Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Harrison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Stephanie , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
In a world where resilience is often tested, my family’s legacy stands as a testament to enduring strength. My grandmother Aurora, a hairstylist who graced the floors of the Broadway Plaza in downtown Los Angeles, was more than just a stylist—she was a savvy businesswoman who turned her earnings into real estate investments, mastering the art of negotiation with an iron will and an unwavering determination.
When it came time to name my salon, there was no question—Aurora’s name would proudly adorn the doors. Her commitment to success, her savvy business acumen, and her ability to rise above every challenge gave me the vision to create a space that embodied her spirit. To honor her, I framed some of her cherished tools—scissors worn from years of use, and combs that crafted countless styles—now showcased in the salon, each piece a symbol of her enduring legacy.
Bringing Aurora Salon to life was no small feat, especially amidst the chaos of a global pandemic. The world seemed to shift under my feet with each passing day, policies changed at a dizzying pace, and the very essence of customer service had to be reimagined. Yet, it was in these moments of uncertainty that I found my strength—channeling the same resolve my grandmother had shown all those years ago. Every step forward seemed met with new obstacles, pushing me to become more creative, more determined, and more resilient. It was an emotional rollercoaster, one that tested my limits but never broke my spirit.
After years of dreaming and planning, the doors to Aurora Salon finally opened, only to close just two weeks later. It was a moment that could have shattered my resolve, but instead, it fueled my determination. I may have been naive, but like my grandmother before me, I refused to quit. Her legacy of resilience was my guiding light, and it continues to inspire every decision I make, every challenge I face, and every success I achieve.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As the owner and lead stylist at Aurora Salon in Westlake Village, California, I’ve had the privilege of turning a lifelong dream into reality. Although we officially opened our doors in October 2020, my roots in this community run deep—I’ve been serving clients in Westlake Village for over 18 years. This experience has shaped my vision for Aurora Salon, a place where style meets substance, and every guest leaves feeling more beautiful and confident than when they arrived.
What excites me most about Aurora Salon is the environment we’ve cultivated a refreshing and inviting space that our clients love. With a team of over 15 incredibly talented stylists, each with a passion for creating not just beautiful hair, but an excellent overall experience, the energy in our salon is simply fantastic. We’ve carefully curated our product offerings, featuring top brands like Davines, Kevin Murphy, K18, and Redken, to ensure our clients receive the best care possible.
At Aurora Salon, we’re not just about doing amazing hair—though that’s certainly something we’re known for. We’ve built our reputation on creating a warm, welcoming environment where clients feel valued and cared for. It’s been a few years since we opened, and I’m proud to say that we’ve established ourselves as a go-to destination for those seeking both exceptional service and a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.
As we continue to grow, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our services and offerings. While I can’t reveal all the exciting plans we have in store just yet, I can say that we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of our clients. Whether it’s introducing new products, expanding our team of talented stylists, or hosting special events, we’re committed to keeping Aurora Salon at the forefront of the beauty industry in Westlake Village.
To anyone who hasn’t yet visited Aurora Salon, I’d love to invite you to experience what makes us special. Whether you’re a longtime client or a first-time visitor, our goal is to ensure you leave our salon not just looking your best but feeling your best too.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I first started Aurora Salon, I was in the middle of a global pandemic. It was a time of uncertainty and constant change, where I found myself taking things one day at a time, often just trying to make it to the next step. Despite the challenges, there were three key qualities that became essential to my survival and eventual success: resilience, adaptability, and leadership.
Launching Aurora Salon during such a turbulent time meant that every day was a test of my resolve. There were countless moments when it would have been easier to quit, especially as I watched my working capital dwindle before the salon had even opened its doors. Yet, I knew I couldn’t afford to give up. Resilience became my foundation—driving me to keep going, even when every attempt at seeking assistance or finding a way forward seemed to fail. I learned that the ability to persevere, even in the face of overwhelming odds, is what separates those who succeed from those who don’t.
In an environment where everything was constantly changing, adaptability was crucial. I spent countless hours researching everything from marketing strategies and lease negotiations to innovative ways to attract stylists to the salon. With no clear roadmap and little external support, I had to learn quickly and pivot often. I focused heavily on Instagram campaigns and social media to market Aurora Salon, reaching out to local stylists and clients alike. The ability to adapt to new information, new challenges, and new opportunities allowed me to keep the business moving forward, no matter what obstacles arose.
As the owner of Aurora Salon, I knew that my success would be directly tied to the success of the stylists I brought on board. That’s why I made it a priority to hire stylists who fit the vision for the salon—those who were not only talented but also passionate about providing upscale, trendy looks for our clients. But my role didn’t stop at hiring; I’ve invested heavily in their development, helping them cultivate their talents and showcase their skills. I believe that when my stylists win, I win. By fostering a supportive environment where they can thrive, I’ve created a salon where both clients and stylists feel valued and inspired.
The journey to building Aurora Salon has been anything but easy, but these three qualities—resilience, adaptability, and leadership—have been my guiding lights. They’ve helped me turn a dream into a reality, even in the most challenging of circumstances. And as we continue to grow, they remain at the heart of everything we do.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
“As the owner of Aurora Salon, I’m deeply passionate about redefining what a full-service salon can offer, and I believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of this vision. Aurora Salon is poised to become one of the premier salons in Westlake Village, and I’m seeking like-minded, talented individuals who share my dedication to excellence and innovation to help us achieve this goal.”
I’m particularly interested in partnering with stylists and beauty professionals who are eager to showcase their skills and talents in an environment that values creativity and quality. By forming these partnerships, Aurora Salon aims to attract clients who currently drive into the city for top-tier services. Our goal is to provide these clients with the convenience and quality they seek, right here in Westlake Village.
I’m also eager to collaborate with local government and fellow business owners in Westlake Village who are passionate about highlighting what our community has to offer. By working together, we can create events, promotions, and initiatives that showcase the best of Westlake Village, drawing more residents and visitors to experience the exceptional services available right here.”
If you’re reading this and feel inspired to collaborate, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a talented stylist looking for a new home, or a local business owner or government representative interested in partnering to promote Westlake Village, let’s connect. You can reach out to me directly through Aurora Salon’s website or our social media channels. Together, we can elevate the beauty and business landscape of our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aurorasalonwlv.com
- Instagram: @aurorasalonwlv
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aurora-salon-westlake-village
Image Credits
Mitch Holloway Photography
LeaH Ingersol Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
