Meet Elena

My name is Elena Pemberty.  I was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia, where I attended college and received a cosmetology diploma.  Passionate about the hair industry, I began my career as a hairstylist and colorist for a prestigious hair salon. In those early years, I was able to focus on developing both my portfolio and my singular style, using my imagination and creativity in my art.

In 1992, I decided to travel to the United States. Free-spirited, open-minded and determined, I traveled for months around the country, with my final stop in NYC. There I was captivated by the trends and varieties of hair design and color, as well as by New York's amazing and passionate people. I stayed and went back to cosmetology school to learn new techniques and gain experience with multi-ethnic faces and hair types.

I began my work in the New York area at the prestigious JOSE EBER Salon in the Westchester Mall. There, I took several training classes in the color and cutting departments. In addition, I worked at the Premier Atelier Salon of the well-known Neiman Marcus Department Store. I also participated behind the scenes at Neiman Marcus' famous fashion shows and at charity fundraising events - a truly great experience. It was during my tenure at the shows and photo sessions that I developed my vision for the great updos and special hair design and where I embraced a new avenue of services that included make-up.       

Integrating hair and makeup has shown me that beauty is about confidence. When we look beautiful it helps us feel better about ourselves.  With an endless curiosity and exciting ideas, I have learned that the goal should be to enhance your natural beauty with an open mind and the knowledge that beauty comes in all forms and shapes.

As a single mother, I felt the need to spend more time with my son as well as the need for independence and self-improvement. This motivated me to start my own business. Keeping in mind that with today's busy lifestyle women often don't have time to go to the hair salon, I founded OCCASIONS BY ELENA, a company that  not only specialize in house calls but in bringing hair and makeup services to big events such as Weddings, Bat Mitzvahs, Proms, Sweet 16 and more.

Using my gift to enhance and illuminate the hair and faces of so many women from all walks of life, I make fresh, flawless and sophisticated looks available to everyone. It is a big honor for me to be part of countless young girls and women’s lives on such joyous occasions, helping them to improve their looks and to feel confident and positive.  My ultimate goal is to meet every individual need.  Working in this eclectic field is what I was born to do.