There’s a new face behind the chair here on the salon floor, sort of!
Holly LaRiviere has been behind the salon chairs here for a while now—two years in fact. However, she was in that role as a Salon Assistant, watching and learning to complete her training and earn her recent promotion to Interlocks Associate Stylist.
Although she grew up in this area, Holly completed her education at Vidal Sassoon Academy in California prior to beginning the Assistant Program here at Interlocks. We asked her why she decided to go so far away for school. She explained, “I figured you’ve got to do it up! I mean, this was the school, Vidal Sassoon…it doesn’t get any more prestigious and I was serious about starting a career.” At the time, Holly was just 17. We think this speaks volumes about her maturity and ambition.
“Holly has such amazing drive,” says Andrea Rumph, a Master Stylist / Board Certified Master Colorist, and Interlocks’ Senior Salon Educator. As Holly’s primary teacher in the Salon, Andrea witnessed great technique. “She came to us with a really strong foundation in cutting techniques, and she picked up portions of the training faster than some others might have. This allowed her to focus and perfect other parts of her styling regimen.”
We sat down with Holly for a conversation about her journey through our Salon Assistant program and her transition to the styling floor full time. She also shared what most excites her as she meets new clients!
INTERLOCKS: How did you like California? Were you tempted to stay on after you completed your Vidal Sassoon program?
HOLLY: I had a small apartment right on Santa Monica beach, just a block from the academy. It was nice, but I’m definitely a New England girl! I knew I was going to come back home.
INTERLOCKS: Tell us about how you ended up at Interlocks in our Assistant program.
HOLLY: When I first got back I moved in with my mom in Newburyport. I landed a job working at Vidal Sassoon Salon in Boston. But after three months, I discovered I really wasn’t a “City Girl” any more than I was a “California Girl.” I knew Interlocks had a great reputation, and I figured why be stressed out about going into Boston when there was this great salon right around the corner.
INTERLOCKS: What was your favorite part of the Interlocks training?
HOLLY: Color has always been my favorite; that’s where I really enjoy being creative. It was great to broaden my education and learn different techniques, through watching the Master Stylists here. I really like that, even as just an assistant, there have been so many educational opportunities available to me.
INTERLOCKS: Is there anything personal you would like to share with our readers?
HOLLY: I am an avid sailor, grew up going down to the Cape with my family to our summer place. Oh, and I have a little dog Louis, who is a Pomeranian. He’s my love!
INTERLOCKS: In closing, what are you most excited about as you embark on establishing a client base?
HOLLY: I really love fashion and trends, but I tend to be a little conservative. It’s always fun to have a client who gives me the opportunity to become risqué.
We asked Andrea what assets she thought Holly brings to the salon floor. “One of her best strengths is that she is a great listener,” says Andrea. “I think clients will enjoy the consultation process with Holly because she will be able to seamlessly translate their wishes into a wearable style. She also has such as great sense of fashion that allows for her to really excel at things like braids, up ‘do’s and color techniques like ombre.”
Holly is currently accepting appointments and would love to meet more new clients. Call the salon at 978.465.3010 to book a service or consultation with her.






