Alyssa Housh
Alyssa is the founder of The Organic Salon Denver, which she opened in 2016 after recognizing the need for a salon that prioritized both sustainability and the health of its clients. Her goal was to create a space where health-conscious Denverites could receive high-quality, eco-friendly beauty services in an environment that supported wellness at every level.
Alyssa’s career in cosmetology began in 2002, when she graduated from beauty school with a clear vision of one day owning her own salon. After working in the industry for a few years, she decided to pursue a business degree to help her achieve that dream. However, her path took an unexpected turn after taking an environmental science course in college.
In 2011, Alyssa graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Sustainability. Though she was thriving as a self-employed hairdresser, she felt conflicted about being part of an industry she saw as wasteful and toxic. Despite this, Alyssa couldn’t walk away from what she loved about being a stylist—the deep connections she built with clients, the creative expression, and the physical movement of her workday.
For several years, Alyssa balanced her small salon business with her work at an environmental nonprofit, all while working to minimize the environmental footprint of her salon. Little did she know, this would lay the foundation for The Organic Salon.
In 2014, Alyssa moved to Denver but continued running her business in Kansas City for two more years. In 2016, she took a leap of faith and opened The Organic Salon Denver as a solo artist. Since then, the salon has grown and evolved into a leading force in the movement toward a healthier, more sustainable beauty industry.
Today, Alyssa is proud to be at the forefront of change in the salon world. “What started as a mission to reduce toxicity in the salon industry has expanded into every aspect of my business,” she says. “At The Organic Salon, we’re not just offering safer, non-toxic beauty services—we’re also committed to fostering a positive work culture, paying living wages, and creating a safe, welcoming space for clients. We’re passionate about giving back to the community through social justice advocacy and fundraising, and we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of our clients, our team, and the world around us.”
Through her work, Alyssa is redefining what it means to run a salon—on every level.