I've always been a big supporter of creating a culture in the work place that employees will embrace.

Depending on your salon's location, size and clientele, I think this will develop naturally to an extent. However, I love it when salon owners really put effort into making their business one their employees love coming to every day.

Salon Buzz in Chicago is doing just that. Recently, they invited me to a day of education. They brought in industry speaker Geno Stampora to spend the day with their staff, educating and motivating.

To be honest, I didn't go in with high expectations. I knew Geno would be great as I have seen him at other industry events, but I anticipated a rather standard day of beauty education (something I've been through many times before).

Boy was I ever wrong. The Buzz team is a team with heart. And I think using the term "team" is probably not the right word. "Family" describes them more accurately.

Since the event was held on a Monday, when the salon is closed, a few of the staffers had their babies with them, and they were welcomed by everyone. By the way, I'd love to know how those babies were so incredibly quiet and well behaved!

The salon was also celebrating its 10th anniversary that day. Owners Andreas Zafiriadis and wife Ioanna Zacharopoulou took a break during the day to acknowledge and give their heartfelt thanks, along with a special gift ceremony for the staff members who have been with them all 10 years. Exquisitely designed bracelets for the men and diamond pendants for the women were presented by Andreas and Ioanna, with a few emotional speeches-making the ceremony even more meaningful.

Next, an enormous cake complete with a hair dryer, color bowl and other sundries made of cake and frosting was wheeled out for the entire staff to enjoy. This was after an amazing Italian buffet-style luncheon.

Two things stood out to me: Andreas and Ioanna are extraordinarily proud of their business and very motivated to continue to grow and improve it every year. The other was this: These are two people who truly appreciate their staff and recognize they could not do what they do without them. I don't think they are the only owners out there who realize this, but I do think they did a really great job of recognizing it.

Having Geno all to themselves for a day was a treat in and of itself, and the Salon Buzz staff left feeling happy and motivated about what they do and who they work for.

It inspired me to look for ways to motivate my own staff. Hats off to Salon Buzz!