We had the good fortune of connecting with eileen kantor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi eileen, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
The principles of design. Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Pattern, Unity, Movement and Rhythm.
The elements of art. Line, Shape, Value, Form, Texture, Space and Color.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others, me and my team unapologetically look for the core of the human spirit. In order for my team to give a person a shape to their hair we need to know who they are. Will this person “do” their hair? Or will they not? That is the question. In the salon our culture is one where we listen and respond. The shape and color of the hair is determined by the persons lifestyle, their face and body shape and most importantly- their personality.

I am most proud of developing the culture in the statement above. The art me and my team makes moves and changes everyday. It is the art that we all wear. We are proud to help shape the way a person feels about themself.

The climb to where i am in my career was no small feat. I have 22 years under my belt and a lot has happened in that time. The beginning was humble. I worked in a chain salon so that I could have health insurance. Thankfully my husband landed a job where I could be included in his health insurance plan so I could work for an independent hair salon. I started at a college salon, then a couple of high end salons. In both high end salons I was a part of the education team and a part of what was happening creatively while I was there.

Was it easy- no. I would say while on the path to where I am I have eaten many a slice of humble pie. In the last 10 years i have leaned on philosophy to help me carry on. My main method of grounding is to read Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” every year. In the last year I have gone back to his teacher, Epictetus, and sunken into “The Art of Living”. Before the end of this year I will finish reviewing the Socratic method and apply it to the challenging situations that happen upon us in life.

The lessons I learned along the way. To know my worth and to be clear about what it is. To have clear and direct communication in all relationships. To know who I am and the veil of perception that I see through in order to leave behind any sort of judgement about another person.

About my brand and story. I want people to be seen. Whoever they are. Old, young, whatever gender, orientation, presentation, personality. That my team and I look to see the person and reflect back at them what they want to see. We aim to be inviting when a person shows up. Once a person has been around our culture for a while we all know their name and are happy to see them when they show up. Think a team of hair besties.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My bestie and I get a weekend together itinerary:

What band is in town would dictate what would do next.
“Town” meaning Boulder (where my business is), Denver or Morrison (Red Rocks!).

If we are eating in Boulder, T/aco if we are going for comfort food. Mateo for old school Boulder vibes.
Denver- we are eating at Domo or The Colorado Sake Company
Morrison- if we are going to Red Rocks we are going to bring a bbq to the parking lot early and kick it until we are able to get into the show.

If we are keeping it local for a drink we love our neighbors, The Attic. They are a Boulder institution and we are honored to share a corridor with them. If you are feeling more grown up, go across the street to Jills at the St. Julien. Need a margarita, T/aco is the spot.

In Denver, in the ramble hotel- Death and Co.

In Morrison, fill your cooler and tailgate or grab overpriced drinks at the show

Interesting places-
Denver
The Denver Art Museum
Clyfford Still Museum
Meow Wolf

Boulder
Chautauqua for hikes, dining and entertainment
The lighthouse bookstore

Staunton state park
El dorado state park + don’t forget to bring you bathing suit for the pool afterwards
Rocky Mountain national park

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My instinct is to lean into the hopeless romantic inside and say my husband, Adam Kantor. We were so young when we met. We were in the process of figuring out who we were. We did that together separately, separately together. Meaning that we both grew into the professional adults that we are today in individual ways supporting each other as we grew. There was a time when I was fresh in my career and wanted to make the transition from a chain salon, with a secure income, to an independent salon, where my income was not guaranteed. While I “got my legs’ in my career his income supported us. Without that initial risk, I would not be where I am now professionally. My salon opened in 2017. My private hair academy opened 2021. Shout out to my sweetheart, Adam, for holding my hand in the darkness until I made it to the light.

You all can vomit now. I love this man so much.

Website: https://kantorandcompany.com

Instagram: @kantorandcompany

Facebook: @kantorandcompany

Other: on spotify @smallbizhappyhour @leen13

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.