Today we’d like to introduce you to Machele Kortum.
Hi Machele, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am in my 32nd year as a HAIR STYLIST. I grew up in a salon environment and always knew that that’s what I wanted to do.. I started shampooing the age of 13 at my aunts salon here in delco and went to hairdressing school straight from high school. I was lucky enough to get a job and learn a lot from my aunt.. she decided to retire early and I got my dream job on South Street in Philadelphia. This was a fast paced and walk in type of Salon similar to a hair Cuttery but a little more rock ‘n’ roll called the chop shop.. I had no choice but to learn every type of Haircut known to man and that was a blessing. After I had a full book and established career I opened my first salon in the Italian market area of south Philly called Le Bomb Chele. It was a very artsy space where we had local artist selling their wares, played loud music and was very different from your basic salon. This made it very successful.: during this time I was dating a sound engineer who connected me with the live music venues to be the on call stylist when bands and musicians played in Philadelphia. This ended up taking off and I decided to do this full time. I closed my salon and started traveling as a back stage hair stylist. I did this for about five years and had the time of my life.. little too much fun. I later came back to Philly and started a family and relocated to the suburbs. I was lucky enough to be a stay at home mom and raise my children until they started elementary school. At this time, I decided to open my second Salon in my hometown of Ridley Park. I want the same route as my first and made it a little different than your typical Salon environment.. my vibe was Stevie Nicks and Ozzy Osbourne shared dressing room. It started as a one person studio and over the past seven years has had two renovations and working on our third location.. we now have 12 employees which I call my Roses, and we get busier by the day. At 51 years old, I should be slowing down and I’m working hard harder..
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Things seem to always work out for me, but during the time I was on the road with musicians as a Stylist, I removed myself from reality and was living a lifestyle that wasn’t sustainable. I had to completely change my course and Live a more quiet life as a suburban mom. I am very grateful I was able to recover from that and be successful again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Even though I am definitely a boss bitch, I treat my employees like coworkers. I don’t want to be a boss. I don’t want to tell people what to do. We are all adults and should act accordingly. I let my Stylist make their own schedules and do not need permission to take a day off or go on vacation. I just want the respect and I receive that..
I am a people person, very confident, and have a great personality. I believe every person is created equal and I make it a point to spread kindness to my coworkers and our clients.
What matters most to you? Why?
Being kind and being a good person. I am a giver.. i truly believe karma is real and it’s been proven that what I put out there comes back to me triple.
Pricing:
- Even though getting your hair done is considered a luxury I make it a point that everybody can afford it. We of course have flat rates on our website that I make it a point to have people discuss their budget before we begin.. there are ways to give people what they want by using a little less product or making things go a little quicker so we don’t lose money. Example…. Some money can ask for a balayage which is priced higher…. But the placement of that balayage could be considered a partial highlight, which makes the price less..
- Don’t let our prices scare you always feel comfortable to discuss budgets.
- I love a good barter
- All of our services are a package deal so there are no surprises. Every color service comes with a Gloss and a haircut and a blow dry.
- I truly believe no one should have to pay extra for a blow dry/ we want to see your hair looking it’s best. You cannot see that when it’s wet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Luxandroses.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: Luxandroses
- Facebook: Lux and Roses
