Today we’d like to introduce you to Linzi Brooks.
Hi Linzi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a young girl with a dream to be behind the chair I stepped foot in my path back in 2006 at Mott community college to further my cosmetology career! Graduating in 2007 I became a receptionist inside Michigan’s largest beauty salon, summerset salon. Where I began growing from a receptionist, hair stylist assistant, into my own commission stylist for 1 year. Fast forward to two other small salon relocations to grow my family along side my husband. Spring of 2025 a dear friend, Joy shared with me a local salon owner was looking to retire and she had known this was a dream for me! With my husband beside me we set up a meeting and as we walked into Exhale Salon meeting Cindy we knew this was the path paved for our family. Within two weeks of hard bustle and bustle we took ownership and were well on our way! A breath of fresh air, a new home to call ours with a future to grow as a family of four. Exhale salon became officially ours may 2025! With the name bringing a whole new meaning to myself as “my breath of fresh air, my dream come true” we rebranded and kept the name for good heart. For our todays we have 5 current stylists, completed a build out and added nails with pedicures to our service menu and Botox and so much more! Our goal for the future of our family owned salon is to build a brand and community we believe in and within just 3 short months we’re off to amazing things! Our team is welcoming, helpful, knowledgeable, and eager to grow with us! Within this dream for my husband and I we look forward to our oldest daughter finishing highschool with her own dream to graduate with her cosmetology license and work along side us in the future! We hope our salon brings a relaxed, refreshed, and renewed vibe and a special touch of family feeling inside!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the smoothest transitions I’ve ever experienced and I continue to pinch myself often. With the previous owners guidance and friendship we quickly transitioned with little to no hiccups! Extremely blessed with this path and it’s a feeling as if it was beyond meant to be! Exhale salon truly became “my breath of fresh air.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a local stylist of 18 years (October 25) I pride myself in family, life, loyalty, and education! Behind the chair as a stylist I loved to dive into all things natural, lived in, BLONDE, and blending! I have a passion for hair extensions to help enhance women who struggle with hair loss, insecurities, or just a joy to have more! As a stylist I would say I’m most proud of my motivation and dedication to my love for hair and women. I find myself constantly passionate and reminded how beautiful our industry is to keep growing and thriving! I love to help other stylist grow and become more invested in their art as a community of women doing what we love most!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband. From our teenage years to our adult life he has been my rock, my biggest supporter, and “if you dream if you can do it” reminder!
My children. They have always been my push for success and my daily reminder that life is beautiful and opportunity is always there if we keep our eyes focused!
Summer from summerset salon. The women that pushed me and told me “I have what it takes!”
Shannan, Beth, Dawn. The three women I assisted for who helped me through my darkest days and brought me to my brightest future as a stylist.
Joy. My friend that always had faith in me and my dreams. She has stood beside me for 12+ years and my encouragement to take my leap of faith in ownership.
Cindy. My client that sat in my chair one February morning and told me “maybe your set back is your pathway to go do it” and within two months of her words and my strength we became salon owners. She has always been a positive light in my chair and a dear friend forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/exhalesalonmi?fbclid=PAZnRzaAMfAzFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp7zXPiEBcWSap3e6evXRjxwcWa3ZqeoHA_AqWSXvRiNo0FtIt5E-smFr1u24_aem_zXkLN_58JimjYgx-Tk82xA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhalesalonmi?igsh=N2U0a2w1YzZsMHk%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15b8vHcW2B/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/exhalesalon5
