Exploring Life & Business with Cerissa Leese of Hair Rebel Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cerissa Leese.

Hi Cerissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
In grade school, I fell in love with musical theatre. So much so that I pursued an education post-high school at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. During my time there, I also worked for the school doing costumes and that was where my interest in hair and makeup began.

Shortly after moving back to Maryland, I began acting locally and found myself helping craft, and even apply, hair and makeup looks for myself and my castmates.

Fast forward a few years and I decided I wanted to make it official and get paid to do what I was enjoying! So, I did just that. I attended The Frederick School of Cosmetology and, although my goal at the time was to return to theatre, I also began assisting at a prestigious salon in Gaithersburg, MD.

Throughout my career, I’ve made it a point to attend the best education I could find. I’ve attended Vidal Sassoon Academy, Jamison Shaw, J Beverly Hills, just to name a few. I’ve had the pleasure of training under some of the best celebrity stylists in the industry, who inspired me to become an educator myself. I’ve worked on photography sets, television shows, and backstage. All through it all though I found that hair color really spoke to me in a way styling never did.

In 2019 I became a Master Color Expert, and in 2020 furthered that education by becoming a certified Luxury Hairstylist. These courses gave me the foundation I needed to go out on my own to become a suite owner, with goals of much more.

I enjoy all types of color, but I would say I really specialize in grey blending and custom color matches. I look forward to a good hair color challenge, too!

As of today, you can find me at the Sola Salon Suites in Lutherville, MD — recently upgraded to a larger space and still growing!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing in life is a smooth road, as much of 2020 taught us. Looking back, I can say that even though I’ve struggled I’m glad for all of it because it taught me a valued lesson.

The biggest of those being the first time I went out on my own in 2015. I crunched the numbers, accounted for some clients not to follow me (because that happens with every move), and thought I could do it. But I wasn’t organized enough at the time. I had recently gone through a divorce and so my focus was elsewhere. I managed to keep the suite open for a little over a year, but it was a struggle.

I draw on that time a lot now with being a suite owner again. I know now what I should have done differently, better or not at all. And this time it’s gone so much better!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Hair Rebel Salon?
Hair Rebel Salon defines luxury not as an over-the-top extravagance, but as an appreciation for quality and service. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated like a celebrity.

As a Luxury Experience, I operate a little differently. After all, I always say I’m a rebel for a reason! From a client perspective, I aim to achieve a seamless in-salon visit, complete with customized aftercare and thoughtful marketing communications. With hourly pricing, tip-less services, no double-booking, and a slew of amenities, Hair Rebel Salon aims to have each guest leave her experience leaving nothing to be desired.

In addition to the distinctive salon experience and individualized career paths, Hair Rebel Salon is an eco-conscious salon. As such, I endeavor to recycle as much as possible and use sustainable luxury hair care. By offering continued education, consistent research into industry technologies, and our partnership with clean brands, my hope is to minimize my salon’s impact on our planet in as many areas as possible.

I believe that the experience coupled with passion for quality and integrity will be the reason clients choose to frequent Hair Rebel Salon.

Image Credits
Jasmine Kernel
Ashton Kelley