In the past few years, when she wasn’t styling hair at Cutler Salon in SoHo, NY, Emily Heser could be found climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity, empowering women in India by teaching them her trade, or giving free cuts to protesters at Standing Rock. Under the tutelage of Rodney Cutler, she perfects her craft, and has her eyes set on a philanthropic project of her own. —Kristen Heinzinger
AHA MOMENT
In high school, I was into punk rock, DIY haircuts and bright colors from Manic Panic. I gave friends haircuts and almost stained the bathtub blue a million times. A friend who went to hair school convinced me to go too.
TRAINING DAYS
I went to a small school in Connecticut where we practiced styling mannequins in the backyard. Then I worked at my friend’s mom’s salon. She told me I couldn’t stay long, or I’d “never get anywhere.” I joined the salon across the street, where I met Sam Villa, who helped me land an interview at Cutler Salon.
CLAIM TO FAME
I’m known for helping clients create easy, wash-and-go looks. One of my most exciting moments was giving makeovers to young ladies for an MTV show. I’ve done New York Fashion Week for 12 years, and I recently assisted Anthony Turner on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show—incredible experiences.
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
You can follow me on Instagram at @emily___sue.
WORDS TO LIVE BY
“You can’t write a script in your mind and then force yourself to follow it. You have to let yourself be.”
—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
TOOL KIT
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, Redken Satinwear 04, TIGI Bed Head Queen For a Day Thickening Spray and Amika flat-iron.
MY MENTORS
My boss, Rodney Cutler. Seeing him juggle a multifaceted career with a family is so inspiring. And my mother, who raised me to have compassion, strength, generosity and a fierce work ethic.
BRIGHT FUTURE
My boyfriend and I are creating a line of natural styling products, and we’ll collaborate with nonprofits. I will continue to look for ways to support gender equality, the indigenous community and the environment using my skills as a hairstylist.
Photography: Courtesy of Emily Heser