Conversations with Ezri Cisson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ezri Cisson.  

Ezri, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I like to think that my hair journey started in 5th grade. I had begged my mom for such a long time to color my hair red. The day she agreed is still one of the best memories I have from my childhood. I now look back fondly on all the evenings spent in her bathroom with a box of smelly hair dye from the grocery store and an old t-shirt stained from years of coloring sessions. I loved my red hair, it was dark and made me so pale, but I felt beautiful. By the time I was in high school I was coloring my own hair. Through those four years of school, it seemed like I had a new hair color every few months. It soon grew into doing my twin sisters’ hair, as well as my little sisters and my friends. I started at Red Rocks Community College in the Fall of 2017 with a degree in Elementary Education. As time went on, I began to realize it was not a career choice that made me happy. In May of 2019, I had received my Associate’s degree and knew that I needed a change. I fell in love with Aveda Institute in Denver in early July and decided to apply to see if I would be accepted. Within two weeks of applying, I had started beauty school. It was an absolute whirlwind, but I wouldn’t have done it any other way. The next 15 months were spent working towards my Cosmetology licensure. By August of 2020, I had found a receptionist position at Birch Salon! I was immediately drawn in by the smaller boutique feel, and how welcoming everyone was when I had my interview. I remember crying when I heard I had gotten the job, and to this day still feel extremely lucky to have been given such a wonderful opportunity. I began my salon apprenticeship in January of 2021 and was officially on the floor full-time in April 2021. I have been a stylist at Birch Salon professionally for a year now. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road! I was raised in a household where the expectation was to go to college and earn a bachelor’s degree. I grew up thinking there was such a stigma around trade schools or going into a trade, so I never thought it was an option for me. I remember the conversation of completely changing career paths from a teacher to a hairdresser was extremely daunting. No child wants to disappoint their parents, and the outcome of that conversation didn’t go exactly the way I hoped it would. It took a lot of hard work and drive to prove to myself and to my parents that this was the correct career path for me. I’m happy I fought for what I wanted for my future and I have no regrets with the decision I made. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently a stylist at Birch Salon! Being so new in my career I am still learning what I specialize in, but I love doing blonding as well as reds! Highlights and balayage are my two favorite color services, and I enjoy doing longer layered haircuts and blowouts. I am in the process of learning both tapes in and beaded weft extensions and will be adding them to my repertoire soon! I think building a relationship with my guests is paramount, and I take pride in knowing that people come back to me because of my gentle demeanor and care. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be spending warm summer evenings outside with my sisters! Those nights when the sun was out past bedtime, where the grass was damp and cool but the pavement was still warm from the heat of the day. We would ride scooters and play with chalk til our hands were caked in it. Having that free time to just relax and be present in our time together reminds me how important it is to take a step back and make sure I’m taking care of myself too. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vagaro.com/birchsalon/
• Instagram: @heyits_ezri

Image Credits
Aly Kuehl