Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Hassan.
Erin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Atlanta in 2001 and trained with a well know salon in Buckhead. I became an educator and part of their art team, working at NYC fashion week, three time nominee for NAHA awards, teaching in salons, and hair shows. My goal was to experience every part of the hair industry. After about almost ten years with the company, I realized something was missing. I needed more meaning in my life. I left in 2011 and went independent, a few smaller salons. I realized something very quickly. Atlanta had a lot of great talent, but the booth rental salons were missing something. Around that time is when I started doing many different business plans and as it turns out. Life is all about timing. I started taking classes in herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, and Ayurvedic coaching. I got married and had two amazing children, two dogs, a husband with a small business as well. So why not start a business in the busiest time in my life. But being a mom makes you realize real quick that we are super woman. Having a purpose outside of being a mom is needed for every mother.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most of my life has been smooth, but I also believe your perception is everything. For some reason, I have been lucky to find the ups in life being resilient! I haven’t really had any big downs in my career except going through periods of what is my next path. I have definitely done some deep thinking of if I even liked being a hairdresser. But every time I overcame it by education and being inspired by trends and younger hairdressers and in general having a love for all types of people. Life is so boring if you only talk with people with the same views as you.
Please tell us about your business.
Hemlock salon practices sustainability, organic, and plant-based. The products we carry are from companies that are sustainable as well. I’m a forever learning herbalist and hairstylist, so I combined both my passions. The whole concept of our salon is to step away from our fast-paced society into a stress-free setting where you are at ease, comfortable, and pampered internal and external, from our wellness lattes to the signature scalp massage shampoo service. You can even come in for a latte on its own and enjoy a warm aromatherapy neck pillow! Although we are a booth rental salon, all of our stylists are well trained in the industry. Still, also before they join the hemlock team, they also go through training to make sure we act as a team, knowledgeable, and have the same caring morals for our clients and the environment.
We have a wide range of techniques we offer. We are always ammonia free for color, and only carry color lines are from companies that strive for eco-friendly as well. All stylists keep up with education and trends and cater to the client’s needs, not just the current trend of the season but make sure its the style the client prefers. I haven’t had time to think about being proud, but I’d say I’m most proud of the environment I’ve created. I’ve hired caring stylist who are crafted.
I don’t know any salon that has combined internally with external wellness beauty & sustainability. When I was younger, I couldn’t concentrate in school unless it was art, sport, and boys lol. My adult life has turned into never ending learning from the ever changing world of fashion, plants, herbal medicine, and the environment.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’m definitely a Virgo. I tend to like to have projects. My husband can attest I’m always organizing and planning. I’m the Ayurvedic world, I’m a Pitta dosha. The checklist queen.
Pricing:
- haircuts start at $75, men $55, children $55 and up
- color starts at $80 and up
- additional pampering services start at $15
- yoni steaming $25 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: Hemlock Salon & Apothecary
44 krog Street NE r-100
Atlanta GA 30307 - Website: hemlocksalon.com
- Phone: 404-502-9744
- Email: hemlocksalon@gmail.com
- Instagram: hemlocksalon
- Facebook: hemlock salon & apothecary
Image Credit:
Salon shots by : Sharif Hassan
Head shot by: Mel Houston
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