MENU
SEARCHWhen Jerry Gordon, who owned of J. Gordon Designs in Chicago, Illinois, with his wife Karen, passed away suddenly this past November, Karen was overwhelmed by the huge response she received from the beauty industry after posting the news on ...
“A beautiful photo of a beautiful man in front of a beautiful photo.”—Posted December 21, 2015 “I especially love this photo because everything is so monochromatic in it, except for Jerry. He added so much color to life,” Karen remembers.
When Jerry Gordon, who owned of J. Gordon Designs in Chicago, Illinois, with his wife Karen, passed away suddenly this past November, Karen was overwhelmed by the huge response she received from the beauty industry after posting the news on Facebook.
“This industry uses Facebook to its best ability to connect and see what everyone is doing—it was designed for us,” she says.
With that in mind, Karen decided to post a Jerry Gordon photo of the day for the next 49 days.
“I have a client who’s a psychologist. She told me to take good care of myself for the 49 days after Jerry died. In Buddhism, it’s the most important time—it’s when a person transitions from life to afterlife.”
Armed with decades’ worth of images and stories to share from their 34 years together, Karen began posting.
“Jerry was my favorite person to photograph—he was so expressive and funny. And I realized how many people loved Jerry, and that I held something precious—these photos,” she says. “So it popped in my head to post a picture of Jerry every day for 49 days. I wanted it to be nice, not maudlin.”
The beautiful tribute prompted many comments and some people told Karen they got up every morning to see what she would post.
“I, for one, am incredibly grateful that you are posting these photos. I had not been able to see Jerry in person for quite some time and these photos are an amazing way for me to reconnect. The shock of his passing is somewhat assuaged by the ability to look at these photos on a daily basis. Thank you so much for sharing.” —Melissa Yamaguchi
“I’d write a few lines about why the photo was special,” she says. “It became a ritual and was very healing—I got to check in and see what people were writing and saying about Jerry.”
“This helped make Jerry’s passing a slower and more extended savoring of the time we shared together over the years. We all seek to make a difference while we are here, and he did that for sure. I believe that all souls are connected, and therefore, we know he’s truly still a part of our life story into the eternity. See you down the road, Jerry.” —Laurence Seybold
The images gave friends and fans of Jerry the chance to reflect on who he was and see other sides of him, whether it was a young Jerry from the 1960s, a picture of him in Horst Rechelbacher’s apartment or a shot of him cuddling a toddler.
“I looked forward to this every day. Jerry was unique, but also of his time. So your images of him were a double delight! I also believe you and Jerry have launched a new kind of memorial, and because it’s not dependent on geography it may become more socially significant than traditional funerals. Jerry would absolutely love that you and he led the way in pioneering a brand-new social convention! And Horst is cheering!” —Sarswati Namaste
“It let everyone else grieve as well and gave them a chance to work through the process. When I posted the last photo, it was hard to let go—it had become a ritual and very healing,” Karen says.
“Keep the photos coming. I heard it takes seven days to get to heaven. Don’t forget he drove a Ferrari.” —Richard Calcasola
Discover how to create a true “WOW experience” for every client by first building a culture where your team feels engaged, empowered, and inspired. Drawing on Calvin Stovall’s Iconic Framework, this blog explores how salon, spa, and clinic leaders can strengthen culture, elevate customer experience, and build a business that stands out for the long term.
Sponsored by Phorest Salon Software
The wellness industry is growing fast, and salons and barbershops already are an important part of it. In her first blog, Tracy Rado shares where the wellness dollars are heading, and how salon's can grow with this movement.
While salon sales are increasing, owners often feel they're working harder for the same or less profit. Leverage Q2 data from The KIM Report, Alain Audet reveals some of the structural changes that are dampening your growth and why your region and your salon size matters.
Weaknesses in your business are amplified during the Holiday Season. Spark Pro Global's Lucy Randall shows you five things to do now to have the strongest holiday season yet.
In Kati Whitledge's latest blog, she shares how salons have moved away from dress codes and embraced appearance standards. But by removing strict dress codes, some businesses may have unintentionally lowered their appearance standards. Whitledge helps you explain to your team why an appearance standard is important and how to smoothly implement a new appearance policy.
The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit for for-profit businesses that provides a financial incentive for eligible employers who offer health insurance coverage to their employees. Leticia Skrabut, Esq., walks you through how to claim that credit.
Developing strong work habits early in one's career supports long-term success in the salon industry. Jesse Linares offers new stylists his top five tips.
Most salon owners have no idea what these numbers are. You can hit record sales and still have a profit problem. The difference comes down to four numbers almost nobody was taught to track.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
A five-area audit every owner-dependent salon needs to run. You built something that looks successful. Now find out if it can survive without you.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
Every month you put off fixing the problem, it gets bigger, more expensive, and harder to solve.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
At Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty, Director of Operations Natasha McMillen helps bring her wife Janet St. Paul's vision to life, elevating every system from education to operations.
Expand your color service menu with the Pinstripe technique. Brooks and Brooks' Marlon Hawkins walks you through the technique.
The strongest salons, spas, and med spas know which numbers tell the real story of their business. In this practical guide, Phorest breaks down the five essential KPIs every business should track to improve retention, boost revenue, and make smarter decisions with confidence.
Sponsored by Phorest
At Bella Style Salon in Slidell, Louisiana, Director of Operations Angela Meyer tackles inventory, team management, and guest relations. Read all about her in our latest Meet the Manager.
Starting at Impressions front desk in 2006 when he was 19 years old, General Manager Paul Petrowsky is a seasoned professional who owner Sarah Taylor says is responsible for much of her own success.
Planning is in full swing for the most anticipated events and promotions for the 2026 holidays. As owners share their favorite ways to celebrate, they prove that a carefully planned event can also build culture, increase client loyalty, boost sales, and set a business up for a successful 2027.
When things run amok at Mane Attraction Salon, Owners Chris and Jenny Knudsen say General Manager Sami Hernandez is their go-to resource and ultimate sounding board. Meet Sami in this installment of Meet the Manager.
