Emily Safran Wands grew up inspired by the transformative power of beauty. From weekly trips to the hair salon with her family to brushing shoulders with industry legends at New York Fashion Week, her passion for hair and beauty has been a constant throughout her life. Today, Emily channels that passion into Lahh Salon, a brand built on luxury, creativity, and a commitment to helping people feel radiant inside and out.
1. Emily, how did your entrepreneurial journey begin?
I’ve loved beauty and hair for as long as I can remember. Growing up on Long Island, some of my favorite memories were of going to the hair salon with my mom and grandma. I loved the energy of the space and how transformative it felt—it sparked my dream of owning a salon one day.
After high school, I pursued a degree in Communications and PR at Hofstra University, but my passion for hair led me to intern at Wilhelmina Models, where I had the chance to meet Oribe backstage at New York Fashion Week. That experience cemented my love for the art of hair.
Determined to make my dream a reality, I trained at Aveda Soho and worked at prestigious Manhattan salons like Oscar Blandi and John Barrett. These experiences taught me invaluable skills and set the stage for what would become Lahh Salon.
2. What challenges did you face in building Lahh Salon?
Starting Lahh Salon was as rewarding as it was challenging. One of the toughest hurdles was learning how to trust the right people and delegate effectively. In the beginning, I felt the pressure to do everything myself, which led to burnout.
Trusting others with my vision wasn’t easy, but I learned that building a successful business requires a strong, reliable team. It’s about setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, and creating a culture of mutual respect.
Another significant challenge came when I was four months pregnant, and three employees left, taking clients with them. It was a tough period, both emotionally and professionally. But I reminded myself of why I started Lahh Salon: to provide a space where people could feel beautiful and confident. That purpose kept me going, and over time, those clients returned, recognizing the value and loyalty our salon offered.
3. How do you stay motivated during difficult times?
My passion for creating something meaningful and my belief in the mission of Lahh Salon have always been my anchors. When things feel overwhelming, I step back to reflect on why I started and focus on what’s within my control.
In challenging moments, like losing employees and clients, I leaned into my core values: providing exceptional service and staying true to the salon’s mission. Those values helped rebuild trust with our clients and reinforced the reputation we’d worked so hard to establish.
I also believe in taking care of myself—whether it’s stepping into nature, spending time with my family, or simply taking a moment to recharge. Self-care is vital for staying grounded and motivated.
4. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Embrace the process. The journey is just as important as the destination. Celebrate small wins, learn from setbacks, and fall in love with the work itself.
- Don’t do it all yourself. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and can help carry the load.
- Trust your value. Believe in the quality of what you offer, and your clients will see it too.
- Take care of yourself. Burnout is real, so make time for your mental and physical well-being.
Most importantly, be patient and resilient. Success takes time, and the hard moments are part of the journey.
5. What’s been a proud moment in your journey so far?
One of my proudest moments was building a brand-new location after nine years of growing Lahh Salon. It’s something I’d dreamed of for years, but seeing it come to life felt surreal.
The new space isn’t just a salon—it’s a representation of everything we’ve built: trust, growth, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. The fact that this growth happened organically, through referrals and word of mouth, makes it even more special. I can’t wait to open our doors in just a few weeks.
6. What is your vision for Lahh Salon?
My vision is to make Lahh Salon the best salon in Miami. I want it to be synonymous with luxury, innovation, and excellence in the beauty industry.
Beyond growing the business, I’m passionate about creating transformative experiences for our clients. It’s not just about hair—it’s about confidence, empowerment, and helping people feel their best.
I also see Lahh Salon as a leader in damage-free, sustainable beauty practices. We’re committed to providing high-quality, innovative services that align with our mantra: Life’s about healthy hair.
Final Thoughts
Emily Safran’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of staying true to your values. Through Lahh Salon, she’s redefining what a luxury salon experience looks like while empowering clients to embrace their inner and outer beauty. Keep an eye out for the opening of Lahh Salon’s new location—it’s set to elevate Miami’s beauty scene to new heights. To learn more, visit Lahh Salon.