We had the good fortune of connecting with Elena Gully and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elena, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor in my success has been to be brave. In the beginning, this was being brave enough to start my journey to my dream job. Brave enough to become highly educated in the skillset, trusting that you can not only do it but that you are making the world a better place, making people happy. Brave enough to learn a new language to move my business to a new country. When I came to America, I had to learn an entirely new system. My determination to bring clients a standard of service and cutting edge techniques that they couldn’t find elsewhere pushed me on. I stayed true to my dreams and my vision and it worked! It didn’t happen overnight. I did everything possible to expand and develop my network and influence by participating in every quality fashion/beauty/style exhibition, show and event. I sponsored models, photo shoots and donated my skills to pageants and competitions. I love what I do. Now people travel from different cities and states to visit me. People can feel when you not only can do something well but that you have a true passion for it. I had to be brave enough to let people see that passion and it has rewarded me more than I can possibly say.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I decided when I began my career that I wanted to create above and beyond ordinary hair design. In order to achieve my dream I am constantly learning and growing. I studied to become a master colorist, I learned and perfected the most amazing techniques: botox for hair, countless updo styles, balayage, airtouch and my own Shimmercut™ procedure. I worked tirelessly designing and testing hair care products to create my own brand and launched Volstar™, my signature line of the best shampoos, conditioners and more to bring luxury to my client’s hair. I want the world to know that I live for my passion, the passion to make everyone ‘be the beautiful you.’

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Phoenix area and especially Scottsdale is such a paradise to me! A week visiting would definitely include sunshine walks on Camelback trail or Fountain Hills park. No visit would be complete without a shopping trip to Fashion Square and then Kierland Mall! How about dinner at the Pomo, Sumomaya or Toca Madera? I love to walk around Old Town Scottsdale, tour it’s delightful art galleries and listen to the street musicians. Always top off your Scottsdale visit with an evening in the entertainment district for a cocktail at The W and some dancing at the Bottled Blonde. One week is not enough to enjoy our wonderful city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The most important part of my success has been this great country, America. Here I have had the freedom to be myself, take my business in the direction I choose and, most importantly, work with wonderful people in the industry. So many of you have believed in me and supported me: My darling husband, Robert Gully, who helps with every facet of my endeavors while running his own business, Ripcord Guitars. The people of Scottsdale, who welcomed me with open arms and saw the value of my work. Both Alexander Popkov of the Hair Design Academy and the Dudenko school in Ukraine for giving me the skills to begin my journey. All the wonderful clients, dress designers, make-up artists, show promoters and angelic models who have been my joy and inspiration.

Website: www.salonvalkyriebyelenagully.com

Instagram: @elena_gully

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalonValkyrie

Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/SalonValkyrie

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx8r-A0vsQWAkVH693R3-xw

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