Headlines The Salon Owners David Linde and Gayle Fulbright protest outside the California capitol building in an effort to reopen salons after the state’s second shutdown.
As the pandemic forced salons to close across the country in 2020, owners and their team members had to pivot, designing new avenues to bring in revenue while their doors were shuttered, incorporating stringent new safety and social distancing procedures, and getting creative with their budgets to weather the challenges of the year.
SALON TODAY’s landmark salon business competition also shifted, temporarily abandoning its sharp focus on growth, and instead choosing to celebrate the business successes of 2019 and the tales of leadership and heroism for 2020.
To make this large story a little easier to digest for our readers, we’re breaking it into segments alphabetically. Here is the 2021 Honorees for Salons H-K.
Habitude Salons and Spa
Seattle, WA
habitude.com
Inez Gray
SQUARE FEET: 1,200; 10,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 76
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Daviness, Bumble
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda, Comfort Zone, Apothecana
NAIL CARE: OPI, Spa Ritual, Comfort Zone
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Fetch Rev
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, 2 to 10 Network
“While lots of salons kept their appointments on the books when they had to shutdown, I knew this would be a nightmare, so we cancelled all future appointments and set up Priority Booking. If I client purchased one of our deals while we were closed they were giving priority—we did very well selling these and it generated plenty of revenue to keep the lights on.”
Hair MW
Portland, OR
Hairm-w2.com
Celeste Trapp
SQUARE FEET: 4,600; 3,200; 2,500; 2,000; 2,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 45
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kevin Murphy, R+Co
COLOR: L’Oreal, Min New York, Redken
SKIN CARE: Skinceuticals
TECH SUPPORT: Zenoti
“We created a COVID Back-to-Work Protocol document that shared all the new strict protocol to keep team members and clients safe. We had a company-wide Zoom call to review the document and answer any concerns, then each location had their own Zoom happy hour call. Once we reopened, we added medspa services to our menu, which have generated more than 15K a month in sales.”
Haircutters in the Park
Goodyear, AZ
haircp.com
Kathy and Raymond Basaldua
SQUARE FEET: 1,900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 14
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $58
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: Ella & Milla
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Our staff are now trained to take a picture of the guest at the end of the service. The guest is provided a digital copy of the picture and asked to share their experience on Google and/or Yelp. Regardless of the type of review, the guest is provided $5 off towards their next service.”
The team from Headlines The Salon in Encinitas, CA.
Headlines The Salon
Encinitas, CA
headlinesthesalon.com
Gayle Fulbright and David Linde
SQUARE FEET: 2,850
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 38
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $62
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, Eufora, Zenagen
COLOR: L’Oréal Professionnel, Eufora, Pulp Riot
SKIN CARE: Yonka
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, ZeeZor, Zipwhip
The glamourous team from Hi Texture Hair Salon, LLC., in Lawrenceville, GA.
Hi Texture Hair Salon, LLC
Lawrenceville, GA
hitexturehair.com
India Bertin
SQUARE FEET: 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 9
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $98
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Moroccanoil, Influance, Design Essentials
COLOR: Matrix
TECH SUPPORT: Vagaro
“One constant challenge we faced in 2019 was our wait lists were weeks and months long. We expanded our hours and opened on Sundays and Mondays. This allowed us to reach a totally new segment of clients, especially Moms, who were thrilled with the ability to book in the evenings and on Sundays.”
Hollywood Hair
Centralia, IL
hollywoodhairsalonandspa.com
Sonya Gettinger, Abbey Jones, Jessica Freels, Ally Deering
SQUARE FEET: 3,200; 2,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 45
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: JPMS
COLOR: JPMS
SKIN CARE: Glo Skin Beauty
NAIL CARE: CND, Gelish
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo 2, Salon Clouds Plus, Weave, Textel
ASSOCIATIONS: CC
“To meet the 50% occupancy requirements of our state upon reopening, we implemented split shifts and withheld blowdrying services. We offered guests a treatment service and had it braided into their hair to wear home, which resulted in the upsell of treatments.”
Some of the team from Ihloff Salon and Day Spa participating in salon education.
Ihloff Salon and Day Spa
Tulsa, OK
ihloffspa.com
Marilyn Ihloff
SQUARE FEET: 6,000; 4,000; 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 105
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: Spa Rituals, CND
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA, 2 to 10 Network
“We have a team Facebook page where everyone supported each other as they tried to understand the ins and outs of filing and receiving unemployment, checked in on those more isolated and showed off their cooking achievements, pets and projects.”
The team from Impressions Salon in Mequon, WI.
Impressions Salon
Mequon, WI
impressionsdayspa.com
Sarah Taylor
SQUARE FEET: 5,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 39
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Davines, Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Redken
SKIN CARE: Eminence, Farmhouse Fresh
NAIL CARE: OPI
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo 2
ASSOCIATIONS: ISBN, PBA, CC, SSBC
“Statistically, a client becomes loyal after returning to the salon four times. With this in mind, I created a new client welcome pack. It has our menu, various pictures of our work, sample packets of products and a card with offerings for their first four appointments. It’s been tremendously successful.”
Indigo Blue Salon and Spa
Cornelius, NC
Indigobluesalonandspa.com
Lindsey Kowaleski
SQUARE FEET: 2,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Eufora
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“After the first few weeks of closure, I felt a huge need to shift my staff’s thinking and get their minds off of COVID. I hired a happiness coach that performed eight 30-minute trainings via Facebook Live. These classes taught us to find true happiness within ourselves and it ended up being a great team-building event.”
The team from Interlocks in Newburyport, MA, jump for joy outside the salon.
Interlocks
Newburyport, MA
interlockssalon.com
Ginny Eramo
SQUARE FEET: 6,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 52
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $70
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, R+Co, Kerastase
COLOR: Goldwell
SKIN CARE: Environ, IS Clinical
NAIL CARE: Dazzle Dry
TECH SUPPORT: STX
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“With one colleague I spearheaded a coalition of more than 200 salon and spa owners across my state and met with our Governor’s Reopening Advisory Board to write the guidelines for after COVID-19 shutdowns. Those guidelines were very different from our neighboring states, and allowed us to perform all salon/spa services, while keeping strict social distance guidelines in place.”
The team from Ira Ludwick in Bethesda, MD.
Ira Ludwick Salon
Bethesda, MD
iraludwicksalon.com
Ira Ludwick
SQUARE FEET: 2,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 19
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $70
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kerastase, Oribe, Kevin Murphy
COLOR: Artego, Goldwell, Pulp Riot
SKIN CARE: Exuviance, Skin Fitness
TECH SUPPORT: STX
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA
“More than ever, time is currency. Providing a flexible option with team members schedules allowed us to enjoy a happy work force. People felt respected and supported by management. This practice directly affected everyone’s enthusiasm for their business.”
*Ira Ludwick
The team from Ira Ludwick in Bethesda, MD.
A look inside one of the J. Joseph Salons in Land O’ Lakes, FL.
J. Joseph Salon
Land O’ Lakes, FL
jjosephsalon.com
Roy Naccour
SQUARE FEET: 3,500; 1,400; 1,500; 1,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 70
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $48
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, Olaplex
COLOR: Redken, Pravana, Pulp Riot
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Instagram
“In 2019, we implemented a management training program to promote from within. We teach our stylists how to grow their book of business, showcase their skills through social media, respond to reviews (including negative ones), navigate workplace relationships, handle inventory and ordering, and manage the financial aspects of running a salon.”
J Micheal's Spa and Salon
Louisville, KY
jmichaelsspaandsalon.com
Jill Higginbotham, Jerry Plappert, Kara Biery
SQUARE FEET: 5,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 21
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Eufora
SKIN CARE: Babor
NAIL CARE: OPI, CND
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“During our Daily Success Meetings, we talk about successes from the previous day, share our retail and service numbers, give shout outs to team members who excelled and start the day with a ‘spark question.’ This daily check allows our stylists to push themselves further and it shows in our numbers.”
Jennifer Kennedy, the owner of J. Nicolle Salon & Spa in New Albany, IN.
J.Nicolle Salon & Spa
New Albany, IN
jnicollesalon.com
Jennifer Kennedy
SQUARE FEET: 3,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $53
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Cezzane
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Meet Your Stylist
ASSOCIATIONS: Green Circle Salons
“Before we reopened, I trained my team on safety and sanitation and created a reentry manual, and every team member went through the Barbicide class. The manual went through our safety measures, proper handwashing, the new service cycle for our guests, and new protocols. We had a virtual team meeting to go over the manual and everyone was emailed a copy.”
Jaclyn Cosh, owner of JEM Hair Studio in New Paltz, NY.
JEM Hair Studio
New Paltz, NY
jemhaircanfixthat.com
Jaclyn Cosh
SQUARE FEET: 1,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 9
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Eufora
TECH SUPPORT: Aura
“The number one change that helped me grow was attending Eufora’s Business Intelligence program. I left with a solid foundation of ideas, structures and the ability to hone in on exactly what I wanted to create in my salon. I believe without these new systems in place, I wouldn’t have succeeded during the pandemic.”
Jiva Salonspa stands proud in Cedar Falls, IA.
Jiva Salonspa
Cedar Falls, IA
JivaSalonspa.com
Bill Bradford
SQUARE FEET: 3,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $35
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: OPI
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
“Another way we boosted morale for our team and our community was by donating small care packages to frontline workers at two local hospitals. Seeing the positivity surrounding the unique opportunity to give back to our community really helped to keep things in perspective.”
Jón Alan Salon
Nashville, TN
Jonalansalon.com
Jón & Alan Snetman
SQUARE FEET: 3,200; 2,457; 1,908; 1,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 54
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Olaplex
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda, Skinceuticals, Hydrafacial
TECH SUPPORT: STX Cloud, Salon Clouds Plus, Snap
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, 2 to 10 Network, PBA
“During the shutdown, our in-salon marketing person immediately launched a gift card sale that brought in around $30-40K while we were closed, and she launched our own online store on our website and we sold everything that we have in the physical location on it, either by mail order or curbside pickup.”
A holiday promotion from Jonathan Kane Salon & Spa in Homewood, IL.
Jonathan Kane Salon & Spa
Homewood, IL
Johnathankanesalonspa.com
Larry Kane
SQUARE FEET: 2,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 21
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $58
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda, Lucrece
NAIL CARE: OPI
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, ICA, PBA
“Months after reopening, we noticed some rare things with our team—apathy, lack of initiative, a change in the salon vibe. We invited a mental health specialist to one of our Zoom team meetings, who presented the signs of fatigue and stress, offered resources and methods to relieve it and talked about how to move forward. We are still seeing the result of our ‘online therapy.’”
Josephine's Day Spa and Salon
Houston, TX
josephinesdayspa.com
Vivian Yeh
SQUARE FEET: 5,600; 1,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 42
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $67
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Presence AI
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA
“We recently added SalonBiz’s Listen 360 as part of our check-out experience. It gives the clients an option to grade their visit from 1 to 10 and provide a comment. We’ve had a total of 881 positive reviews. Referrals have been increasing through this, and now we’re averaging 15 new clients on our daily reports.”
Karen Allen Salon
Riverside, CA
karenallensalon.com
Van Khanh Nguyen
SQUARE FEET: 2,400; 2,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 30
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $75
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Salon Clouds Plus
ASSOCIATIONS: ISBN, PBA, 2 to 10 Network, Beauty BackBone
“Keeping the team engaged for 12 weeks of closure was no easy task. There were weeks we invited guest speakers from the industry to inspire our team and we even invited a psychologist/life coach to lift their spirits. We encouraged engagement between team members on a fun app called Houseparty—they were able to have virtual happy hour together.”
Katherine Jon Salon
Port Jefferson Station, NY
Katherinejonsalon.com
Kat Riley
SQUARE FEET: 3,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $68
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Eufora
SKIN CARE: Arbonne
NAIL CARE: CND, OPI, The Gel Bottle
TECH SUPPORT: STX, Meet Your Stylist
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“During our three-month closure, we had ten employees who had birthdays. For each one, we organized ‘birthday caravans’ where we drove by waving with streamers and balloons and honking horns to wish the team member a Happy Birthday.”
The lovely team from KBB Salon in Marietta, GA.
KBB Salon
Marietta, GA
Kbbsalon.com
Kalena Duru
SQUARE FEET: 2,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 6
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $105
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Affirm, Wilson Collective, Kenra
COLOR: Goldwell, Coverline, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Aura Salonware
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Three ideas helped us drive revenue in 2019. We established a clear vision for our salon, a main message and defined services. I put together a career roadmap that helped staff scale within the company, and we established a more effective system for tracking weekly and monthly goals for each team member.”
Tony Anders, director of culture development, and Jody Achatz, chief operations officer, outside of Kenneth’s Salons and Day Spas in Columbus, OH.
Kenneth's Salons and Day Spas
Columbus, OH
kenneths.com
100% Employee Owned
SQUARE FEET: 17,700; 9,700; 8,300; 5,000; 3,800; 5,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 360
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $46
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: private label, Kenra
COLOR: Wella, Redken
SKIN CARE: private label, Hydropeptide
NAIL CARE: Gelish, Foot Logics
TECH SUPPORT: Kenneth's Proprietary
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA
“Our fun new program ‘Big Dog’ funnels all new, non-request clients to specific staff members who reach certain weekly criteria, including number of treatments sold, retail sales and pre-booking rates. By being placed at the top of the list, the stylist for that week will receive priority for the next call.”
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Originally posted on Salon Today
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