2016 Salon Today 200: Growth, Part One

To achieve the business momentum of sustainable growth year after year, salon and spa owners must master a number of best business practices, all while confidently leading their teams forward. For ST200 applicants in this category, it’s a numbers game. Who among them achieved the highest percentage of growth between total gross sales between calendar years 2013 and 2014? This year, honorees in this category grew at rates of 10.3 percent or higher. And while we didn’t just take their work for it—their financials were verified with copies of their tax returns. Here are the first 50 honorees in Growth.

360 THE COLOUR BAR SALON
El Paso, TX
360hair.com
Eddie Anderson
2013: $487,000
2014: $583,000
INCREASE: 20%
SQUARE FEET: 1,900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 6
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Bumble and Bumble, Kérastase
COLOR: Schwarzkopf Professional, L’Oréal Professionnel, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: SpaBiz, Demandforce, Constant Contact
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“In the past two years, we’ve gotten really committed to our systems. First we planned what needed to get accomplished, then we identified opportunities where a system could be stronger, clearer or simply written out and implemented.”

501 SALON & SPA
Bellevue, KY
501salon.com
Kate Moeves
2013: $405,000
2014: $484,000
INCREASE: 20%
SQUARE FEET: 1,500; 1,900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 15
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBooker  
“In 2014, I focused on my team. I hired young stylists—several right out of school—and mentored them in collaboration with a few senior stylists and our front desk manager. This year, I am cutting three days a week and managing the team on two days.”

AABANI SALON
Asheville, NC
aabani.com
Jim Kitches and Ed Lee
2013: $501,000
2014: $576,000
INCREASE: 15%
SQUARE FEET: 2,000; 2,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SpaBiz, Demandforce
“We teamed up with the local news station WLOS, offering hair services for their reporters in exchange for on-air credit. Plus, they offered us social media classes.”

ADARA SALON & SPA
Johnston, IA
adarasalonspa.com
Stephanie Fox and Chelsea Pelland
2013: $305,000
2014: $391,000
INCREASE: 28%
SQUARE FEET: 2,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Constant Contact 
“An aggressive, new guest referral program fueled our growth this year. The program gives a new guest $20 off their first service, while the referring guest gets $25 to use toward retail. We began using Constant Contact to keep in communication with all our guests via email.”

ADORA SALON AND STUDIO
Oceanside, CA
adorasalon.com
Bill Lavender and Bradley Wood
2013: $1,166,000
2014: $1,327,000
INCREASE: 14%
SQUARE FEET: 2,800; 1,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 21
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Davines
COLOR: Aveda, Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“In addition to our busy location, we opened Adora Studio, a home for hairdressers straight out of school. As soon as we opened it, the studio attracted a diverse, young client base—tapping a whole new demographic and an avenue for growth.”

AIDAN JAMES SALON
Nashua, NH
aidanjamessalon.com
Rachel Aidan and Derek James
2013: $918,000
2014: $1,041,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 4,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 30
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: DevaCurl, Living Proof, Goldwell
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce, Spa Boom  
ASSOCIATIONS: ISBN, PBA
“While you may have an anchor line of products, you should have a retail mix where you can introduce fun, new, exciting products. I love asking my stylists what they are using themselves and what one-off products we should consider adding to the mix.”

ALTERED IMAGES COLOR SALON AND DAY SPA
Pearland, TX
alteredimagesspa.com
Kelly Idoux
2013: $1,316,000
2014: $1,665,000
INCREASE: 27%
SQUARE FEET: 4,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 35
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $44
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kérastase, Unite, Redken
COLOR: Redken, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: Envision  
“When we opened our new location, we came up with a direct-mail promotion called The Golden Ticket Giveaway. Guests had to bring in their Golden Ticket on the day of our grand opening for product giveaways, relaxing pleasures and a tour of the new location.”

ANASA HAIR STUDIO
Temecula, CA
anasahair.com
Helen and George Tsimiklis
2013: $447,000
2014: $540,000
INCREASE: 21%
SQUARE FEET: 2,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $49
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Eufora
COLOR: Lisap, Milano, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Ultimate
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“All our stylists take before-
and-after pictures of their work and we blitz our Facebook, Instragram and Pinterest pages. We find the stylists who post more than the one required post are being found by new clients searching the internet.”

ASANDA AVEDA SPA LOUNGE
New York, NY
asandaspa.com
Owned by multiple shareholders
2013: $1,476,000
2014: $4,201,000
INCREASE: 185%
SQUARE FEET: 5,000; 5,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 100
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $90
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Mindbody
“Asanda was formed in 2011 with a business plan that called for a rapid scale up from its first store in the SoHo district to a multi-location operation with at least five stores within its first five years.”

AURA SALON
Jacksonville, FL
myaurasalon.com
Chad Pereira and Edward Pereira
2013: $1,298,000
2014: $1,488,000
INCREASE: 15%
SQUARE FEET: 3,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 32
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $43
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“We’ve created the Elite Club for service providers who achieve certain service and homecare sales. These team members have a say in how the salon operates, and they earn a special educational team excursion. This year they went to Aveda Congress—all expenses paid.”

AVANTGARDE SALON INC.
Destin, FL
avantgardeaveda.com
Joseph Rogers
2013: $1,578,000
2014: $2,755,000
INCREASE: 75%
SQUARE FEET: 4,300; 1,000; 1,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 43
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $38
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SpaBiz
ASSOCIATION: Beauty Industry Council
“We know that keeping our culture consistent between all three locations is crucial to our success, and we start by having our front line rotate between all our salons. We also focus on the establishment and implementation of best practices and systems.”

AVENUE HAIR DESIGN
Venice, FL
avenuehairdesign.net
Patti Paull
2013: $438,000
2014: $538,000
INCREASE: 23%
SQUARE FEET: 2,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 14
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $44
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken, DevaCurl
COLOR: Redken, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: NCA  
“I hired a coach who gave me a foundation in things, like a budget, recruitment, compensation, customer service and service goals—she is my checks and balances, and she holds me accountable.”

BELLA BRONZE STUDIOS LLC
Akron, OH
bellabronzestudios.com
Joseph Arrowood and Rachael Indermuhle
2013: $502,000
2014: $631,000
INCREASE: 26%
SQUARE FEET: 3,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $35
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision  
ASSOCIATION: Smart Tan
“During our recent renovation, we incorporated a beautiful color bar on the main floor and a private room for our shampoo bowls. We also made the salon more effecient by adding a pre-book computer by the color bar.”

BELLA SALON AND DAY SPA
North East, PA
bellasalonanddayspa.net
Darlene Youngs, Cheryl Phillips and Stephanie Dowd
2013: $591,000
2014: $687,000
INCREASE: 16%
SQUARE FEET: 7,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 21
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora, Aquage
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium    
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“We measure overall revenue, retail sales, service sales, existing client retention, new client retention, pre-booking, productivity and gift card sales. Team members are rewarded for meeting their monthly goals with Bella Bucks, which can be used to buy time off or items we auction at our quarterly meetings.”

BII HAIR SALON
West Dundee, IL
biihairsalon.com
James Gartner and Adam Swanlund
2013: $330,000
2014: $466,000
INCREASE: 41%
SQUARE FEET: 2,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 14
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Surface, Pravana, FHI
COLOR: Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBooker, MailChimp
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, PBA
“We implemented a traveler during each guest visit. This laminated sheet presents our service menu, including our luxury upgrades. Space is provided to take notes during the consultation and make retail recommendations.”


 

THE BLACK CAT SALON + SPA
Kailua, HI
theblackcatsalon.com
Katy Gassaway and
Jentry Petzold
2013: $1,171,000
2014: $1,318,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 2,200; 1,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 25
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $70
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda, Joico, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce 
“We implemented HeadMapping in the salon, bringing Walter Claudio out to help get the systems in place and get staff excited. Implementing the program immediately led to higher productivity, more teamwork and less waste.”

BLEU ROOTS SALON
West Columbia, TX
bleuroots.com
Jason and Jennifer Culverhouse
2013: $328,000
2014: $438,000
INCREASE: 34%
SQUARE FEET: 1,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 9
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $34
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision
“We implemented a leadership team, dividing up the responsibilities and roles and adding teams under each team leader. Now our team feels empowered, as well as responsible for the growth of the leadership and growth of the team members underneath them.”

BLO
Raleigh, NC
justblo.com
Bryan Nunes
2013: $1,518,000
2014: $1,747,000
INCREASE: 15%
SQUARE FEET: 4,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 33
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: STX
“We discovered that one-on-one time was the most valuable aspect of our Blossom training program, so we added weekly two-hour practical experience sessions between the Blossom designer and a mentor with specific focuses in mind.”

BREEZE SALON & SPA
Georgetown, TX
breezesalon.com
Breanna Herriott
2013: $3,609,000
2014: $4,511,000
INCREASE: 25%
SQUARE FEET: 3,000; 4,000; 3,600; 2,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 70
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $63
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Trumpia
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, 2 to 10 
 “In the process of our expansion, we developed our Beauty-on-Demand room—a space for clients to obtain mini-services while they are waiting for their appointment or their color is processing. These services range in price from $10 to $35 and have increased our average ticket sales dramatically.”

BRIO SALONSPA
Lethbridge, Alberta
briosalon.ca
Heather and Wayne Tytula
2013: $950,000
2014: $1,092,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 3,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 27
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $52
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
“We borrowed a best business practice from a recent SALON TODAY article and established a brand new media director position. We made the decision to be on the forefront of all things social media.”

CELEBRITY SPA & SALON
College Station, TX
celebrityspa.net
Laura Atkinson Wagner, Leah Lucas, Cindy Atkinson
2013: $1,383,000
2014: $1,736,000
INCREASE: 26%
SQUARE FEET: 4,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 36
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken, Brazilian Blowout
COLOR: Redken, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Demandforce, Stylenet
“We understand one of the most crucial aspects is the front desk, so we created a director of guest services. This new team leader created an extensive training manual, a process and procedures manual, email templates and videos for each department.”

CENTRE SALON & SPA, ARVADA
Arvada, CO
centresalon.com
James F. Pacifico
2013: $1,649,000
2014: $1,845,000
INCREASE: 12%
SQUARE FEET: 3,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 28
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $36
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz    
“We have sent a group of team members to the customer service summit hosted by The DiJulius Group for the past three years. And our guest care/retail specialist has attended their one-year class. The training has given her tools to engage with customers and employees on a whole new level.”

CHAMELEON HAIRCOLOR CAFE & SPA
North Haven, CT
chameleonhcc.com
Carleen Buden, Stan Bialecki
2013: $572,000
2014: $882,000
INCREASE: 54%
SQUARE FEET: 2,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Bumble and Bumble, Oribe
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Constant Contact, Demandforce, Spa Boom
“All our managers are using Basecamp, an online project-management system. It allows them to work together on projects remotely from tablets or phones. They can create documents, share files and work on calendars without having to schedule time together.”

CHEMISTRY HAIR SALON
Shreveport, LA
chemistryhairsalon.com
Bryan Sullivan
2013: $612,000
2014: $701,000
INCREASE: 15%
SQUARE FEET: 1,500    
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 14
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $47
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Constant Contact
“In our six-chair salon, we were maxed-out on space, so we split-shifted, and now we function in the capacity of a 12-chair salon. We are open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Saturday, and our team works either a morning shift or an evening shift.”

CUTTING LOOSE SALON
University Park, FL
cuttingloose.net
Coral Pleas
2013: $2,459,000
2014: $3,094,000
INCREASE: 26%
SQUARE FEET: 5,200; 1,500; 2,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 57
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Paul Mitchell, Bumble and Bumble, Oribe
COLOR: Paul Mitchell, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium
“One of our priorities has been updating our website with enhanced menus, stylist profiles and pictures, as well as a new layout that makes both the full website and the mobile version more user-friendly.”

DOLCE SALON & SPA
Scottsdale, AZ
dolcesalonspa.com
Brandi Nuttall
2013: $6,138,000
2014: $8,217,000
INCREASE: 34%
SQUARE FEET: 13,000; 5,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 186
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: R+Co, Kérastase, Oribe
COLOR: Goldwell, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
“With a new focus on increasing retail to service dollars, overall client experience and creating additional revenue outlets, such as workshops, we have seen a continued and steady growth which is still on track in 2015.”

DV8 THE SALON
Grapevine, TX
dv8thesalon.net
Candice Hammit and Lisa Justiss
2013: $711,000
2014: $835,000
INCREASE: 17%
SQUARE FEET: 1,900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 11
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $68
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: STX
“This summer, we experimented with a trial three-day workweek for interested stylists, which resulted in improved productivity, focus and morale. We also implemented Qnity’s goal-setting program, which promotes and encourages growth.”

ECCO SALON
Fitchburg, WI
eccosalon.com
Sarah and Trent Lange
2013: $927,000
2014: $1,080,000
INCREASE: 17%
SQUARE FEET: 1,900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 18
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $41
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce 
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“Charles Darwin stated, ‘It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive, but those who can best manage change.’ We believe this applies to our industry, organization and our business as a whole.”

 

EIKONIC MANE INC./EIKONIC HOUSE OF BARBERS
Brampton, Ontario
eikonicmane.com
Martin Truong and Jessica Hoach
2013: $325,000
2014: $462,000
INCREASE: 42%
SQUARE FEET: 1,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $32
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: American Crew, Paul Mitchell
COLOR: American Crew, Matrix
TECH SUPPORT: Shortcuts
“We studied the merchandising setups at the checkout areas of successful lifestyle stores, such as Sephora, Indigo and Macy’s, and incorporated ideas—such as fun novelty items, clear acrylic bins and interactive signage—in designing our own.”

ELAN HAIR STUDIO
Sea Girt, NJ
elanhairstudionj.com
Kellie Johnson
2013: $1,452,000
2014: $1,908,000
INCREASE: 31%
SQUARE FEET: 3,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 38
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $77
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, Shu Uemura, V76
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: STX
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Intercoiffure 
“We continue to think about how we can be better and what else we can do to add value to the guest experience. Recently, we added personalized welcome signs at the station to greet each guest.”

 

ELEMENTS SALON
Fernandina Beach, FL
elementssalonfl.com
Jessica Greene
2013: $389,000
2014: $494,000
INCREASE: 27%
SQUARE FEET: 1,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $58
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Moroccanoil
COLOR: Rusk
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz 
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“I have learned to delegate responsibilities and create job descriptions that allow the salon to grow in areas such as bridal, retail and education. This allows me time to grow the business and create more ownership, responsibility and appreciation within the salon.”

ELEMENTS SALON & DAY SPA
Fairbanks, AK
elementsavedasalonandspa.com
Tina Baker
2013: $1,797,000
2014: $2,019,000
INCREASE: 12%
SQUARE FEET: 5,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 45
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $49
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium    
“Some factors that have fueled our growth include developing a management team, starting a 401K retirement program, expanding our apprenticeship program, implementing a rewards program and adding automated appointment confirmation.”

ELLE MARIE HAIR STUDIO
Lynnwood, WA
ellemariehairstudio.com
Colleen Buck, Jody Bossert
and Lorry Green
2013: $2,865,000
2014: $3,624,000
INCREASE: 27%
SQUARE FEET: 1,600; 1,200; 2,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 72
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $46
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, Sexy Hair
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision    
ASSOCIATION: ISBN
“In our new management meetings, we discuss budgets, promotions, stylist updates, community outreach and education. This brings each management team up to date, allows them to share ideas and learn from one another.”

EMERGE MODERN SALON
Denver, CO
emergemodernsalon.com
Ivy Overby
2013: $684,000
2014: $767,000
INCREASE: 12%
SQUARE FEET: 1,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 14
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $52
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Eufora, Alfaparf
TECH SUPPORT: STX
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, ESON
“We substantially expanded our retail center, adding new skincare and makeup lines, tools and appliances. And, we made our retail center a focus as guests check in or out.”

THE FIXX HAIR STUDIO
New Braunfels, TX
thefixxstudio.com
Robby and Lauren Kinsey
2013: $566,000
2014: $708,000
INCREASE: 25%
SQUARE FEET: 1,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $47
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Demandforce
“Borrowing an idea from Celebrity Salon, we created a success team comprising three stylists who have been given specific tasks to drive business and profitability. This allows them the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to the salon’s business while offering higher commission compensation.”

FLYING SCISSORS SALON & SPA
Clermont, FL
flyingscissorssalon.com
Giovanny and Cristina Andrade
2013: $636,000
2014: $784,000
INCREASE: 23%
SQUARE FEET: 2,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 15
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Redken, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: Summit
“The improvement in the economy, as well as increased local population, has allowed us to use our growth strategies to capture new guests. We plan not only on obtaining new guests, but also on keeping
existing ones happy.”

FRINGE HAIR CO.
Germantown, TN
fringehairco.com
Carla Cutsinger
2013: $943,000
2014: $1,146,000
INCREASE: 22%
SQUARE FEET: 3,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $53
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Bumble and Bumble, Moroccanoil, Kenra
COLOR: Keune, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Iris  
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“I have been inspired through the many mentors that I have access to through PBA’s listserve. It’s been an invaluable resource, and I have used it often to help solve problems in the salon, but I also learn just by reading about other owners’ issues.”

G MICHAEL SALON
Noblesville, IN
gmichaelsalon.com
Greg Lee
2013: $919,000
2014: $1,256,000
INCREASE: 37%
SQUARE FEET: 2,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 11
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kenra,
J Beverly Hills, Hot Tot
COLOR: Wella
TECH SUPPORT: Vagaro
“Our talented design team members ensure that, prior to checkout, they are prescribing specific hair products or styling tools necessary to improve the health of the hair or recreate the style they have given guests.”

GARBO A SALON & SPA
Austin, TX
garboasalon.com
Marsha A. Power
2013: $1,417,000
2014: $1,597,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 2,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 32
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $58
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz    
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“Working with a coach from Inspiring Champions, we implemented an all-new education program, developed new frontline systems, worked out new bonus systems to service providers and opened up bonus structures. We started rewarding the right behaviors.”

 

GERVAIS SALON & DAY SPA
Eugene, OR
gervaiseugene.com
Sharah Madrone
2013: $2,234,000
2014: $2,558,000
INCREASE: 15%
SQUARE FEET: 4,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 51
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS:  PBA
“Adding a spa membership program took our skin and massage productivity from 60-to-80 percent booked, generating more than $52,000 in additional
service sales.”

GREAT LENGTHS HAIR SALON
Memphis, TN
greatlengthssalonmemphis.com
Carol Bakowicz
2013: $473,000
2014: $583,000
INCREASE: 23%
SQUARE FEET: 1,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 8
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $68
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: DevaCurl, Moroccanoil, Brazilian Blowout
COLOR: Goldwell, Artego, Phytologie
TECH SUPPORT: STX, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, PBA
“One of the biggest sources for new clients has been our listing on the salon locator on DevaCurl’s website—we average 35 new clients a month from this resource, and we’re proud to be an inspired curly hair salon.”

HEADLINES-THE WASHINGTON PARK SALON
Denver, CO
headlinessalon.net
Steve and Cheri McGrath
2013: $521,000
2014: $635,000
INCREASE: 22%
SQUARE FEET: 1,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Edge Management Systems  
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“We implemented a new system for welcoming new guests, offering them a gift at time of check-in, sending them a bounce-back card and doing follow-up phone calls from one of the owners.”

HOLLYWOOD HAIR SALON AND SPA
Centralia, IL
hollywoodhairsalonandspa.com
Sonya Gettinger
2013: $737,000
2014: $834,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 2,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $35
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Paul Mitchell
COLOR: Paul Mitchell
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: CC
“Each day, we work with our front desk team to agree on a daily appointment goal. We go over the day’s schedule to see how many appointments are open and decide on a daily goal that can be filled. The team then works to upsell each guest to reach that goal.”

HQ SALON AND SPA
Portage, MI
hqsalonandspa.com
Angie Schirripa and
Melissa Brockelbank
2013: $1,313,000
2014: $1,705,000
INCREASE: 30%
SQUARE FEET: 4,900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 41
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $37
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision    
ASSOCIATIONS: The Day Spa Association, Summit
“We have a very structured training program that is tough to complete if associates are not truly committed. It is unfortunate when someone chooses not to participate in our program, but it helps weed out those who aren’t wired for hard work and success.”

HUE SALON
Houston, TX
hue-salon.com
Alan Conover and Cion Ortega
2013: $1,070,000
2014: $1,725,000
INCREASE: 61%
SQUARE FEET: 2,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 18
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $100
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kérastase, Aveda
COLOR: L’Oréal Professionnel, Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce 
“We pay a very competitive pay scale and offer perks and benefits that are a rarity in our industry. We give pay raises every year and create opportunities for growth through advanced education.”

IMAGE IS... SALON
Timonium, MD
imageissalon.com
Michele Clifton
2013: $860,000
2014: $997,000
INCREASE: 16%
SQUARE FEET: 2,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 28
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $46
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: STX
“We became a member of the Summit Salon Network, working with them to implement a new level system for our service providers, as well as a brand- new pricing structure. I attribute our growth to a new physical location, new pricing and goals for service providers, and the implementation of a referral program.”

IRA LUDWICK SALON
Bethesda, MD
iraludwicksalon.com
Ira ludwick
2013: $1,398,000
2014: $1,549,000
INCREASE: 11%
SQUARE FEET: 2,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 21
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $75
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, Davines, Kevin Murphy
COLOR: Artego, Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: STX
ASSOCIATIONS: Intercoiffure, PBA
“We added an accessory boutique in 2014; this small corner of the salon proved to be a smashing success. The assortment of items is continually changing and clients know they can come to the salon for personal shopping as well as gift-giving.”

JEN’S STYLING BOOTH LLC
Mooresville, NC
jensstylingbooth.com
Jen Booth
2013: $288,000
2014: $346,000
INCREASE: 20%
SQUARE FEET: 1,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 6
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $41
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce 
“As soon as a guest walks into our salon, they are greeted by name. If they are a new guest, we have a welcome board by the front door with their name on it. All new guests also receive a welcome packet including $10 off their next service, 20 percent off retail, and a complimentary brow wax or hair treatment.”

JONATHAN KANE SALON & SPA
Flossmoor, IL
jonathankanesalonspa.com
Larry and Kathy Kane
2013: $547,000
2014: $678,000
INCREASE: 24%
SQUARE FEET: 2,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 26
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $48
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Color Wow
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium,  Goloyal Web Openings, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, Intercoiffure, PBA
“Through our Millennium software, we developed a loyalty program. The JK Rewards awards guests with points for positive behaviors, such as referring a friend, pre-booking an appointment or trying a service they’ve never had before.”

KAI SALON
Champlin, MN
kaisalon.com
Laura and Adam Pardo
2013: $852,000
2014: $1,196,000
INCREASE: 40%
SQUARE FEET: 2,900, 3,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 27
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce 
“It’s important to us to get our community involved in programs we sponsor that support other small businesses around us. We feel that helping other businesses grow keeps our business growing."

Check back tomorrow for Part Two of the Growth category honorees.