Alyssa Housh
Alyssa founded The Organic Salon Denver in 2016 after identifying the need for a thoughtfully curated and environmentally sustainable salon to service health conscious Denverites.
Alyssa graduated from Cosmetology school in 2002. She knew she wanted to own a salon someday. After a couple years working in a salon, she decided to start her journey toward that goal by going back to school and pursuing a business degree. However, that path changed after taking an environmental science course her sophomore year.
Alyssa graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies & a minor in Sustainability in 2011. Despite being a successfully self-employed hairdresser, Alyssa intended to leave her career in the salon behind. She had become ashamed that she was contributing to such a wasteful, toxic industry. However, Alyssa was reluctant to leave the things she loved about the industry - deep connections with fellow humans, the creative outlet and the freedom to move her body during her work day.
For a few years after graduating, Alyssa split her time between her small salon business and a beautiful little environmental nonprofit. During this time, she also became determined to minimize the impact of her salon business. Without realizing it, the seeds of The Organic Salon were planted.
Alyssa moved to Denver in 2014, but continued both of her careers in Kansas City for two years. In 2016, she took a leap and opened The Organic Salon Denver as a solo artist. The Organic Salon has continued to grow and evolve.
Today, Alyssa prides herself in being on the forefront of everything that needs to change in the salon industry. “This journey began with the desire to literally lower the toxicity of the salon industry, but that concept has seeped into every aspect of my business. Now, at The Organic Salon, my goals have broadened beyond just offering safer, less toxic services and environmentally sustainable business practices. I also strive to provide a healthy work culture and living wages for my employees, a safe space for our clients, and a culture of connection and giving back to our community through social justice advocacy and fundraising events. When I say we are doing our salon differently, I mean it on every level.” - Alyssa