Meet Dina Rauch | Hair and Wig Stylist

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

Hi Dina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a full-time mother ready to rejoin the workforce, I decided to take a chance on a long-held passion by starting my own hair salon. Fueled by my love for the beauty industry and recognizing my inherent creativity, I envisioned creating a unique space for clients. I’ve always found my most creative outlet was in my passion for hair, understanding the transformative power of hairstyling. This venture not only allowed me to turn my passion into a business but also provided the flexibility to avoid the traditional 9-5 work structure, ensuring I can still be there for my children. This endeavor represents not only a business pursuit but also a way to balance my professional and personal life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As the founder of Emunah Wigs, a hair salon specializing in wigs for Jewish women, I am deeply passionate about the artistry and creativity behind hairstyling. Our commitment to the immersive and personalized beauty experience is what sets Emunah Wigs apart from the rest. Our salon located in the heart of Rockland County and is full service, providing customers support through every step from sourcing to styling.

In the Orthodox Jewish tradition, married women adhere to a cultural practice of not displaying their hair in public after their wedding. To signify their marital status and uphold traditional notions of propriety, these women have the option to cover their hair with either a headscarf or a wig, known as a sheitel in Yiddish. This choice serves as a visual marker, communicating to their surroundings that they are married and are following the cultural and religious customs associated with modesty.

However, for some women, the transition to concealing their natural hair can be challenging, impacting how they perceive themselves. As a wig stylist specializing in this cultural practice, I take pride in my ability to transform these wigs into something natural and beautiful. This allows married women to feel like themselves again, bridging the gap between tradition and personal identity. Through my expertise, I aim to offer a sense of comfort and confidence, ensuring that each woman can embrace her own unique beauty while honoring the customs of her community.

My journey to this point has been a fulfilling one, albeit not without its challenges. Balancing my role as a full-time mother  and establishing a business posed its own set of obstacles. However, the unwavering support of my husband played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve gleaned invaluable lessons that have shaped my professional growth and the success of my hair salon. Undoubtedly, the most important lesson is the significance of perseverance. Building a business from scratch demands unwavering commitment and the resilience to navigate inevitable challenges. Whether faced with operational hurdles or adapting to changing market dynamics, staying steadfast in the face of adversity has been instrumental.

Continuous education stands as a pillar of my professional philosophy. Embracing a commitment to ongoing learning has been key to honing our expertise, especially in the intricate art of wig styling. I prioritize attending workshops and staying informed about industry advancements to foster a culture of continuous innovation among my team.  It’s through this dedication to learning that we’ve been able to refine our skills, elevate our offerings, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s not just a salon; it’s a space where creativity flourishes, and individuals can undergo transformative experiences. Behind the brand is a journey of resilience, dedication, and a commitment to providing top-notch services. My story is a testament to the possibilities that arise when passion, support, and determination converge to create something meaningful and unique.

One of my greatest sources of pride is my ability to have started from nothing and create something independently. Building my hair salon from the ground up has been a journey of dedication, resilience, and passion. The sense of ownership and accomplishment I feel, knowing that I’ve established a thriving business that reflects my vision, is truly fulfilling. In considering the challenges of running a salon, I deliberated the idea of taking on a business partner to alleviate the burden. However, after careful consideration, I made the decision to continue this journey independently. At the end of the day, having complete ownership of my salon has become a source of immense pride. The decision not to take on a partner has allowed me to shape the salon into something entirely my own—a realization of my vision and reinvigoration of my confidence.

Currently, I am working on an innovative project that adds another layer to the “full service” nature of my salon. I am developing a new brand of wig boxes, specially designed for travel and storage. An added benefit of my educational prowess has been insight into where the field is lacking. It was through this education that I was able to identify the need for better, more durable, and customizable wig boxes. This project is a testament to my commitment to pushing boundaries to enhance the wig experience for individuals around the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Embark on a perfect day in Rockland County by starting with brunch at Art Cafe, savoring delicious flavors in a charming setting. Energize with a run at Rockland Lake or a hike at Bear Mountain, immersing yourself in nature. Explore Nyack’s bookstores for literary gems, attend a poetry slam at X House, and dine at RSVP for a diverse culinary experience. Conclude the day at Sheeran’s The Perfect Pint, where you can unwind with a well-deserved drink. This condensed itinerary offers a blend of culinary delights, outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and a vibrant nightlife in Rockland County.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A pivotal pillar in my professional journey has undeniably been my husband. He not only encouraged me to embrace my passions but also recognized the opportune moment to transition them into a sustainable livelihood. His unwavering support extended beyond words, as he financially facilitated my educational pursuits and took on the responsibilities of childcare during my classes and late-night client appointments. Thanks to his steadfast support, I can proudly affirm the success of my thriving salon in a prime neighborhood. Simultaneously, his encouragement allowed me the space to cultivate my individual identity, distinct from the roles of mother and wife I play. His consistent support has been instrumental in guiding me towards self-discovery within my passion, marking a significant chapter in my personal and professional growth.

I would like to give a special shout-out to my dear friend Shana Hagler, also known as @winkbyshana. Shana is not just a single mother; she’s a powerhouse who took a bold leap of faith in her career, turning her side hustle into a full-time job. Her dedication and resilience are truly inspiring, and I want to express my gratitude for the invaluable role she plays in my journey in the beauty industry.

Shana is my go-to person for advice, and her strength, encouragement, and wisdom have been instrumental in my success. I genuinely believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her unwavering support. Here’s to an incredible friend, mentor, and fellow entrepreneur—thank you, Shana, for being a beacon of inspiration in the beauty world!,

Instagram: @EmunahWigs