Interview with Eric Montoya, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Monica and I grew up in southwest Denver. There was this little place off Morrison Road and Alameda Avenue called Gil and Ethel’s. On one side was Gil’s barber shop and on the other Ethel’s beauty salon. “You go to barber school and I’ll go to beauty school,” Monica said, and one day we’ll be Gil and Ethel. I graduated from Emily Griffith barber school and loved it, and Monica was a beauty school dropout.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We encourage creative collaboration within our team. We believe two or three heads are better than one. We have fostered an environment that is fun, playful and a great place to practice the art of hair design. We are a family.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The many friendships we have made over the years with clients, suppliers and the professionals in our industry. We know what’s what and who’s who in the neighborhood. We know where the new hot place to dine is, we know what place closed and why. We hear about upcoming developments in the city. Do you need a good floor guy? I know one for you. How about an electrician? Yup, got one for you. Our clients are a virtual Rolodex of connections. The friendships forged through time are priceless.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Education. Twenty years ago we had hairstyle books with the new looks and trends; these days it happens instantly with the Internet. Keeping up with the latest in products and trends, not to mention the latest braid off Pinterest presents it challenges. Our education calendar is constantly evolving. We supply ongoing education in-studio. We travel for advanced education as well, from Paris to New York and Chicago. Actually, we are headed to New Orleans in September for the BTC Hair Color Show.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We never did end up buying Gil and Ethel’s, but we will never forget that little building in southwest Denver.
Profile
Business: Turning Heads Studio
Address: 5715 Upham St., Arvada
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 1986
Contact: 303-420-2082,
Employees: 11
