Mischa Golebiewski
Kirsten Bode
Mischa Golebiewski, or merely Mischa G., is a sought-soon after hair stylist whose artistic expertise has been featured in national campaigns for Olaplex and Eva NYC, vogue magazine editorials and couture fashion exhibits in Paris and Milan. But do not contact her a movie star stylist. Impressed by the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood and edgy appears to be like celebrated in alt magazines like Flaunt and Nylon, her private aesthetic signifies individualism and variety. “Sneaking into drag golf equipment as a teen fully shaped my existence,” she reported.
Mischa is not only a considerate hair wizard, she’s taken her accomplishment as a stylist and educator in the magnificence sector to address the sensitive character of non-binary affirming haircuts and individuals looking for a modify right before or just after coming out. That, combined with above a 10 years of stress operating for a cutting edge salon and natural beauty brand name that turned company had been the impetus guiding opening Treehouse Social Club in November 2020, a salon, function area and art studio under one particular early 1900s restored tin roof in Manhattan’s East Village.
When the pandemic strike, Mischa was freelancing and lawfully unable to get the job done. It became an opportune time to program her next shift. “I didn’t want to go back again to a salon and I wanted to be in a social atmosphere with flexibility to make wigs, do photoshoots and vacation when it was risk-free to do so.” When the metropolis opened up once again, she prepared a hair reducing pop-up but the spot fell as a result of. Mischa discovered of a closed cafe place available to lease. “No one preferred to choose in excess of a dilapidated cafe through the pandemic, so I was capable to negotiate inexpensive rent above the future 5 to 10 a long time.”
Treehouse Social Club
Stella Rose ST. Clair
She bootstrapped her enterprise with private personal savings and credit rating playing cards, and obtained support from a COVID-19 EIDL. With the aid of her mates, they bought to work with the renovations. The plant she as soon as had at her station that, she says, bought her fired from her previous occupation, influenced the identify of the multi-intent room. It also represented the prejudice-free of charge setting Mischa envisioned which she describes as as a “nondescript gay trip.” As opposed to some salons that favor a minimalist aesthetic that can be chilly and company, Treehouse Social Club seems to be a good deal like its proprietor who has vibrant yellow hair and attire in daring, multi-colored prints. “I wanted Treehouse to be gentle and airy which meant no black chairs or black robes. Our customers put on colourful silk robes.”
Treehouse Social Club’s playful truly feel is extra than a personal structure alternative. Mischa preferred to foster an atmosphere that celebrated variety and expression, and felt like a safe and sound haven. “I am section of the queer community, and a lot of my good friends are drag queens. I desired men and women to truly feel comfortable and acknowledged partly by sprinkling homosexual lifestyle almost everywhere,” she reported. The entrance door is a two-way mirror that gives shoppers privacy although they have their hair done. A 1940s bamboo bar is stocked with rosé and piña coladas, outside furniture was introduced indoors, portable bar cart stations, and a large outside space evokes holiday vacation vibes. “As a trans lady, sometimes I get definitely anxious about going to a salon, but Mischa has really created a protected house for all,” reported client Kiwi Louis.
Dolly Rest room in Treehouse Social Club
Stella Rose ST. Clair
Treehouse Social Club’s clientele has organically grown from Mischa’s involvement in the NYC nightlife and the homosexual club scene and, not amazingly, hasn’t demanded standard advertising and marketing or PR to draw men and women in. In truth, she details out, the salon does not even have a signal outdoors. “People obtain us by way of term of mouth. I have surprisingly properly- related customers who put up on social media frequently,” she explained. Persons in search of a various experience though finding their haircut are captivated to Treehouse’s faithful pursuing and inclusiveness. Consumer Allison Ponthier shared, “Chopping my hair post-coming out was a courageous stage in using back my regulate and recognizing my autonomy.” Even mom and dad are booking hair appointments for their nonbinary and gay little ones.
As an educator and local community builder, Mischa thinks in an trade of suggestions around competition. “There are a lot of small, female-owned salons in the East Village that I share shoppers with. She is arranging little salon group schooling days and partnering with other women of all ages- and queer-owned salons to establish an academic network and platform for assistants to have the chance to teach at many salons, marketing group about opposition.
As an function area, Treehouse has opened its mirrored doors for birthdays and anniversary functions, products launches for splendor and hair care models and an open mic night. She’s arranging to incorporate comedy demonstrates, yoga and wellness evenings such as acupuncture in the backyard, to their calendar.
Treehouse also features good pricing by leasing house to other hairstylists instead of acquiring a fee break up. “I am their landlord, not their boss. They have complete management about their possess schedules.” And when a person joins Treehouse, she focuses on her possess manufacturer of trauma remedy, retraining stylists to quit apologizing.
“Certain salon options can be traumatic and abusive,” she explained. “My goal is to enable reshape the business.”
