Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Litteral.
Hi Ellie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I come from a very traditional, hard-working Midwestern family. Both of my parents dedicated over 40 years to their companies before retiring, and from a young age, the expectation was clear: go to a Big Ten university, find a stable job, and build a lifelong career. So after high school, I followed that path and attended Michigan State University.
Socially, I loved college, but academically, I had no real sense of direction. I didn’t yet know what I wanted to do — I was simply determined to graduate. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communications a year early, but with no internships or professional experience, I felt lost about what came next.
Following in my mom’s footsteps, I decided to pursue sales and landed a job as a refinance mortgage banker with Quicken Loans. It was a valuable experience — I learned a lot about discipline, communication, and client relationships — but after two years, I realized that sitting behind a computer making sales calls wasn’t fulfilling. Around that time, I met my fiancé, who later decided to move to Atlanta.
Having grown up in Michigan, I had never really spent time in the South — we’d always vacationed further down in Florida or the Caribbean. But after visiting Atlanta a few times, I was drawn to its energy, diversity, and vibrant creative scene. I loved the idea of living in a bigger city with so much opportunity, especially for someone in the beauty industry — even though I didn’t know yet that’s where I was headed.
When I moved to Atlanta, I assumed finding another mortgage position would be easy. But I quickly learned the industry was very different here — much more self-driven, with fewer safety nets and built-in leads. And without passion for the work, I knew starting over in that field wasn’t the answer.
While taking time to figure out my next move, my fiancé made a comment that changed everything. He saw me doing my hair and makeup one day and said, “You love that — why don’t you just do that?” At first, I laughed it off. Becoming a hairstylist didn’t seem like a “real job.” But that thought stuck with me.
I started researching cosmetology schools in Atlanta, curious if it could actually be a career. When I attended orientation, I expected textbooks and exams — but instead, I was handed color wheels, mannequin heads, and makeup brushes. From that moment, I was hooked.
It wasn’t an easy journey. I had to move back home to Michigan to start over financially, working long hours as a waitress while attending Paul Mitchell. Going from earning six figures as a banker to scraping by in school was humbling, but it fueled my determination. After graduating, I moved back to Atlanta and landed an assistant position at a top salon in Buckhead.
That’s where everything started to fall into place. I learned not only the technical side of cutting, coloring, and extensions but also what it truly means to give an exceptional guest experience. For seven years, I honed my craft and work ethic there — until I finally took the leap to go independent.
Now, as an independent stylist and business owner of Ellie Rose Hair, I rent my own space surrounded by other driven, creative women at The Collective a Salon in Vinings. I have the freedom to run my own business while still being part of a community that inspires me daily. It’s been a full-circle journey — from the corporate world to a career built on creativity, connection, and confidence — and I wouldn’t change a thing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Once I made the decision to go to cosmetology school, everything in my life had to change. I took out student loans, balanced full-time classes, and had to figure out how to support myself in the process. To save money, I moved from Atlanta back home to Michigan and in with my mom. I worked late nights at odd jobs that fit around my school schedule — it was exhausting, isolating, and humbling.
Starting over socially and rebuilding a sense of community was tough, especially knowing my heart was still set on moving back to Atlanta. That period tested my confidence and even strained my relationship with my fiancé.
After graduating from Paul Mitchell, I moved back to Atlanta determined to make it work. I started as an assistant earning minimum wage, and if it weren’t for my mom’s support that first year, I honestly don’t know how I would have made it in such a big city. I poured everything I had into learning and growing — staying late, coming in early, working weddings, taking clients on weekends, and offering free services just to build my portfolio and presence on social media.
It’s been a lot — and still is. When you’re an entrepreneur, you truly work 24/7. But the reward is immeasurable. Getting to make people feel beautiful and confident every single day makes every sacrifice worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I truly love doing hair, but what fulfills me most is helping someone elevate their entire look. My “bread and butter” clients are my gray coverage guests, because they visit most often — but it’s never just about covering grays. It’s about seeing the full picture.
Maybe we soften their color by going a little lighter to make the grow-out more seamless, or add a keratin treatment to bring back strength, shine, and smoothness. If their hair has started to thin, I might incorporate a few strategically placed K-Tip extensions to restore fullness and confidence. And of course, every great transformation includes the perfect haircut to tie it all together.
I often tell clients, “If I could wave my magic wand, here’s what I would do…” — because I see their potential beyond a single service. I’m here to enhance their overall look, not just fix one concern. Whether it’s a gray coverage transformation, lived-in color, a fresh cut, or extensions, my goal is to create a cohesive, elevated version of them — hair that feels as good as it looks.
What sets me apart is my commitment to quality and integrity in every aspect of my work. I use only the highest-quality color lines made with natural, hair-loving ingredients that keep the hair healthy and radiant. For extensions, I exclusively use Great Lengths K-Tips, which are widely regarded as the gold standard in the industry — ethically sourced, double-drawn, and perfectly matched for the most natural results.
But more than anything, I specialize in giving women that spark back — that feeling of looking in the mirror and recognizing themselves again. The glow that comes when your hair finally feels effortless, healthy, and exactly how you always imagined it could be. My chair is where transformation meets confidence, and where women fall back in love with their reflection.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice is to first get clear on what you want to specialize in. That could be as specific as the type of salon environment you want to work in, the clientele you want to attract, or the services you’re most passionate about. Once you know that, find someone who’s already doing it — and doing it well.
That person could be someone you work for, someone in your city, or even someone you admire online. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Most people love to share their story or offer advice about how they “made it.” I’ve never had anyone turn me down when I reached out with genuine curiosity and respect.
Having a mentor is so important, especially when you’re starting out. The blueprint already exists — you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Learn from someone who’s walked the path before you, take the pieces that resonate, and over time, shape them into your own version of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: ellierosehair.com & ellierosehair.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: @Ellie.rose.hair
