About Me
Hello! I’m Lilly, the heart behind Hair by Lilly — a bridal hair specialist with over 25 years of experience turning brides into timeless beauties on their wedding day.
My obsession with bridal hair started as a little girl in Albania, dressing dolls in handmade veils and pretending every day was a wedding. By 14, I was styling real brides in my neighborhood. In 2001, at 22, I landed in New York City with one suitcase and stars in my eyes, literally the morning of September 11. My very first train into the city stopped dead at 108th Street. Smoke filled the sky, people were screaming, running, crying. I stood on the platform in total shock, a brand-new immigrant who barely spoke English, watching the Twin Towers collapse on the day I was supposed to start my new life.
I was terrified. I thought, “Did I make the biggest mistake leaving home?” But something inside me refused to break. If I could survive poverty and everything I’d left behind in Albania, I could survive this too. I wiped my tears, got my New York license, and started creating magic in salons across Manhattan and the Bronx. Within weeks, every bride who walked in was sent straight to my chair — they felt the fire.
That fire still burns brighter than ever. Twelve years ago, I launched Hair by Lilly so I could focus only on brides and be the present mom my daughter deserves (she’s now 14 and my favorite tennis and travel partner). My signature Old Hollywood Glam waves — soft, Marilyn Monroe-inspired romance — exploded with my clients and became the most requested bridal look across New York. My modern Sofia Loren French twists are just as coveted for chic, effortless updos.
I fly worldwide for destination weddings (Bahamas, Disney, Italy — often bringing my daughter along for the adventure) because nothing makes me happier than that moment a bride sees herself and lights up.
Passion. Resilience. Heart poured into every pin and wave. That’s what I bring to your day.
Your wedding hair should feel like the most radiant version of you. Let’s make it unforgettable. Book your consultation — I look forward to celebrating with you.