At first glance, it’s hard to tell that beyond a quaint garden courtyard in the Tujunga Village of Studio City lies a welcoming hair salon owned by talented hair artist Cindy Wright. Coif Salon and Studio, known for its Keratin smoothing treatments and color specialists, boasts a warm and neighborly atmosphere that left us utterly impressed. We were lucky enough to spend some time at the salon in early June for the BANGSTYLE Product Shoot and spontaneous event, where we demonstrated styling tips with BANGSTYLE products and mingled with visitors. While we were both swamped with activities throughout the event, Wright and I were able to set a time to discuss all things Coif. Check it out!
BANGSTYLE: What made you want to open your own salon?
Cindy Wright: In Los Angeles, there are many great salons. I had been working at Coif Salon in the heart of the fashion district in Los Angeles (West Hollywood adjacent). In 1998, the owner of the salon let me know that he was about to close his salon. But I loved the salon I was in and the people I worked with, so Lenny sold me the salon. A dream. My life changed. I became a wife and a mother and bought a home in Valley Village. I also wanted to be part of the Tujunga Village’s atmosphere. I waited for the spot I am in to become available and when it did, another dream came true.
BANGSTYLE: How did you decide on the name ‘Coif?’
CW: The name Coif was available with the original purchase. I kept the name because it suited the salon. For my second salon, I held a drawing at the original Coif Salon. Thus, Coif 2.
BANGSTYLE: What was the opening process like?
CW: We dropped the 2 on the Studio City salon in 2005. It seemed appropriate to be the one and only! AGAIN! The back private studio gave us Coif Salon and Studio. Opening the Studio City salon was fun and exciting. Scraping off years of wallpaper, picking out colors, refreshing the original Belvedere hydraulic chairs, building cabinets, and lots of gardening. We opened with an extraordinary fashion show. Our wonderful neighbors supplied wardrobe, shoes, accessories, and the best food in the valley!
BANGSTYLE: If you could change one thing about your salon, what would it be?
CW: The reception and the receptionist. Customer service and SALES!
BANGSTYLE: What constitutes a good working team?
CW: Our team of stylists are very generous. We all share our talents and knowledge. We train our junior stylists with the same respect.
BANGSTYLE: What do you look for in an employee?
CW: The number one thing about adding someone to our staff is to invite people who enjoy a drama free zone! We are all affected by our environment, talent, accountability, and skills.
BANGSTYLE: With so many different personalities, how do you get all your employees to work cohesively?
CW: Although our stylists may have many different personalities, we all share the same love—everything about being a hairdresser. We attend advanced classes together and have educators come to the salon! We keep it fresh!
BANGSTYLE: What’s your number one business “no-no?”
CW: Saying no.
BANGSTYLE: What do you think your salon is best known for?
CW: Keratin Smoothing treatments and color specialists.
BANGSTYLE: How did you decide on the décor?
CW: I had just worked with the junket forCatch Me If You Can. The junket was at the W Hotel. The 40s glamour has been my favorite for, well, ever! I loved the writing tables and designed my individual styling vanities with the writing tables from the W as the blueprint.
BANGSTYLE: What about your salon are you most proud of?
CW: I was trained as a hair designer on the east coast. I was taught to make each design the best you’ve ever cut, trimmed, polished, colored, glazed, texturized, or designed! Being in the moment is the best place to be!
BANGSTYLE: What are your goals and/or future plans for Coif Salon and Studio?
CW: I’d like to embellish on our art. We have local artists show their work. I’d like to have more events and utilize our garden patio for artistic and media events.
READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW HERE.
Check out Coif Salon & Studio on their website or on BANGSTYLE.
