I’m so excited to share a new “A Beer With” on the blog. I truly love this series, and interviewing some of my favorite people in GR (check out these interviews). Today I’m sitting down with Erin Dressander from E+L Salon. Erin is the co-owner of E+L Salon located here in Grand Rapids, MI. I’ve been going to this salon since they opened, and I can’t say enough good things about Erin and the entire team. You can follow Erin on Instagram at @erindressander.stylist for some inspiration and #hairgoals. Also, check out E+L Salon’s website to learn more or book an appointment with Erin.
A Beer With Erin Dressander
What do you love most about Grand Rapids?
I love that I have been a part of the growth of Grand Rapids for almost 40 years. I have lived here all of my life + feel very proud to have seen first hand the strides this city has made. With that being said, I cannot wait to continue to grow, nurture + push the limits of what the communities that surround us are capable of. We have a lot more work to do.
Why did you decide to become a hair stylist?
It was a career change for me. I started in the hospitality industry when I was 14, making pizzas then swiftly moving into serving + bartending. I still joke that I have probably worked in almost every bar in Grand Rapids until I was 30. After high school I attended culinary school + attended GVSU for some business courses. I then worked for Meijer Corporate for about 6 years before realizing that environment wasn’t for me. I don’t like being kept in a box. Doing hair, connecting with people + being creative was always what I was meant to do. At 28 I quit + signed up for cosmetology school. The rest is history.
How long have you been a hair stylist?
Almost 12 years. Whew, that sounds crazy.
What led you to becoming a salon owner?
It’s pretty simple. Wanting to be my own boss + creating an environment for myself + others that was inclusive, work-life balance + a zero drama. We have been open almost 3 years and we feel like we are just getting started. Our team is incredible, evolving + I learn from them every single day. It’s hard work, but the payoff is priceless…and I don’t mean money. 😉
What do you love most about your job?
People of course. However the change on the daily basis is what keeps me inspired, keeps me connected + keeps me coming back every day. Sometimes I reflect and am so grateful I made the choice to jump ship on corporate america and do my own thing. It is really empowering. It is a constant reminder that there isn’t just one mold for everyone to fit in. Make your own damn mold + shake it up.
What are some top trends in hair styles right now?
Balayage + hair painting has been on the scene for a handful of years and seems to be sticking around. It is constantly evolving which is really cool to watch. Vivid colors, bright + bold colors are also out there. European haircuts are also very cool. What is really nice about living in this time is that the individual wears their hair the way they want, how they want and in my opinion that is the trend. Hopefully that won’t go away. Who cares what your face shape is, if you like it…go for it!
What makes E + L Salon different from other salons?
We are vocal. Each one of us that works at the salon are humans, individuals + use our voice. We work within the community to strengthen those who may not have the chance to be heard. We are currently in the process of setting up E+L Foundation. Lauren + I feel very strongly that now more so than ever there is a lot of work to be done…from a social + economic standpoint. Some may wonder why such a small business would take on such a “big” task, but one of our goals is to inspire other small businesses to do the same. Our commitment to this industry + our community has always been #bettertogether and it will always be. #communityovercompetition
What hair product can you not live without?
My curly product. We carry Davines and definitely the curl cream to tame the beast.
What are your best tips or tricks for healthy hair?
Using salon quality products. 100%. People invest the money into their hair color + hair cuts and some go off and buy drug store stuff. Not recommended at all. It all must come full circle with conscious hair products to maintain from start until the next time your visit is.
Don’t forget to follow Erin on Instagram at @erindressander.stylist or check out E+L Salon’s website to book an appointment. Thanks Erin!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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