Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Duarte.
Hi Erica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
There’s a quiet kind of courage in starting over—especially when you have to walk away from everything familiar to do it.
When I made the decision to leave my salon, it wasn’t met with support. Relationships shifted almost immediately. People I had worked closely with didn’t understand my direction, and at times it felt like my ambition was taken personally. There were moments that felt petty, uncomfortable—like doors closing in ways they didn’t have to. My final check was held, my access was cut off, and instead of a smooth transition, it felt like I was being made to start from zero.
And I did.
I put everything I had into building something of my own. I started in December—one of the busiest times—and it gave me a glimpse of what was possible. But right after came January, the slowest month, and the contrast was jarring. It was discouraging in a way that tests you quietly—wondering if you made the right decision, while still showing up every day like you did.
There were real pressures behind the scenes. Making sure rent was paid before I paid myself. Losing help when my assistant had to step away, and learning to carry everything on my own. Figuring out how to market, how to grow, how to sustain—without relying on anything or anyone I once had.
But I didn’t stop.
Somewhere in the uncertainty, I became steadier. More certain. What felt overwhelming at the beginning slowly found its rhythm. And now, just months in, what I built from nothing is running in a way that once felt out of reach.
It didn’t come from ease. It came from choosing myself—over and over again—even when it would have been easier not to.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, anyone starting a business is almost always going to have struggle. But I’m grateful for it because it’s shaped hair social into the character. It is today. I think some of the struggles would honestly be moving from a walk-in base salon to appointment only and keeping the clientele consistent. I think also the move was different because I was coming from the south side to now north side of town and not a lot of people are open to that shift but I’m grateful that a lot of my clients understood. Other struggles would be keeping up with the slow periods and making sure the business is still moving.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a hairstylist and the owner of Hair Social, a salon suite built around creating an elevated, personal experience. I specialize in lived-in color, extensions, and intentional cutting and styling—focusing on hair that grows out beautifully and fits seamlessly into my clients’ everyday lives.
What I’m most known for is the experience I create just as much as the result itself. My space is designed to feel personal, relaxed, and real—where clients can come in, feel taken care of, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves. It’s not just about great hair, it’s about how you feel sitting in my chair.
What I’m most proud of is building this on my own and creating something that reflects who I am. Hair Social isn’t just a service—it’s an environment, a conversation, and a place where people feel comfortable showing up as themselves.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and the intention behind everything I do—from consultation to final style. I focus on connection, consistency, and creating a look that feels effortless but elevated. My goal is always to give my clients hair that not only looks good, but lives well.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is making people feel good about the way that they look and just also feeling heard I think that’s what’s most important to me because life ain’t always easy and I think everybody deserves compassion, regardless if I’m providing a service.
Pricing:
- Balayage starting price is 250
- A bleach out starting price is 375
- An ombre starting price is 400
- A haircut blow dry style starting price is 59
- Hair extensions starting price is 400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ericanicolee.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hair__social
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JbCRj6eVW/
