Meet Cory Toth | Hairstylist & Salon Owner

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

Hi Cory, what is the most important factor behind your success?
As a hairstylist and small business owner, the most important factor behind my success is connecting with each of my guests. I genuinely care about each of them and their haircare needs. I believe haircare goes beyond just hair; it is about building trust and understanding by listening, by making my guests feel comfortable in a judgment free space, and by providing an exceptional experience. As well as, being creative, versatile, and passionate about my craft.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Peachy Keen the Beauty Scene is a private salon studio. It is a place for my guests to indulge in some simple self-care with a new haircut or fresh hair color service. I offer an assortment of hair coloring and highlighting options, haircare treatments for every hair type, plus every haircut is custom created for each guest based on their specific goals and needs.

Having a private studio has given me the opportunity to create a calm and cozy salon atmosphere for my guests. A place where they can feel comfortable discussing their haircare needs with me, free from distractions and other people. Truly, a one on one experience with each guest.

I have been able to establish myself as a successful hairstylist for the past 24 years because I genuinely care about each of my guest’s haircare needs. By listening, paying attention to detail, continuing to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and styles, and by giving my guests my best in providing an exceptional salon experience. I am devoted to creating a clean, comforting, and safe space for my guests where they can relax and share stories while providing excellent haircare services.

I began my journey as a hairstylist while I was still in high school. I grew up in a small midwest town, and knew that I was destined for greatness outside of that little town. I joined a vocational program for my senior year of high school. I went to my high school classes for half of the day and then I would go to beauty school for the remainder of my day. I enjoyed all of the creative aspects of hair cutting, the science and chemistry of hair color, but most of all, I enjoyed making people feel beautiful and confident with their new hairstyles. I had found my purpose at beauty school. I was a licensed cosmetologist shortly after I graduated high school. I spent 15 plus years working in a corporate salon setting. Honing my cutting and coloring skills, building an extensive clientele, and learning all I could about the business side of the industry. I ended up climbing the corporate ladder from stylist to assistant manager to salon manager. Winning multiple awards with the highest recognition in the company. Becoming the top ranked salon in my district for the company, being the top ranked stylist in my district for the company. Having an amazing team of stylists who were all top ranked as well. The corporate company was changing, and I eventually left the corporate setting to work for larger, privately owned salons. At these salons, I had the opportunity to focus on continuing my education with different brands and classes. Therefore, becoming a more versatile and creative hairstylist.
Then life moved my family and I from the midwest to southern California. I took some time to establish myself as a hairstylist in the Antelope Valley. Working at a newly opened salon right after the pandemic gave me the opportunity to start building a clientele and to get people talking about me as a hairstylist in Southern California. My client base started growing and having sustainably. After a little over a year, I decided it was time to move on to bigger and better things. That’s when I decided to get a salon studio and open my own salon.

Becoming a salon owner, and creating the calm, cozy salon atmosphere that I want my guests to experience while creating unique hair styles that they look and feel great in has been the most exciting part of my career, so far. I’m only a few years into this venture. It’s growing, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

At Peachy Keen the Beauty Scene my guests are heard, loved, and seen. What happens in the chair is sacred. This is where we connect through listening, eye contact, physical touch, and story telling. It is an intimate form of human connection. For many, the most consistent and safe way they experience this type of human connection is in those regular salon visits. After many years in the beauty industry, it brings me much joy to do what I’m passionate about while having fun and making my guests smile.

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?
I would want my friend to visit in the springtime. That way I could take her to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve to see the poppies and wildflowers in peak bloom.
Descanso Gardens is another place I would take her. We would see the tulips in full bloom and explore the forests and gardens.
Breakfast at the iconic Halfway House Cafe. I love a place that serves good old fashioned cooking.
Shopping at the Antelope Valley Mall and Valencia Town Center.
We would browse at a lovely antique store called Antique Asylum. We would go to Charlie Brown Farms for some delicious food, and quirky gifts.
A day at the beach is always a nice time. We would go to the Santa Monica Pier, rent bikes for a cruise along the beach from Perry’s Cafe on the Beach while we enjoy their chicken tacos.
And we’d definitely have IN-N-OUT Burger at least once.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my son, Lycan, and to my life partner, Tyler. “The love and support I receive from both of you is unmatched. Thank you for believing in me; and thank you for believing in my small business. I couldn’t have done any of this without the both of you.”

Website: http://peachy-keen-the-beauty-scene.square.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cory.peachykeenthebeautyscene/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==