Founder Interview
Anna Agajanyan
My biggest advice to anyone thinking about starting a business is to believe in your vision, but understand that passion alone isn't enough. Building a successful business takes…

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.
My name is Anna Agajanyan, and I was born in Armenia before moving to Los Angeles with my family when I was just five years old. My parents came to America with just $500 in their pockets, but they brought something far more valuable. They had an incredible work ethic, a strong sense of responsibility, and the determination to build a better future for our family. To this day, they continue to work hard, and their dedication has been one of my greatest inspirations.
Growing up, education, hard work, honesty, and strong moral values were the foundation of our household. My father firmly believed that education and success went hand in hand. Getting a college degree and building a successful career weren't just encouraged, they were expected. But equally important was how we achieved that success. My parents taught us that honest work, integrity, and doing the right thing were never optional. They believed that success meant very little if it came at the expense of your character. Those values instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, independence, and responsibility that continues to guide me both personally and professionally.
Today, I'm the proud owner of The Look Hair Salon in Glendale, California. My entrepreneurial journey has taught me that building a successful business goes far beyond financial achievements. It's about creating something meaningful, earning people's trust, building lasting relationships, and making a positive impact in the community.
I truly believe that where you start in life doesn't determine how far you can go. My parents are living proof of that, and their example continues to inspire me. With hard work, resilience, integrity, and the courage to believe in your vision, even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.
I think most people would agree that one of the absolute best things about living in Los Angeles is the weather! It's hard to beat the sunshine and beautiful days we get to enjoy almost year-round.
But beyond the weather, what I truly love about LA is its incredible diversity. The mix of cultures, people, traditions, and amazing food makes this city so unique. There's always something new to experience, and I love that we have access to just about everything, from beautiful beaches and mountains to incredible restaurants, entertainment, and endless opportunities.
Having grown up here, I appreciate how Los Angeles brings so many different worlds together in one place. It's a city where you can embrace your own roots while learning from others, and where people from all walks of life come to pursue their dreams. That's what makes LA so special to me.
Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?
The Look Hair Salon is a full-service hair salon located in Glendale, California, specializing in haircuts, coloring, highlights, styling, and hair treatments. But beyond providing great hair services, our goal has always been to help people look and feel their best while creating an experience that makes them feel valued and cared for.
Our salon was built on the belief that quality hair services should be accessible without compromising professionalism, expertise, or customer care. Over the years, we've built a loyal clientele, with many customers trusting us with their hair for well over a decade. Those lasting relationships are something I'm incredibly proud of.
What truly sets us apart is our experienced team of stylists, our commitment to honest work, and the genuine relationships we've built within our community. I believe that successful businesses aren't built on transactions alone, but on trust, consistency, and treating people right. Those values continue to guide everything we do at The Look Hair Salon.
If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?
My biggest advice to anyone thinking about starting a business is to believe in your vision, but understand that passion alone isn't enough. Building a successful business takes discipline, patience, hard work, and a willingness to learn and adapt. There will be challenges, unexpected setbacks, and moments when you question yourself, but those experiences often become your greatest lessons. I strongly believe that every mistake should be treated as a learning opportunity, not a failure. What matters most is how you respond, what you take away from the experience, and how you use that knowledge to become better.
Start with a solid plan, understand your finances, and never underestimate the importance of building genuine relationships. Treat people with respect, stay true to your values, and always take pride in the work you do. Your reputation is one of the most valuable things you'll ever build.
Most importantly, don't wait for the perfect moment because it may never come. Start where you are, work with what you have, and be willing to grow along the way. Success rarely happens overnight, but with consistency, integrity, and determination, small beginnings can turn into something extraordinary.
What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?
The clients who leave the greatest impression on me aren't necessarily the ones who compliment our work, but the ones whose stories touch our hearts. They're the clients who walk through our doors carrying something heavy, whether it's heartbreak, loss, or simply a difficult chapter in their lives, and leave feeling a little lighter.
Some of the most meaningful moments happen when a simple hair appointment becomes so much more. It becomes a place where someone feels heard, cared for, and reminded that they matter. Sometimes, it's not just about the hair we're fixing, but the little pieces of someone's heart we're helping put back together.
I've watched clients leave our salon not just looking different, but standing taller, smiling brighter, and feeling like themselves again. Those are the moments that stay with me. They remind me that what we do is so much more than a beauty service. We may not be able to change someone's circumstances, but if we can make their day a little brighter, even for a moment, that means everything to me.
Where do you see your company in the future?
I see The Look Hair Salon continuing to grow and evolve while staying true to the values that have brought us this far. My vision isn't necessarily to become the biggest salon, but to be one of the most trusted and respected names in our community, known for exceptional service, talented professionals, and genuine care for our clients.
As the beauty industry evolves, I want us to continue embracing new opportunities, investing in our team, and growing without losing the personal touch that makes us special.
No matter how big we become, The Look Hair Salon will always remain family-owned, with our core values and mission at the heart of everything we do. To me, true success isn't just measured by growth or financial achievements, but by the relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the positive impact we leave on others.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about the beauty industry is that it's simply about appearances. People often overlook the skill, education, creativity, and dedication that go into being a successful beauty professional. Behind every great stylist are years of experience, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for their craft.
What many people don't realize is that our work goes far beyond hair and beauty. It's about confidence, identity, healing, and human connection. We build relationships, listen to people's stories, celebrate their milestones, and sometimes help them through life's most difficult moments. A simple salon visit can become an opportunity for someone to feel seen, heard, and valued.
I believe the beauty industry deserves more recognition for the professionalism, compassion, and hard work it requires. We don't just transform appearances. We have the privilege of helping people reconnect with themselves, regain their confidence, and walk out feeling a little better than when they walked in. To me, that's the true beauty of what we do.
What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?
One of my biggest challenges has been finding the right balance between keeping both our clients and our stylists happy in an ever-changing industry. Running a service-based business means managing different personalities, expectations, and needs, all while navigating unpredictable circumstances that are often beyond our control.
I've learned that the key is communication, understanding, and adaptability. Not every situation will have a perfect solution, and you can't always make everyone happy, but you can always approach challenges with honesty, fairness, and respect. I believe that when your team feels supported and your clients feel valued, you create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Over the years, I've learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Ultimately, building a successful business isn't about avoiding problems, but about how you handle them while staying true to your values and the people who depend on you.
Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?
Growing up, especially during my high school years, I was all about R&B! I loved the strong, sassy, confident personalities behind the music and the songs that made you feel empowered. Those artists and their unforgettable lyrics shaped so many memories, and I still listen to them today. It's amazing how a song can take you right back to a certain moment in your life, no matter how many years have passed.
As for sports, I was never much of a sports girl, but growing up in Los Angeles, you couldn't help but admire Kobe Bryant. His determination, work ethic, and legacy went far beyond basketball. RIP Kobe. You'll forever be remembered and loved in LA!
Any shoutouts you want to make?
Absolutely! First and foremost, a heartfelt shoutout to my family, whose love, sacrifices, and unwavering support have shaped the person I am today. To our incredible team at The Look Hair Salon, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and passion. You're the heart of our business, and none of this would be possible without you.
And of course, to our amazing clients and the Glendale community, thank you for trusting us, supporting our family-owned business, and allowing us to be part of your lives. Your loyalty and kindness mean more than words can express.
Lastly, a shoutout to every small business owner out there working tirelessly behind the scenes, overcoming challenges, and chasing a dream. Keep going, keep believing, and never forget why you started. Your hard work matters, even on the days when no one sees it.
Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?
Readers can learn more about The Look Hair Salon by visiting our website or following us on Instagram, where we share our latest hair transformations, services, and a little glimpse into our salon family. We also welcome anyone to reach out to us directly with questions, whether you're interested in our services or simply want to learn more about what we do. We genuinely love connecting with people and would be happy to hear from you!
Website: www.thelookhairsalonla.com
Instagram: @thelookhairsalon
Phone: 818.662.5665





