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

Hi TORI, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Me and my business partner Val opened up the concept of Blush and Rouge Salon in October of 2018. We started out in a really small studio space within a co working creative space building. Back then, we had discussed what we wanted the vision of the salon to be, especially when we eventually get our own brick and mortar (which we eventually did in June of 2020) and when we are building a team. And we have always been clear that we want our salon to feel like home for all of our clients, a cozy space to of course come and get pampered but also to form relationships, relax, hangout with friends, walk out feeling like you look your best and that your cup has been filled. It was important for us to find an old home turned business so we can make that dream come to life, and now 5 years in i feel like weve really acomplished that, we have clients who are friends with other clients and everyone feels welcome here!

TORI, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been in the industry for 14 years now. Funny enough, opening my own hair salon was never part of the plan, but the path just unfolded that way. I’m a color specialist, with a focus on custom blonding, vivids, and creative color placement. I’m also an educator for a hair extension company, where I teach fellow stylists specialized techniques, and I offer those services behind the chair as well.
I entered the industry right after high school, but the concept of Blush and Rouge Salon came together when my business partner and I realized, after working at a few salons we weren’t happy with, that we wanted something different. It started off as a joke over drinks, and then became something very real.
As I mentioned earlier, I offer color, extensions, cuts, smoothing treatments, and blowouts. We also have stylists at the salon who specialize in non-surgical hair replacement. We’re proud to serve men, women, and children, and offer gender-affirming services as well. We’ve built a space we’re incredibly proud of and an amazing team of talented artists.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

When I started working at my first salon when I was 18 years old, my now business partner/best friend had already been working at that salon for 2 years! That salon had a apprentice program that last a year so she was the apprentice for a year, someone else was for another year, and then I joined.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The craziest moment when we had to pivot our entire business was during covid. Like I mentioned before we started out in a small space with the intention of eventually finding a brick and mortar, so when the first covid shut down happened we had no idea what to do, we had no idea how long it was going to last and we were still required to pay rent at the co working space. We decided on taking the entire salon and putting it in storage while the shut down lasted and then opening up again in a different studio space, we were frustrated because we felt like we were starting over. But one day i received a phone call from a hair color rep saying that she new a salon owner who was closing down their salon and retiring. My business parrtner and I laughed becasie how were we supposed to EXPAND if were technically unemployeed? But we decided to view the space and absolutely fell in love, we had to make it happen. So we did. and the rest is history.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blushandrouge.co/
• Instagram: @Blushandrougesalon
• Facebook: @blushandrougesalon
• Yelp: https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=c64ddc468723c63d1ef0909978a4f2dd4bd182d615247c46b52125538170db37JmltdHM9MTc1MjcxMDQwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=1d86fa1c-0c2f-6bca-2580-efca0dbd6a2c&psq=yelp+blush+and+rouge+salon+san+diego&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueWVscC5jb20vYml6L2JsdXNoLWFuZC1yb3VnZS1zYWxvbi1zYW4tZGllZ28_bXNvY2tpZD0xZDg2ZmExYzBjMmY2YmNhMjU4MGVmY2EwZGJkNmEyYw&ntb=1

Image Credits

Photos taken by @Skeith on instagram