We had the good fortune of connecting with Larisa Love and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Larisa, how do you think about risk?
As long as I can remember, I always dreamed of being a hair stylist. I was told by many that I wouldn’t be able to make a living “doing hair,” but I busted that myth long ago. Just as every book has a beginning and an end, there are chapters in between, and those chapters are essential to understanding the entire story. What I am saying is that I did not open my private studio overnight; it took hard work and most importantly, it took risks (and my story is nowhere near an end). When you know what you want out of life, you have to go full throttle, and you have to take chances!

Now picture this: My first “studio” was an enclosed balcony attached to my tiny two-bedroom apartment in LA. I took a cabinet, a mirror, a chair and voilá: I had my first makeshift studio! I even washed my clients’ hair out in my kitchen sink, and even though it wasn’t ideal, they never complained. Can you imagine that? Once I began working for myself, I gathered a younger clientele, but I took a risk because (at most) I only had 2-3 clients a week! I seriously had no idea how I was going to pay rent.

After about eight months, I took a large risk, trusted God, and transitioned into a private studio in Studio City. This move enabled me to grow my clientele tremendously. It was honestly the best decision for me and my career because it gave me the confidence and reassurance that I needed to continue moving forward.

I eventually took my biggest risk and opened up my own salon and living my best life, while traveling the world doing what I love, meeting like minded people that have the love for our craft.

See how important it is to take risks? If I settled or gave up early on in my career, I would not have made it to where I am today. Don’t be discouraged and never ever give up on your dreams because taking that risk might be just what your dreams are made of.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I knew at a very young age that I did not want to live a traditional lifestyle. I mean, what seven-year-old kid curls her own hair? I even taught myself how to French braid on a Barbie when I was five, and that is when I knew that styling hair was a natural talent of mine. Hair is an art, and I was born to share my art with the world. However, despite my desire to make a creative living, I grew up in a very traditional household. I moved to America from the Ukraine when I was six years old. (My family won a Diversity Visa Lottery that enabled us to become American citizens and move to the U.S., and if we didn’t make the move, my life would be drastically different.) With that said, my dad wanted the best for his children, but in his eyes, “the best” meant that his kids would go to college and land a traditional, “conventional” occupation. I already knew that I wanted to be a hairstylist, but he told me that hair is a hobby, not a career. The words “hair is a hobby, not a career” motivated me to reach my professional goals. So if you really want to understand the root of my drive, you need to know that my dad’s disapproval was ultimately the catalyst for my career as a hair stylist: I was determined to prove that hair stylists can have successful careers. And I made it.

When instagram, just launched I knew it was a unique app but also when I became a hairdresser so I started promoting my work on their and started to grow a following. From their cosmoprof took notice of me and asked me to be their brand ambassador and with that I had the flood gates of all brands open to me. I was able to work and travel with all hair brands from cosmoprof and one of those was joico. Eventually joico asked me to be their brand ambassador and I have been their brand ambassador going on 4+ years.

My art is known for creating transformable results with quick application time while giving the most beautiful, fluid blends that are low maintenance.

What I know sets me apart is that no one can be me and that is my super power. My authenticity is mine and no one else can have that. Being authentic and raw allows your audience to connect with you but also your work speak through it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to Nina Kovner. She is my mentor & so,woke I know I can always count on when it comes to any questions, concerns or comments I have about the industry. She is someone you all should follow if you want some daily inspiration. Ig : @ninakovner

Website: Larisalove.com

Instagram: @larisadoll

Facebook: Larisa love

Yelp: Larisa love salon

Other: Tik tok: @larisadoll

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.