Scott Yance, owner of Scottfree Salon.
Scott Yance, owner of Scottfree Salon.
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Scott Yance, owner of Scottfree Salon.
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Scott Yance, owner of Scottfree Salon.
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If one salon can demonstrate that innovation breeds success, it is Scottfree Salon, a full-service boutique salon on chic Milwaukee Street in Downtown Milwaukee. From technological upgrades to new business models, an emphasis on education to products that promote comprehensive health, Scottfree Salon sees no limitations, only possibilities.

The force behind this momentum is Scott Yance, who launched Scottfree Salon in 2013. The salon features high-end hair and beauty product lines Kérastase and Aveda, and offers a full menu of hair services (including extensions), as well as makeup and waxing services.

Yance has put together a team of stylists that are leaders in the beauty and fashion industry, often creating custom runway looks at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, participating in local and national photo shoots, and teaching fellow stylists on an international level.

The recently renovated 2,000-square-foot, 13-chair Scottfree Salon has grossed $1.2 million in 2013. It offers complimentary valet parking; concierge services, such as restaurant reservations and in-salon dining; complimentary WIFI; plush heated massage shampooing chairs; and a relaxing lounge with chic furnishings.

The salon now features a new website, logo, social media channels, and even an innovative Scottfree Selfie Station. Through the use of an app created specifically for the salon by Milwaukee’s Company B Brand Marketing, clients can snap a photo at the Selfie Station, choose a filter, upload directly to Scottfree’s Instagram account and email a copy to themselves for easy posting to their own social media channels. The technology takes advantage of today’s powerful social networking to drive business and customer engagement for this innovative salon.

Yance extends this innovation beyond technological tactics – he also works with his staff to make the salon work best for them and their clients. He encourages stylists to work “smarter, not harder.” To that end, his team works split shifts and each stylist shares a chair with a “buddy” – allowing for very little down time and for chairs to be occupied from open to close, six days a week.

“I want my team to be able to enjoy time with friends and family; have a life outside the salon,” says Yance. “Split shift hours allow for that to happen.”

In addition, the salon rolled out a performance-based pay system this year, where stylists receive yearly rather than weekly commission checks based on their previous year’s earnings.

In support of continuing education, Yance declared Mondays “Education Day” at the salon, where salon assistants work one-on-one with an instructor and practice new techniques on hair models. Celebrity stylist and hair education guru Jon Reyman holds twice yearly hands-on workshops at the salon.

An avid yogi and health living guru, Yance launched his own Biotin product line in 2013. Research has shown the vitamin improves the appearance and strength of hair, nails, and skin; increases metabolism; and fights depression.

“From my own experience, I can attest that if you take one tablet every day, in three to six weeks your hair and nails will change. They will feel stronger and thicker,” he says. “I have been recommending biotin to my clients for years, and have seen fantastic results. I wanted to create my own line so I could ensure it is the best possible product out there for my friends, family and clients.”

Yance continues to think of new and revolutionary ways to make Scottfree Salon provide a stimulating work environment for hairstylists and an unparalleled salon experience for clients. Through new inclusions like the Selfie Station and his Biotin product line, Yance has made advancements that are smart for his salon as a business and as a communal place to share the love of hair.
 

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