We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Parker & Easton Bajsec and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa Parker & Easton Bajsec, how do you think about risk?
No innovator has ever been successful without taking risks on some level. Our biggest risk was when we chose to stop selling a major professional product line to begin Element, our zero waste beauty product line, and open the first zero waste salon without a model of a successful and established one. We have learned that doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Scisters Salon is San Diego’s first Zero Waste Salon, offering beauty products in bulk and various other supplies for living a zero waste, intentional lifestyle. An immense amount of thought is given to how the salon is operated, the services offered, and the options of products that are used and retailed. The team takes pride in finding and customizing products with easily recognized ingredients, eliminating toxins, and integrating wellness in your beauty routine.

As best friends who are hairdressing professionals, we had the desire to make a difference in the beauty industry towards conscious consumption and found ourselves progressing as individuals, becoming increasingly concerned about industry’s impact on the environment. The beauty industry is full of caring, creative and service minded individuals. We need those people to have a desire to make a difference and to stop buying into big businesses selling them greenwashed products. We will be the first to admit that we were part of that herd, truly thinking we were doing what was best. The question is, how do we continue to push further?

Our intention is to take on the responsibility of waste as a business and make it easier for the consumer.

WHAT IS A ZERO WASTE SALON

Zero Waste is the common and most recognized name, but realistically low waste is the more appropriate term. Essentially you are trying to create as close to zero waste going to landfill as possible.

Here at Scisters, we are mindful of each purchase to limit our disposal and have reduced our waste 99%. We have partnered with Green Circle to divert the beauty waste that we produce. Your hair clippings can help clean up oil spills, foil and color tubes are melted down to make new products, and left over color is turned into clean energy.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Our apothecary helps others in reducing their waste by offering bulk refills, and goods that are sustainably packaged, to prevent contributing them to the landfills. We aspire to meet people where they are at on their low-waste journey without any judgement. We hope to create a space where you feel comfortable and welcome while reducing waste. Remember, even minor changes can have a major impact.

We continue to improve on our journey everyday as well. When we learn and find a better way, we shift. Our aspiration is to care for the planet to our best ability while making a positive impact on our community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I mean you can’t some to SD and not experience a hole in the wall taco shop, they are the best.

Donna jean is a must for brunch or dinner.

Ja Jolla Cove

Hike Torrey Pines

Hillcrest

North Park Farmers Market

Balboa Park

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There isn’t one thing or book or class that has been the secret ingredient, but doing it with a partner that you trust and support is. The dynamics of our partnership are what make us unique, powerful and it is so rare. We would have to give thanks and love to each other.

Website: www.scisters.com

Instagram: @scisters

Image Credits
Megan Burgess

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