Emily Lawson had a revelation while studying psychology at Cuesta College—the same realization many students have at least once in their academic careers—to switch majors.
Lawson knew exactly what she wanted to pursue, but it meant changing schools as well. Having nearly enough units under her belt already, Lawson stayed to receive an assoicate degree in liberal arts. Next stop, Santa Maria Beauty College.
“I always had a fascination with hair and makeup,” Lawson told the Sun. She became a licensed cosmetologist in 2008 and then spent almost a decade working for various salons. Lawson took a leap of faith in 2016 and opened Hair Extensions by Emily, which shares a space with Adore Salon in Orcutt.
“I had always worked for others, helping them succeed and make their dreams into a reality. I figured it was my turn,” Lawson said. “The hardest part was getting the courage to step out on my own and put everything into something that might fail; it was the unknown. The struggle has been real, but it’s been worth it.”
Lawson is a full-service stylist who specializes in hair extensions, facial contouring, and makeup for weddings, formal occasions, and other special events.
“There are salons on every corner nowadays, so the challenge is to offer something unique to my clients,” she said. “Reassurance and great care is what I strive to offer. I understand that it’s not just about the hair and makeup, it’s about how it makes you feel. It’s about coming out of the salon happier than you were before.”
Lawson takes what she calls an “A to Z” approach, customizing each job to fit clients’ specific needs, she said. This isn’t limited to the styling aspect, she added, but the entire experience overall.
The salon is located in a quaint neighborhood setting—the heart of Old Town Orcutt—and Lawson tries to add to that intimate atmosphere in her workspace, she said.
“I love working in Old Orcutt. It’s charming and it has a welcoming small-town feel,” she said. “It feels more personal somehow.”
One of Lawson’s favorite parts of her job is that it can be therapeutic for both her and the client, especially with her regulars, she said.
“They’re like my extended family. I get to know them quite well,” she said. “At times, it feels like therapy for both of us. We’ll get into really deep conversations.”
Lawson proudly contributes to Wigs for Kids, she said, a nonprofit that provides hair replacement and support for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Alopecia, burns, and other medical issues.
“Being an ambassador [for Wigs for Kids] is a wonderful thing. What’s great is that they don’t charge the families at all for their services,” Lawson said. “I offer my haircuts to individuals willing to donate their hair at little to no cost.”
Hair Extensions by Emily is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and is located inside Adore Salon & Day Spa at 195 S. Broadway, No. 103, Orcutt. For more information or to book an appointment, call 314-9264 or visit hairextensionsbyemily.com.
Contributor Caleb Wiseblood wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, mail, or email at spotlight@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 10-17, 2017.