Meet Olivia Montoya

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

Hi Olivia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, risk is less about recklessness and more about growth. I see it as a necessary part of evolving—personally and professionally. In my career as a hairstylist, taking risks has meant stepping outside of the comfort zone of routine to try new techniques, take on challenging clients, invest in advanced training, or even shift environments completely when I knew I needed to level up.

Every major leap I’ve made—whether it was moving cities, moving salons, building my own clientele, or introducing a new service—came with uncertainty. But those risks paid off by pushing me to become more confident, skilled, and business-savvy. I don’t take risks blindly, but I trust my instincts and experience, and I weigh the potential for growth more heavily than the fear of failure. Looking back, the biggest breakthroughs in my career came from moments when I chose the uncomfortable option.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career as a hairstylist has been anything but linear, and that’s what makes it meaningful. I’ve been in this industry for over 10 years, and what sets me apart is my ability to build real, lasting connections with my clients while constantly evolving in my craft. I don’t just focus on hair—I focus on the person sitting in my chair. Creating a safe, uplifting space where people can feel seen, heard, and leave feeling their best is what fuels me.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I started out like many—sweeping floors, assisting, saying yes to everything just to gain experience. There were times I questioned my path, especially during slow seasons or when I felt overlooked. But I kept showing up, kept learning, and kept betting on myself. I invested in education even when it wasn’t convenient, and I made bold decisions to move on from situations that no longer served my growth.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency, authenticity, and energy are everything. You can’t fake passion, and clients can feel that. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to reinvent yourself as you grow—my brand reflects who I am today, and it’ll continue to evolve with me.

I’ve built my career on intention. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built, the transformations I’ve been part of, and the trust people place in me. This isn’t just a job for me—it’s purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Starting the morning off on a hike at Griffith Park with our fresh coffees from Solar de Cahuenga, grab a late brunch at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker in West Hollywood., walk around Melrose Avenue—check out the street art, pop into shops, maybe hit Alfred Coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up, dinner at The Roof At EDITION—amazing views, with sharable plates of delicious food, hit a late comedy show at The Laugh Factory on Sunset.

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?
Absolutely—I have to shout out my sister. She’s been one of the biggest inspirations in my life. Watching her move through the world with strength, resilience, and grace has pushed me to level up in so many ways. She’s the kind of person who shows up for others without even being asked, and she’s taught me what it really means to lead with love, even in the face of adversity.

Her ambition and work ethic are unmatched, but it’s her heart that’s made the biggest impact on me. She’s believed in me at times when I didn’t fully believe in myself, and I’ll never take that for granted. A lot of who I am—how I show up, how I work, how I love—has been shaped by watching her example. So if we’re talking about who deserves credit in my story, she’s at the top of that list.

Instagram: @hairbyolivia_

Other: TikTok: @hairbyolivia_