Choosing a salon product partner is never an easy decision. You want to be able to depend on a company for high quality formulas, inspiration, education, value and integrity. And then there are the intangibles that are more difficult to describe—a feeling of belonging and the ability to trust unconditionally.
Many companies promise to deliver on all the above, but often those promises go unfulfilled. But Salon Gloss Owner Tim Timmons of Woodstock, GA; Solutions Salon & Spa Co-Owner Staci Wilson, stylist Leandro Montesino of Sao Paolo, Brazil and Keune Global Creative Artistic Director Ilham Mestour have found a company that keeps its promises. Discover why they—and thousands more hair professionals worldwide—choose Keune Haircosmetics.
The Exclusive Experience:
Tim Timmons launched his salon six years ago, after saving up $25,000 in tips. The business quickly grew from a team of five to a team of 24 and moved to a new space double the size of the original. Tim says Salon Gloss strives to create a unique experience that clients can’t find anywhere else—from the fragrance in the air, to the special blooming teas they serve, to the exclusivity of Keune professional products.
Q: What led you to partner with Keune Haircosmetics?
Timmons: I was working with another company and found myself fighting for the things they had promised. I met with Keune and realized we shared the same vision. And my team loved the products. It’s the smartest business decision I made. They treat us like family. George Keune, the CEO of Keune North America and grandson of the founder even came to my salon to share ideas.
Q: What are the most important things Keune Haircosmetics contributes to your business?
Timmons: Performance—these are truly the best products I’ve ever used. Loyalty. And they keep their promises. I can work with any company, but Keune delivers loyalty and follow-through, which are so important.
Q: What promises do you share with your team and clients?
Timmons: Exclusivity, a rewarding and unique experience and talent. Regarding the latter, a year ago we created an education team in the salon and now all our team members complete an intensive 1-year training program which gives them what they need to succeed.
It’s All About Family:
Staci Wilson has been part of the team at Solutions Salon & Spa, in Kokomo, IN for 23 years. The salon has been in business for 40 years. When the previous owner, Wilson’s mentor, decided to retire, Solutions stayed in the family when a group of employees bought the business. Today, Wilson is one of five co-owners at a salon that extends the warmth of family to its long-time clients, and expects that same familial consideration from its brand partner.
Q: What led you to partner with Keune Haircosmetics?
Wilson: Primarily education. We flew to Atlanta for a class and learned more about Keune products from a hands-on perspective. We also got a sense of who they are as a company and as a family. After that experience, we knew it would be a good fit.
Q: What are the most important things Keune Haircosmetics contributes to your business?
Wilson: Keune is all about the professional salon environment and helping stylists improve and grow.
We also have a direct line to everyone in the company. There is open communication and they’re there if we need anything. They make us feel important, and they take us seriously. Also, and most important, their educators are relatable and understand what our salon needs. And when they leave, they’re still available to us any time if we have questions.
Q: What promises do you share with your team and clients?
Wilson: We promise to keep learning no matter how long any of us has been in the business, and this keeps elevating the level of service we offer our clients. We promise to commit to teamwork. Clients see us working together as a team, and they become part of the process. Our team is a family, which extends to our clients. We know everyone’s names and all about their lives. They appreciate our culture and our atmosphere. And now, Keune is an important part of our family.
The Ingredients for Perfect Hair:
Leandro Montesino began his career as a dancer and singer, appearing in many musical theater productions in Brazil. Then he discovered his passion for hair, and today works at the elegant Salao Pedro Galdi Salon in Sao Paolo. But he hasn’t abandoned his musical roots completely—every Friday at 3 p.m. in the salon, he regales clients with his favorite tunes from Broadway musicals!
Q: What led you to partner with Keune Haircosmetics?
Montesino: A friend told me the line would appeal to my upscale clients who demand luxury. I tried them and it was love at first sight. The quality is unquestionable and a great market differentiator. Plus, the company reps treat me as family. I never feel like a number.
Q: What are the most important things Keune Haircosmetics contributes to your business?
Montesino: The quality of the products, the unique educational foundation and the fact that a great brand is always by my side. The CEO of the company talks to me and treats me like a friend.
Q: What promises do you share with your clients?
Montesino: I look at it like I’m a great chef. I promise to use the best products, with the finest ingredients, to achieve the best results for their hair!
Inspiration that Goes Beyond:
Keune is recognized for its esthetic of beautiful, wearable hair that satisfies salon clients and cements their loyalty to their stylists. But the company’s Global Creative Artistic Director, Ilham Mestour, recognizes that hairdressers must also be inspired by the art of hair. Recently, she collaborated with colleagues George Alderete, Marriet Gakes and Roberto Tarla to create the Beyond True Beauty—Lost in Perfection collection.
Q: Can you share a bit about your creative process when developing a collection like Beyond True Beauty?
Ilham: First you must have a concept. Then I start by creating a mood board, and I think about the concept every day for weeks. It doesn’t matter where I am, I keep writing things down. I love to dream on a plane—I just turn on some music. And I get inspired on holiday! I’ll add to the mood board right up until the shoot because I don’t want any creative doors to close.
Q: What are your must-haves for creating “beyond” work?
Ilham: Keune always supports me in my mission to create! Without products you can’t create hair designs. I constantly rely on Keune Design Shaping Hairspray, Press Wax, Graphic Hairspray, BLEND Volume Powder and BLEND Refreshing Spray. And of course, my tools!
Keune’s promises to beauty professionals are simple but significant:
- Treat you like family
- Be salon-exclusive
- Never compromise on product quality
- Offer real-life inspiration and education
- Go Beyond True Beauty
To learn more about a true brand partnership with a company that keeps its promises, visit keune.com or @keunehaircosmetics.
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