Emily Howard may be small, but she’s got a big personality! The owner of Moxie Parlour shares with us her secrets, her indulgences, and things she loves.

How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Experienced, artistic, warm.

What are your most popular products or services?
Haircuts and color are our only services. We sell the entire Bumble and Bumble line, including the treatment line. We also sell a few of our favorite products from Purology and Davines. Our best selling product changes often but we really like to use surf spray for a flicky beachy texture now that spring is here.

People may be surprised to know…
The owner of the salon is bald.

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
After working in large upscale salons and smaller ones, I took what I loved from both and created a little haven of my own. I also wanted a place where I could see people privately, as I have many clients that prefer visiting when we have the place to ourselves. My primary motivation behind starting my own business was the challenge–it was just time to take the next step in my career.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I have several new models and mentors every day. Currently, I see a creative coach named Wickie who inspires me to accomplish my artistic endeavors. I’d like to do the same for others one day. A celebrity role model would be someone like Anne Magnison. She seems creative, gutsy, intelligent, and extremely talented. So I guess you could say I am impressed with people who exhibit MOXIE!

How do you spend your free time?
I love taking classes, continuing education in the salon industry, or in a few other things. I love making and watching documentary videos and films, chilling out with my two dogs and cat, and singing karaoke, especially power ballads.

What is your indulgence?
Currently my indulgences include tattoos and black t-shirts, I can never have enough!  And of course, there is always the indulgence in cupcakes….

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Favorite places to go with friends include cafes, walks, parks, karaoke booths, movies, motorcycle rides I’m a passenger) and to their apartments. I love being in spaces that are extensions of my friends’ personalities.

Where is the best place to get a manicure/pedicure?
There is a place not far from Moxie Parlor called Simply Unique Nails. I think its the best because they are always welcoming, remember my name, have excellent customer service, keep a pristine environment, and above all paint my toenails blue or glittery

Where is the best place to find gifts?
I like stores that carry craft and DIY one-of-a-kind gifts. Most of the time I will browse local stores like Rare Device, Therapy, The Curiosity Shop and Paxton’s Gate. Why? I like to give unusual and random gifts. The kinds that people thank you with a question mark!? I like gifts that you can push pin to your wall no matter where you are living.

What is your favorite salon?
My favorite salon is obviously my own, but I will say that I spend a lot of time at other salons taking classes and visiting friends. Most recently we did a great class at my friend Deena’s shop called Glamarama. I also frequent Dipietro Todd in downtown SF. I have some good acquaintances that teach in the academy there. Constant inspiration.

Where is the best place to buy shoes?
Funny you should ask about shoes. I am recently going through a transition of weaning off of platforms! This is not easy for a 4’11” hairdresser, as we spend much time tippy-toeing even when our hydraulic chairs are as low as they can go. The John Fluvog store and a local store called Shoe Biz have been there for me, but truly nothing will be the same as finding a pair of cool boots or shoes, bringing them to the cobbler on Guererro and 14th St. in SF and asking him to make them (me) taller.

Where is the best place to buy clothes?
I don’t have a lot of luck with buying clothes, so when I do find something that I like, I’m that girl that usually buys six of the same thing. I’m not a label worshiper; I just want my stuff to fit right. Seems like the best place to get clothes is always in my friends’ closets.

Who is the best local designer or artist?
There is an artist named Cate White in the east bay that I admire a lot. Her art is honest, audacious, and hilarious. I have an amazing collection of her multi media work, paintings, and her zines.

What is the best gym or fitness club?
I am currently a member at Club One in San Francisco, although I don’t visit as much as I would like. The Fillmore location is sort of a little underground hideout, which I like. I can’t say I always feel great when I enter, but I always feel great afterward.  The best gym or fitness club in my opinion does not exist yet. And now that I am thinking about it, maybe that’s next on my list…!

Find Moxie Parlour!
555 Sutter St, Suite 405
San Francisco, CA 94102