Em Bray

Hair has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I attendedeach of my mom’s salon appointments. During my grade school years, I was in several theater productions. I would get to the theater before call time so that I could watch the other cast members do their hair and makeup. I was drawn to the transformation that took place within a short amount of time.

Doing hairstyling was made a side hobby yet again, and I earned my A.A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies and worked in the legal field for 4 years, specializing in Family and Criminal Law. After that, I worked as an executive assistant and admittance specialist at a women’s residential treatment center.

With both jobs, the most rewarding aspect was interaction I had with the clients and the opportunity to walk with them during their time of need. Each person has a right to legal representation in our country, and I passionately believe each person who comes through a salon door is worthy of a positive and empowering experience. 

After shadowing a cutting specialist at Elevencherry Salon in Des Moines to learn how to cut my husband’s hair at home, and during that time, stylists at the salon encouraged me to pursue this passion through cosmetology school. ElevenCherry created a unique position for me at their salon, and I was hired soon after shadowing at the salon.

My goals for my career in the beauty industry circle around what is most important to me: hospitality and the best possible service for every individual that sits in my chair. Long-term, my goal is work at a high-end salon to have my own chair where I am regularly cutting, coloring, styling, and doing extension work, as well as doing special event updos and working in hair for theatric productions.