In terms of miles, there are 6,826 of them between Stilwell, Kansas, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Ezoza Khashimova travels those miles quite often – as do her husband, children, parents, and in-laws. She is originally from Tashkent, and her sisters, brother, parents, and in-laws still live there. She moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to learn English and try to create her dream of becoming a hairstylist. 

Ezoza has always been interested in the art of hairstyling, the newest trends, the best products, and the healthiest ways to treat hair and make her clients incredibly happy. While her journey started in her hometown, she found L.A. to be the obvious choice for honing her craft and learning while going to trade shows, working at salons, and meeting with the best in the business. But, L.A. was not going to be home. Although she met wonderful people and mentors, she had also met her future husband through mutual friends, and he lived in Kansas City. They were married in 2010, and she began her career here.

While working in several different kinds of salons in Kansas City, Ezoza’s dream has always been to open her own place, where there is more to offer clients than just a cut and color menu. It has taken years of dreaming and saving, but she has finally created the perfect space for her entire vision. That vision includes not just hairstyling, but catering specifically to brides, and also renting out the facility for bridal parties to have their hair and makeup done, relax, and be able to get ready together for the big day. The result is that Hair By Ezoza is a light, lovely, large, open space in Stilwell, at 160th and Metcalf, welcoming and warm. According to Ezoza, “I am a professional luxury wedding and editorial hair stylist. I want to work with beautiful brides from the inside out, by getting to know them and putting them at ease with my expertise. I love making them feel so incredibly beautiful on their special day! The brides are in safe hands because as a perfectionist, I pay attention to the details. My job is to bring a dream-look into reality.” 

When brides are interested in Hair By Ezoza, the process is this: Clients reach out and check the date and ask for a consultation; if a date is agreed upon, a contract is signed to hold the date; then a bridal hair preview is scheduled, so that the requested style(s) can be tried out and tested; and the big day can include hairstyling for multiple people, makeup services, and refreshments. In addition, Ezoza can provide or work with accessories for the hair, including extensions, and accommodate very specific cultural requests, such as working with veils, and more. At the preview, she will photograph the results, so the bride can share her look with family and friends. 

Once the big day arrives, Ezoza can either travel to the bride and her group to style everyone (including destination weddings), or they can rent her facility. Either way, clients will find an ally in Ezoza. She will take away the stress of the day (at least the hairstyling part!), and her expertise will make everyone feel welcomed, listened to, and relaxed. 

In addition to the traditional cut and color services she provides, Ezoza also trains other hair stylists, one-on-one. She offers a program whereby a stylist can spend at least five hours with her, learn different styles and techniques, and heighten their own business. 

Ezoza and her husband are raising three boys while she is running her business and he is working full time (with occasional help from traveling parents and in-laws). When she had her grand opening of the salon recently, all four of her “men” were in attendance and so very proud of what she has accomplished. There might have been a lot of fancy hair and flowers and champagne for some adolescent youths, but it’s obvious that she is modeling hard work, commitment, and following a dream for her boys. (Dress rental by Curated Gowns/Annie Liu; makeup by @tstylemakeup.)

Featured in June 1, 2024 issue of The Independent.
Photo credit: Annie Lui Photography
All photos taken in the studio/salon of Hair By Ezoza
By Anne Potter Russ