Join us today in Oklahoma City as we meet Estrella Evans, the owner of Velvet Monkey salon to chat all things hair, beauty, and fashion in OKC and beyond.
We cover their artistic origin story, why one bad haircut turned into a life dedicated to building one of the best salons in Oklahoma, and why Estrella thinks Zendaya is such a style icon for redefining hair and beauty in the modern age.
Enjoy!
Estrella, tell us more about yourself
At 20, a disastrous haircut nudged me toward a career in styling, inspiring me not just to master my own look but to redefine style itself.
By 24, I took a leap, opening my first salon with just four chairs, funded by selling my car. My best friend from beauty school and I began our journey, quickly expanding our team as our unique salon and vintage shop attracted a bustling clientele.
Our space, craving art, became a gallery for local artists, establishing us as the first salon to blend beauty, art, and vintage fashion.
Our Velvet Monkey Salon soon attracted stylists eager to join our innovative environment. Within three years, we expanded, moving to our current location after two more years.
Now, 23 years later, I reflect on our growth with pride. Over 20 salon owners started their journey with us, following their dreams as I did mine. The Velvet Monkey’s legacy is a reminder of the beauty in pursuing your passion, embodying the essence of turning dreams into reality.
What will clients experience at Velvet Monkey Salon OKC?
Well, when I talk about our hair and beauty salons in Oklahoma City, I always describe a place that’s really a unique blend of creativity and style. It’s this innovative approach to beauty that we’ve got, you know, it’s not just about the services—it’s about bringing in local art and making that a part of the whole vibe. We’ve got two locations, and they’re both so different, yet they’re part of the same heartbeat.
The one in the arts district, it’s got this New York-style, industrial chic going on—it’s actually in a 1920s ice warehouse. It’s got fun music, and the stylists are just as eclectic as the place itself.
Now, the Nichols Hills spot, it’s more of a boutique experience. It’s quieter, a bit more private, which is great for both the stylists and clients. The decor is less wild, more on the girly side, but both places, they just feel like home to me.
What really sets Velvet Monkey apart is how we showcase local artists’ work. We’re the city’s first salon that’s also a cultural hub. It’s this fusion of beauty services and art that makes the experience so immersive. You come in for a cut or a color, and you get this taste of Oklahoma City’s creative spirit.
It’s more than just getting exceptional beauty treatments at Velvet Monkey Salon, it’s about stepping into a space where art and personal style just come together naturally. It’s inspiring, it’s rejuvenating. And I think that’s why we’ve become a landmark.
People aren’t just looking for a service, they’re looking for an experience, one that really celebrates the vibrancy of Oklahoma City’s artistic scene.
What specialties does Velvet Monkey Salon offer?
At Velvet Monkey Salon, creativity in color sets us apart. Specializing in hair painting, foiling, and vibrant fantasy colors, we transform hair into expressive works of art. Our expertise extends to hair extensions, dreadlocks, relaxers, braids, perms, and a wide range of innovative haircuts and barbering techniques.
We’re not just about following trends; we’re about leading them, constantly refining our skills to offer the latest in hair innovation.
What is your number one tip for a happy, healthy hair and beauty routine?
If I were to offer just one paramount tip for achieving and maintaining great-looking, healthy hair, it would be to incorporate a nourishing oil and a high-quality leave-in conditioner into your hair care routine. Specifically, UNITE Haircare‘s U Oil and their Seven Seconds Leave-In Conditioner stand out as game-changers.
The U Oil, rich in Argan oil, works wonders by deeply hydrating and adding a luminous shine to your locks, without weighing them down. It’s perfect for taming frizz and protecting hair from heat styling.
Pair it with the Seven Seconds Leave-In Conditioner, which instantly detangles, conditions, and protects hair from UV rays and heat damage. Together, these products not only improve the health of your hair over time but also leave it looking visibly smoother, shinier, and more manageable from the first use.
What Oklahoma City hair, beauty, and fashion trends are you seeing right now?
In OKC, the standout hair trends are the modern mullet and the embrace of bold fantasy colors. The mullet has been updated with softer edges and personalized styles, making a versatile comeback across genders. Alongside this, vibrant fantasy hair colors are making waves, with people opting for everything from electric blues to pastel lavenders to express their individuality.
These trends reflect a broader movement towards self-expression and breaking away from traditional norms, symbolizing our city’s dynamic and creative fashion spirit.
What hair and beauty products do you think should be in everyone’s day-to-day routine?
For an effective hair care routine, our salon recommends incorporating essentials from UNITE Haircare, a brand known for its quality and versatility. Key products include:
– 7Seconds Shampoo and Conditioner for daily cleansing and conditioning without stripping hair of natural oils.
– U Oil, a lightweight argan oil that controls frizz, adds shine and protects against heat, is suitable for all hair types.
– 7Seconds Detangler, a leave-in conditioner that detangles, moisturizes and offers UV and thermal protection, ideal for everyday use.
– Texturiza Spray to add volume and texture with a flexible hold.
UNITE Haircare products are designed to nourish, protect, and enhance your hair, making them a go-to choice for maintaining healthy, vibrant locks.
Beyond Velvet Monkey Salon, who else would you like to give some love to?
We’re thrilled to be recognized as one of the world’s best hair and beauty salons, and we’re all about celebrating the spirit of community and mutual upliftment within the hair, beauty, and fashion industries. There are several standout independent businesses that deserve recognition for their exceptional contributions:
1. Starlite Salon: This salon offers a unique blend of cutting-edge hair techniques and personalized styling, creating looks that truly reflect each client’s individuality. Their commitment to excellence and innovation in hair care sets them apart.
2. The Coven: A beauty haven that offers an array of services with a special focus on holistic beauty practices. Their approach to integrating wellness and beauty under one roof offers a refreshing and deeply nurturing experience.
3. Goldie Salon: Known for their mastery of hair color and creative styling, Goldie Salon has established itself as a trendsetter in the beauty industry. Their dedication to creating vibrant, head-turning looks while maintaining hair health is exemplary.
Each of these salons embodies a unique aspect of the beauty industry, from innovative styling techniques to holistic wellness approaches. Like Velvet Monkey Salon, they represent the creativity, dedication, and spirit of community that drives us all to excel.
We’re proud to stand alongside such inspiring establishments in OKC and beyond!
Who is your all-time hair, beauty, and style hero?
My ultimate hair, beauty, and style icon is Paul Mitchell for his groundbreaking work in the industry.
Mitchell’s approach combined innovative styling techniques with a strong ethical stance, significantly shaping modern hair care. His ability to blend sophistication with practicality, while always emphasizing individuality, set new standards. His legacy continues through his brand, embodying innovation, quality, and a commitment to education, making him a lasting figure in the world of style and beauty.
Which current celebrity or public figure is getting it so right with their hair, beauty, and styling?
Zendaya stands out as a modern-day icon in hair, beauty, and styling. She consistently showcases versatility and confidence across her appearances, effortlessly transitioning between bold, innovative hairstyles and classic looks.
Zendaya’s approach to beauty and fashion is both fearless and authentic, often using her platform to celebrate diversity and individuality. Her ability to embrace and set trends while maintaining her unique sense of self makes her a leading figure in defining contemporary style.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our SalonOtter readers?
Celebrating 23 years of service in Oklahoma City and the beauty industry fills us with immense pride. As a woman-owned salon, our journey has been a testament to dedication, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. Our partnership, at its core, has evolved into a dynamic force, propelling our salon forward with passion and commitment.
Our team is our family. Their unparalleled talent and dedication are the backbone of our success. We cherish every moment with them, a rarity in today’s fast-paced work environment. Our no-drama energy ensures that our salon remains a sanctuary of calm, allowing our staff to thrive and our valued clients to enjoy a serene styling experience.
As we look back on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the hair and beauty landscape in Oklahoma. Our commitment to creating a harmonious, enjoyable workspace for our team and a welcoming, haven for our clients continues to drive us. Here’s to many more years of beauty, innovation, and community!
Where can people find Velvet Monkey Salon in OKC?
We have 2 locations at 1701 NW 16th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, and 3003 NW 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Check out our website to make a booking and we’re also on Insta
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Thanks so much Estrella, we can’t wait to visit you and the Velvet Monkey Salon team again soon!
