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Exploring Life & Business with Leah Lattus of Holistic Hair Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Lattus.

Hi Leah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Holistic Hair Studio was born from both my love of being a hair stylist and a much deeper personal awakening. After years in the traditional beauty industry, I began questioning the long-term health impacts of the products we use every day—on stylists, on clients, and on the planet. At the same time, I was navigating my own health journey, which led me to dig deeper into endocrine disruptors and toxic exposure in the beauty industry. Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.

I knew there had to be a better way to do this work—one that honored wellness, sustainability, and integrity without sacrificing beautiful results. In 2021, I opened Holistic Hair Studio with the intention of creating a non-toxic, mindful space where both stylists and clients could feel safe, supported, and truly cared for.

Today, Holistic Hair Studio is more than a salon—it’s a community. We collaborate with holistic practitioners, prioritize health, and lead with transparency and heart in everything we do. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and deeply grateful to the stylists and clients who believe in this vision. This journey has shown me that when you lead with purpose, the growth that follows is both meaningful and sustainable.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all—it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a values-driven business in an industry that’s historically fast-paced and chemical-heavy came with a lot of challenges. Early on, there was skepticism around non-toxic products—whether they could really perform at the level clients were used to—and it took time, education, and trust-building to shift that mindset.

There were also personal challenges woven into the business journey. Navigating infertility while running and growing a company forced me to slow down, set boundaries, and redefine what success really looks like. Add in the realities of opening a brick-and-mortar space, learning how to lead in a way that supports independent stylists, and then weathering things like COVID and economic uncertainty—it’s been a constant exercise in resilience.

That said, every struggle clarified my “why.” Each obstacle pushed me to build a salon that’s more intentional, more human, and more sustainable. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly meaningful, and I wouldn’t change it.

We’ve been impressed with Holistic Hair Studio , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Holistic Hair Studio is an organic, sustainable hair salon rooted in the belief that beauty and wellness should go hand in hand. We specialize in high-performance, non-toxic hair color and care, with a strong focus on scalp health, lived-in color, dimensional blonding, and thoughtful, customized services. What we’re really known for, though, is how we do the work—intentionally and with deep respect for the people in our chairs and the stylists behind them.

What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a truly holistic environment. That means clean products, responsible waste practices, and a space designed to feel calm, grounding, and supportive—not rushed or overwhelming. We also operate differently behind the scenes. Our stylists are independent professionals who are empowered to run their businesses in a way that aligns with their values, while being supported by a shared mission of wellness, sustainability, and community.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve proven you don’t have to compromise results to work clean. Our clients leave with beautiful hair and peace of mind, knowing they’re not being exposed to unnecessary toxins. I’m also proud of the community we’ve built—clients who care about their health, stylists who feel seen and supported, and partnerships with local holistic practitioners who extend the experience beyond the salon.

What I want readers to know is that Holistic Hair Studio is more than a place to get your hair done. It’s a space where intention matters, well-being is prioritized, and care extends beyond aesthetics. We’re here to redefine what modern beauty can look and feel like—healthy, conscious, and deeply human.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve never believed that building something meaningful happens alone. So much of Holistic Hair Studio exists because of the team, along with the people who believed in me, challenged me, and supported me along the way.

My mentors have played a huge role in shaping both who I am as a business owner and how I lead. Vicki Baird taught me the power of vision, integrity, and staying rooted in my values—even when it’s hard. Paul DiGrigoli helped me think bigger and more strategically, especially around leadership, growth, and building something sustainable for the long term. And David Barnett supported me in understanding the financial and operational side of business, giving me confidence and clarity in areas that can feel overwhelming for creatives. Each of them showed up at pivotal moments and helped me grow with intention.

My biggest cheerleader has always been my grandmother, Claire Smith, who I was incredibly fortunate to grow up next door to. She has taught me so much—about kindness, resilience, and leading with grace—and has supported me through every season of my life with unwavering love. Her presence and encouragement have been a grounding force for me, both personally and professionally.

I’m also deeply grateful for the stylists at Holistic Hair Studio—who trusted this vision and chose to build their businesses here. Their talent, professionalism, and commitment to wellness are what clients feel the moment they walk through our doors. Our clients deserve just as much credit; their openness, curiosity, and loyalty have allowed us to grow intentionally and authentically.

Finally, I’m thankful for the friends, family, and advocates who reminded me of my “why” when things felt heavy. This business is truly a collective effort, and I’m proud that it has been built with so much heart, guidance, and community behind it.

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