Women on Having It All: Susan Haise

Susan Haise; Owner: Neroli Salon and Spa and Institute of Beauty and Wellness; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Susan Haise changed the landscape of the beauty industry in Milwaukee when she opened the city’s first day spa in 1993. Originally named The Skin Institute and Day Spa, today’s Neroli Salon and Spa now has four locations and more than 200 employees. In addition to being a wife and mother to two young children, Haise is a licensed hairdresser, a Cidesco Diplomat in esthetics and a seasoned educator. At Neroli, she’s nurtured a rewarding work environment, being named one of the “best places to work” by the Milwaukee Business Journal four times. An eight-time SALON TODAY 200 honoree and a founding salon in the 2 to 10 Project, Neroli and Haise also were honored with the Healing Touch Award from Aveda Founder Horst Rechelbacher in 2004 for making a significant impact in the industry.

Do you believe a woman in the professional beauty industry can “have it all?” And, what does that mean to you?

“Yes, I do believe a professional women can “have it all.” To accomplish it, you have to have a vision and be willing to work hard as nothing in life comes easy or without struggles.”

In the pursuit of “having it all,” what sacrifices have you had to make, if any?

“Being a good businesswoman, mother, wife and friend is a continuous juggling act. My passion is my business and family, and I am fortunate to have friends in my life that understand when other things take priority.”

If we were looking through a scrapbook of your life, what would be your favorite page?

“Besides my family, any day I can travel the world is a great day. I love to experience people, watching them live their lives on their terms. The memories and knowledge that I have gained is a gift.” 

If we were looking through a scrapbook of your life, what page would you want to rewrite?

“The day I put down my shears and left the esthetic treatment room. I loved the guest interaction, the stories and relationships. I miss it often.”

What’s your favorite tool of strategy for maintaining balance in your life?

“My favorite tool is yoga. While I am unable to do it as often as I would like, I cherish every opportunity to practice. It calms me and provides clarity, allowing me to be better in all that I do.”

What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you, and how did it change your life? “Do onto others as you would want them to do onto you. What you put into your life, you get out of life. What goes around, comes around. These statements guide me through the tough times.”