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

Hi Lida, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Gloss & Glam wasn’t just about opening another hair salon—it was about creating a luxury beauty experience that blends expert artistry with wellness and self-care.

When I moved to the U.S., I had to start over from scratch, leaving behind a successful salon business I had built in Iran. I worked tirelessly to rebuild my career, learning the local market, beauty trends, and business landscape. While working in different salons, I noticed a gap—most places focused only on hair services, but very few prioritized scalp health, relaxation, and the full self-care experience.

I wanted to create something elevated—a salon where clients don’t just come in for a service but leave feeling completely rejuvenated, inside and out. That’s why Gloss & Glam isn’t just about hair; we offer luxury head spa treatments, customized hair color, and styling that enhances both beauty and confidence.

My goal was to build a brand that offers high-end, personalized service with an emphasis on long-term hair health, relaxation, and beauty as a whole. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to bring this vision to life, create an elevated salon experience, and build something truly special in West Hollywood.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Gloss & Glam, we’re more than just a hair salon—we’re a luxury beauty destination that blends expert hair artistry with wellness and relaxation. Our signature services include custom hair color, precision styling, premium hair treatments, and our highly sought-after head spa experience. We specialize in healthy, beautiful hair and believe that true beauty starts at the scalp.

What Sets Us Apart

What truly makes Gloss & Glam different is our focus on personalized luxury and holistic hair care. Many salons prioritize styling, but few consider the long-term health of the hair and scalp. We go beyond just making hair look good—we ensure that it’s nourished, healthy, and thriving. Our head spa treatments are a perfect example of this—clients don’t just leave with great hair; they leave feeling completely rejuvenated.

Our team is made up of highly skilled colorists and stylists who take the time to understand each client’s unique hair goals. Whether it’s a stunning balayage, a flawless blonde transformation, or a deep conditioning treatment, we tailor every service for the best possible results.

The Journey & Challenges

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Moving to a new country meant starting over from scratch, rebuilding my clientele, and navigating an entirely different business landscape. I had to learn the industry in Los Angeles, adapt to new trends, and find a way to stand out in an incredibly competitive market.

One of the biggest challenges was balancing creativity with business strategy. It wasn’t enough to be a great stylist—I had to become a marketer, a business owner, and a leader. I invested time in learning branding, digital marketing, and customer experience strategies to ensure Gloss & Glam could thrive.

Lessons Learned
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about working smart. Understanding what clients truly want, creating an unforgettable experience, and building strong relationships are what truly drive a business forward. I’ve also learned the power of community and word-of-mouth marketing—our biggest growth has come from happy clients sharing their experiences.

What I Want the World to Know
Gloss & Glam is built on a foundation of passion, expertise, and a commitment to making every client feel their absolute best. We’re not just in the business of hair—we’re in the business of confidence, self-care, and transformation.

For anyone out there building their own dream—whether it’s in beauty or any other industry—my message is simple: stay dedicated, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to stand out. Success comes from resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

And if you’re looking for a salon that delivers luxury, relaxation, and stunning results, we’d love to welcome you to Gloss & Glam. 💖✨

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is a city full of glamour, culture, and amazing food, and when my best friend visits, I make sure they experience the best of it all—from iconic hotspots to hidden gems. Here’s my perfect week-long itinerary for an unforgettable L.A. trip:

Day 1: Classic Hollywood & Sunset Views
📍 Breakfast: Republique – A must-visit for incredible pastries and brunch in a stunning historic building.
🎥 Midday: Hollywood Walk of Fame & Griffith Observatory – A little touristy, but you can’t visit L.A. without seeing the stars and that breathtaking city view.
🌅 Sunset: Perch Rooftop Bar – The perfect spot to sip on cocktails and watch the skyline light up.
🍽️ Dinner: Musso & Frank Grill – One of Hollywood’s oldest and most iconic steakhouses.

Day 2: Luxury & Relaxation in Beverly Hills
☕ Morning: Alfred Coffee on Melrose Place – Because “But first, coffee” is a must!
🛍️ Midday: Rodeo Drive & Beverly Hills – A stroll through designer boutiques and a stop by the famous Beverly Hills Hotel for a classic lunch at The Polo Lounge.
💆‍♀️ Afternoon: Head Spa at Gloss & Glam – Because no trip is complete without a luxury scalp massage and hair pampering session.
🍷 Dinner: Spago by Wolfgang Puck – A Beverly Hills fine dining experience you can’t miss.

Day 3: Beach Day in Malibu & Santa Monica
🥞 Breakfast: Malibu Farm – Healthy, delicious food with oceanfront views at the Malibu Pier.
🏖️ Midday: Zuma Beach or El Matador Beach – Some of the most stunning coastline in California.
🍷 Afternoon: Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio – A hidden gem for wine tasting right on Pacific Coast Highway.
🎡 Evening: Santa Monica Pier & 3rd Street Promenade – The best spot for an L.A. sunset, live street performances, and fun carnival rides.

Day 4: Arts, Culture & Downtown Vibes
🥐 Breakfast: Gjusta in Venice – The best bakery for pastries, avocado toast, and coffee.
🎨 Midday: The Broad & Walt Disney Concert Hall – A perfect mix of modern art and stunning architecture.
🍣 Lunch: Bestia – One of the top Italian restaurants in the city, located in the arts district.
🍸 Evening: Rooftop at The Ace Hotel – Trendy cocktails and a perfect city skyline view.

Day 5: Wellness & Outdoor Adventures
🥬 Morning: Erewhon Market – A stop for celebrity-favorite smoothies and a quick health boost.
🥾 Midday: Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park Hike – A great way to see L.A. from above while staying active.
💆‍♀️ Afternoon: Spa Day at The Beverly Hills Hotel – Total relaxation with a massage, facial, and poolside lounging.
🍣 Dinner: Nobu Malibu – The ultimate oceanfront fine dining experience.

Day 6: Trendy & Chic West Hollywood Day
🥞 Brunch: The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker – A West Hollywood staple.
🛍️ Midday: Melrose Avenue Shopping & Street Art Tour – Designer stores, local boutiques, and the famous Pink Wall.
🌿 Afternoon: E.P. & L.P. Rooftop – A stylish rooftop spot for cocktails and city views.
🥩 Dinner: Catch LA – A favorite for celebrity sightings and amazing seafood & steak.

Day 7: Explore Hidden Gems & Relax
🥞 Brunch: Granville in West Hollywood – Cozy vibes and delicious food.
🚤 Midday: A Boat Ride in Marina Del Rey – A unique way to see L.A. from the water.
☕ Afternoon: Little Tokyo & Japanese Village Plaza – A great spot for matcha, mochi, and cultural experiences.
🌮 Dinner: Toca Madera – One of the best places for modern Mexican food and a lively atmosphere.

Why This Itinerary?
This week is all about balancing luxury, wellness, culture, and iconic experiences. L.A. has something for everyone—from food lovers and outdoor adventurers to those who just want to indulge in self-care, style, and high-end experiences.

If my best friend were visiting, this would be the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and unforgettable moments! ✨

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Success is never a solo journey, and I am incredibly grateful for the people and experiences that shaped my path.

First and foremost, my family has been my biggest source of strength and encouragement. My parents helped me start my business in Iran when I was 23 years old. They supported me through it all and helped me create a phenomenal salon. Leaving behind a successful business in Iran and starting over in a new country was a daunting challenge, but their unwavering support kept me going through every setback and every win.

I also want to recognize my incredible clients—the people who trusted me with their hair, believed in my vision, and became loyal supporters of Gloss & Glam. Their word-of-mouth referrals and genuine excitement for what we do have been a driving force behind our growth.

In terms of mentorship, I’ve drawn inspiration from the first salon owner that hired me when I was 21 years old. Her insights on value creation, and resilience have played a huge role in shaping my mindset as a business owner.

Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to my amazing team. Gloss & Glam wouldn’t be what it is today without the talented stylists and professionals who bring our vision to life every day. Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence are what make our salon a truly special experience for our clients.

Building this business has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible people who believed in me along the way. This success is shared, and I’m beyond grateful for every person who has been part of it. ❤️✨

Website: https://www.glossglamhairspa.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glossglamhairspa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glossglamhairspa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GlossGlamHairSpa

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.