people. Sometimes, you can immediately tell when someone is narrow-minded because they can’t believe your name isn’t something more common.
Growing up, kids can be ruthless, and I was often teased for having a different name. I actually hated my name back then and always thought that once I turned 18, I would change it to something more “normal.” It’s interesting how time changes things because what I once disliked about myself has now become one of my biggest strengths.
Having a unique name like Gregga has helped me connect with people throughout my life. Now that I own a business, it has made it so much easier for people to find and remember the salon. Old friends and acquaintances will often say, “Oh my gosh, I know Gregga, she does hair, and she has a salon. I want to check it out.” My name stands out, and as time went on, I realized that being different gave me an edge.
When I was preparing to open the salon, I struggled to come up with a name. I thought about going with something like blank Hair Studio, which is a great option, but nothing felt right. Then someone suggested using my own name, Gregga. At first, I hesitated and wondered if it would come across as too much, but finding a unique domain name or brand that isn’t already taken can be challenging. I also didn’t want something corny or generic.
Choosing to name the salon after myself turned out to be the perfect decision. It makes people curious and gets them asking, “Who is Gregga? What is a Gregga?” Over time, I’ve come to love my name, and I’m grateful for how it has helped make Gregga LA stand out. It’s memorable, unique, and has ultimately helped bring more business to the salon.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Some of the best sources for new clients at the salon have been, as we all know, social media. We have to be realistic that gone are the days of newspaper ads or relying on a giant sign on the street. While you can still do that, it’s outdated. I think it’s really about understanding who your clientele is and getting into the mind of your ideal client.
If I’m trying to target people around my age, younger generations, or really anyone in today’s modern world, they are all on their phones or computers. If that’s where their attention is, then that’s the best place for new clients to discover our business. We stay really active on most social media platforms, and I always remind myself that when something catches my interest, it’s usually online.
Having a strong online presence is crucial because it acts as a portfolio for your work. Right now, it’s essentially free advertising, though paid advertising is also important and definitely helps. However, it all starts with simply having an online presence.
Another source of new clients that you can’t beat is word-of-mouth. When someone has an amazing experience at the salon and leaves with beautiful hair, they naturally tell others. That remains one of the best ways to attract new clients.
When we ask new clients how they heard about Gregga LA, we often hear things like, “I saw this barista with the cutest hair,” or “I was at Trader Joe’s, and the person checking me out asked where I got my hair done.” That kind of organic word-of-mouth, combined with a strong online presence, is key.
It’s not just about delivering great hair, but also creating an experience where clients genuinely love their stylists and feel good at the salon. That’s what keeps them talking about us and bringing in new clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gregga.la
- Instagram: @gregga.la
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/gregga.la.hair/?ref=bookmarks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDjjTyusf9G7ndLVXynRYog
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gregga-l-a-los-angeles
- Other: tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@gregga_la
