It requires leadership across a number of best management practices for a salon and spa to cultivate steady growth and sustain it. From motivating and coaching staff to designing sales-inspiring promotions to creating fresh services and techniques, owners must constantly strive to be at the top of their game to attract new clients while keeping the loyal patrons coming back time and again. For SALON TODAY 200 applicants in this category, it’s simply a numbers game—who among them achieved the highest percentage of growth from gross sales between 2011 and 2012. This year, our Growth honorees grew at rates of 11.2 percent and higher, with a median growth rate of 23.6 percent between 2011 and 2012.

Level Salon and Spa
Tampa, FL
levelsalon.com
Martha and David Suarez
`11: $1,552,000
`12: $1,840,000
INCREASE: 19%
SQUARE FEET: 2,900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 25
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $58
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce, Constant Contact
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“We’ve created a varied pricing structure, which allows clients who are on a budget the ability to experience our exceptional service. This has increased our client base by including those new to the workforce or still in school.”

Life Salon and Spa
South Jordan, UT
lifesalonandspa.com
Olivia and Jeremy Bostwick
`11: $702,000
`12: $885,000
INCREASE: 26%
SQUARE FEET: 1950
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 24
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: STX, Constant Contact
ASSOCIATIONS: ISBN, PBA
“We pick a theme that we want that we want to focus on throughout the year, and implement that theme into every meeting, one-on-one and event.”

Lyndon's Salon Spa
Clarksville, TN
lyndonssalonspa.com
Lyndon Wayne Watts
`11: $873,000
`12: $998,000
INCREASE: 14%
SQUARE FEET: 4000, 1900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
“We have several loyalty programs. One we offer on services is similar to a loyalty card. After a guest has seven haircuts punched on the card, the next one is free.”

Marshall & Company Hair and Body Wellness
Jefferson City, MO
marshallandcompanysalon.com
Kim Marshall
`11: $451,000
`12: $510,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 3000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $46
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Aquage, Moroccanoil
COLOR: Goldwell, Matrix, Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, DemandForce
ASSOCIATIONS: NCA, PBA
“We have always stressed the importance of a team environment, one that seeks ‘buy in’ to our mission of providing excellent customer service. We know that is what sets us apart from our competition.”

Matthew Michaels Salon & Spa Experience
Orlando, FL
matthewmichaels.com
Michael Stefanavage, James Trapp, Neil Clair
`11: $1,477,000
`12: $1,891,000
INCREASE: 28%
SQUARE FEET: 2700, 5000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 56
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, DemandForce, Constant Contact
ASSOCIATIONS: NCA, PBA
“We recently hired a social media director. The main focus of the job is to use the power of social media to promote and grow the salon. This has produced greater connectivity with our guests, which helps us know their needs better.”

Mensroom Salon, Inc.
Portland, ME
mensroomsalon.com
June Juliano and David Stanley
`11: $454,000
`12: $536,000
INCREASE: 18%
SQUARE FEET: 1500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 7
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Redken, Art of Shaving
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Mikal
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Our company finds that dialogue and the show of real confidence seems to be the biggest challenge for young, aspiring hairdressers. We are committed to educating our team on communication skills and dialogue, as well as technical skills.”

Namaste Pure Design Salons and Spa
Denver, CO
namastehair.com
Rick Van De Riet and Tommy Pernell
`11: $327,000
`12: $580,000
INCREASE: 77%
SQUARE FEET: 2000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 30
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, APPY Marketing
“Today’s consumer is extremely savvy, researching competitors at the touch of a button. Because our clients know they’re always getting more for their money with us, they stay loyal rather than shopping around.”

Nurtur the Salon and Spa
Columbus, OH
nurtursalon.com/
Patrick Thompson
`11: $2,178,693
`12: $2,470,032
INCREASE: 14%
SQUARE FEET: 4,219, 1,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 63
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $35
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millenium, SalonBiz Cloud, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, NCA
“Inspired by our management team’s trip to Serious Business in January, we introduced a new communication structure to facilitate more efficient and effective communication between team members and management. “

On the Green Salon and Day Spa
Saint Marys, GA
onthegreensalonanddayspa.com
Mary Rose Cannistraro
`11: $547,000
`12: $620,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 5075
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Envision
ASSOCIATIONS: The Day Spa Assocation, NCA, PBA, Camden County Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
“Our branding and our culture took off, and we became known as the Green Team. I bought green wigs, green fottball jerseys, and small Nerf footballs with our logo on them which we threw out while participating in local parades.”

Origina Salon
Franklin, TN
originasalon.com
Jackie McCall
`11: $931,000
`12: $1,049,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 2600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $51
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“During a first interview, I ask, ‘What kind of culture are you looking for?’ Then I reply by describing our culture. It’s amazing how many people light up, knowing they’re a good fit, or weed themselves out by declining a second interview.’

Phia
Columbus, OH
phiasalon.com
Elizabeth & Mike Bella
`11: $1,161,000
`12: $1,336,000
INCREASE: 17%
SQUARE FEET: 1400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 30
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $35
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Iris, Demandforce, Google AdWords
“For the first two visits to our salon, our staff members encourage new guests to try other service providers. Most stylists would cringe at the thought, but our culture is so focused on the best interest of the guest, this is standard practice.”

Princeton Salon and Spa
Gainesville, GA
princetonsalonandspa.com
Karen Gayton & Gina Piper
`11: $2,818,000
`12: $3,579,000
INCREASE: 27%
SQUARE FEET: 2800, 1000, 6000, 2200, 1000, 2600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 107
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $47
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Iris, Constant Contact
ASSOCIATIONS: The Day Spa Assocation
“We build our business by creating one excellent guest experience after another. We use social media for our primary advertising and offer guests compensation for referrals. We offer weekly marketing classes for our team, where retail and service goals are set and met.

Prodedgy Salon
New Braunfels, TX
prodedgyhair.com
William Edge
`11: $810,000
`12: $1,118,000
INCREASE: 38%
SQUARE FEET: 2200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 26
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $36
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Our continuous growth is the result of focus on two main areas: team development and increased customer engagement—or what we call our ‘WOW Factor.’”

Pyara Spa and Salon
Burlington, MA
www.pyaraaveda.com
Christine Perkins
`11: $1,648,000
`12: $1,939,000
INCREASE: 18%
SQUARE FEET: 12,000, 3,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 50
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $70
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
“One of the toughest departments to keep staffed and motivated has been our concierge team, therefor it only made sense to enlist the help of a Guest Services Manager to guide and coach them.”

R Salon & Spa
Webster, NY
rsalon.com
Scott Dennis
`11: $312,000
`12: $481,000
INCREASE: 54%
SQUARE FEET: 2500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 18
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Biz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: NCA
“Our guests, just like us, work hard for their money and they want to see and experience value for what they are spending. Even though other salons have cheaper prices, we have guests who have lost their jobs and still continue to see us because they want the maximum value for their dollar.”

Razmataz Salon
Georgetown, TX
razmatazsalon.com
Rachel Smith
`11: $620,000
`12: $835,000
INCREASE: 35%
SQUARE FEET: 2600, 1600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $48
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken, Kenra
COLOR: Pureology, Redken, Kenra
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Main Street Hub
ASSOCIATIONS: Summit Salon
“Our receptionists have been trained extensively with client greeting and hospitality, which starts as soon as the client enters the salon. This also includes a script used at the end of each service to close sales and book future appointments.”

RED 7 Salon

Chicago, IL
red7salon.com
Jason Hall, David Kafer
`11: $1,708,000
`12: $2,122,000
INCREASE: 24%
SQUARE FEET: 2700, 2800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 44
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $70
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Bumble and bumble, Kevin Murphy, Evo
COLOR: Wella, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: STX, Mailchimp
“Last year we emailed guests a short survey to see if we were still meeting their expectations. Thankfully, we found we were doing most things right, but we took into consideration some ideas from them for improving congestion at the front desk and subjects for hands-on classes.”

Rejuve Salon Spa
Carmel, IN
RejuveSalonAndSpa.com
Mini Dhanjal
`11: $974,000
`12: $1,177,000
INCREASE: 21%
SQUARE FEET: 3,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $47
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: ABN
“Currently, our most successful campaign is promoting the salon on Yelp! We feature customized video portraying personal testimonials from our guests along with an array of shots of the salon.”

Rituals Salon-Spa
Midlothian, VA
ritualssalon.net
Pete & Sheri Polignone
`11: $2,267,000
`12: $2,753,000
INCREASE: 21%
SQUARE FEET: 5500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 40
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora, Unite, Kevin Murphy
COLOR: Schwarzkopf
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: The Day Spa Assocation, PBA
“We believe in a spotless environment—clients judge a salon by its appearance. We incorporate hourly, daily, weekly and monthly programs that address this issue. Everyone pitches in to make Rituals sparkle.”

Rumors Salon and Spa
Avon, IN
rumorssalonandspa.com
Cheryl Johnson
`11: $743,000
`12: $885,000
INCREASE: 19%
SQUARE FEET: 3500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 23
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: STX, Rumors
“With the help of our software program, we were able to maximize productivity with built-in email marketing. These emails allow us to reach out to new guests experiencing the salon for the first time, as well as to guests that have not been into the salon for 12 weeks.”

Salon 2000
Fleming Island, FL
salon2000fl.com
Lorraine L Lillis
`11: $722,000
`12: $806,000
INCREASE: 11%
SQUARE FEET: 4000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 18
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Florida Retail Federation
“Choosing to expand in a tough economy was a decision frowned on by many business owners, but when the opportunity arose, I couldn’t pass it up. Our addition of a Studio Floor for our new talent stylists has been a huge success.”

Salon Allure Inc
Huntsville, AL
salonallurehuntsville.com
Michelle McGough/Paula Lecher
`11: $988,000
`12: $1,202,000
INCREASE: 22%
SQUARE FEET: 2600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 30
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $37
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Constant Contact
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Our referral program really fuels our growth. Every time a guest comes in, they leave with a referral card that gives them and the person they referred up to $20 off their next visit. We know this works because our software tracks the number of referrals existing clients brought us.”

Salon JoVon
Brecksville, OH
salonjovon.com
Jo Ann Gaudio-Byrne
`11: $348,000
`12: $542,000
INCREASE: 56%
SQUARE FEET: 1600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Constant Contact
ASSOCIATIONS: ISBN
“Personal performance systems are in place to coach each employee to set goals, plan, and track and project growth each year. Monthly one-on-one sessions are held with each team member, and we look at the past month’s number and set up a plan for the next two months.”

Salon Rootz
Medina, OH
salonrootz.com
Jennifer Tryon and Sheila Barco
`11: $531,000
`12: $599,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 1878
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 21
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Davines, L'Oreal
COLOR: L'Oreal, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Constant Contact
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“In 2012, we took unused space in the waiting room and converted it into The Boutique. In 2013, we continued that momentum by adding wedding accessories which tied directly to the salon’s Wedding Services Portfolio.”

Salon Skanda
Atlanta, GA
salonskanda.com
Kevin Miraglia
`11: $403,000
`12: $543,000
INCREASE: 35%
SQUARE FEET: 1555
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 9
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Millenium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: Summit Salons
“As a new salon in a tough economy, much of our success is due to the implementation of the Summit Salon business model from the beginning. The model has some strict guidelines, but it’s ultimately about growth and accountability.”

Salon Spa W
Des Moines, IA
salonspaw.com
China Wong
`11: $1,021,000
`12: $1,399,000
INCREASE: 37%
SQUARE FEET: 3,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 14
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $49
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, DemandForce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Guests frequently share how challenging it is to work salon appointments into their busy schedules, so we created an express menu. All the mini service experiences can be completed while the guests are in for haircuts or color services.”

Salon Thairapy
Hooksett, NH
salonthairapy.net
Christine Sheldon and Julie Johnson
`11: $502,000
`12: $580,000
INCREASE: 16%
SQUARE FEET: 1400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 8
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $49
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Spa Biz, Demandforce
“We offer free sampling of new products, and host events to show our appreciation to our guests and encourage them to bring new guests with them.”

Salon Verve
Traverse City, MI
thenewlookoforganic.com
Jo Ann Zenner
`11: $369,000
`12: $412,000
INCREASE: 12%
SQUARE FEET: 1250
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $35
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Neuma, Intelligent Nutrients, John Masters Organics
COLOR: Organic Color Systems
TECH SUPPORT: STX
“We have a very interactive Facebook page where we regularly post news, specials and events. We have also recently added online booking.”

Salon West of Largo, Inc.
Largo, FL
salonwest.co
Mike and Laura Peters
`11: $6,190,000
`12: $7,458,000
INCREASE: 34%
SQUARE FEET: 4200, 3800, 2800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 109
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $44
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, L 'Oreal
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Demandforce, Google Adwords
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Florida Retail Federation
“We decided to be more specific to branding in our advertising. We have increased our advertising budget by 50 percent and expanded our radius by 50 percent.”

Salon Ya Ya
Nashville, TN
salonyaya.com
Marilyn and David Lipsey
`11: $810,000
`12: $1,135,000
INCREASE: 40%
SQUARE FEET: 1200, 600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 27
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce, HIBU
“We focused on separating ourselves from our competitors by delivering better customer service. We created and set specific guest handling procedures starting with how a guest is greeted through the moment they walk out the door.”

SALONAMOUR'
Walnut Creek, CA
salonamouronline.com
Michael & Susan Falcon
`11: $908,000
`12: $1,182,000
INCREASE: 30%
SQUARE FEET: 2800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $80
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SpaBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Our main focus is to provide a great consultation, and we have learned that when we anticipate and fulfill a guest’s needs, they undoubtedly will return. During the consultation, we discuss expectations on service, price, time and their next visit required.”

Serenity Couture Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa
West Des Moines, IA
serenitycouture.com
Doug and Jana Van Polen
`11: $3,678,000
`12: $4,144,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 4600, 1900, 1900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 70
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $47
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Harms, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Our salon concierges have become an invaluable asset to the salon. They are responsible for rebooking guests for their next service, offering wellness rituals and also checking guests out at the chair if they are in a hurry.”

Shear Unity Salon and Spa
Bonita Springs, FL
shearunitysalon.com
James Adams Tricia Soder
`11: $298,000
`12: $380,000
INCREASE: 27%
SQUARE FEET: 1900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 9
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $68
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: John Amico, Jalyd
COLOR: Wella, Jalyd, Color Heads
TECH SUPPORT: Mikal, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“We have implemented programs and ideas that are prove and trackable. With our software program, we are always able to see and stay on top of growth, while controlling expenses.”

Spa Mizan
Lafayette, LA
spamizan.com
Ginger Louviere
`11: $1,526,000
`12: $1,727,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 8500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 33
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SpaBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Because of our highly visible location, we sell an average of 5,000 gift cards each year which helps bring in more than 400 new guests each month. These guests are introduced to other services at Spa Mizan and each receives a Bounce Back Card offering $20 off their next appointment if they book that day.”

Spa Nijoli & Salon
Methuen, MA
nijoli.com
Nicole and David DeRosa
`11: $2,860,000
`12: $3,203,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 6000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 65
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $48
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Bumble and bumble, Oribe
COLOR: Wella
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, GoLoyal
“If you get your team excited, they will share that positivity with your guests. We have really fun retail contests, upgrade contests, team recognition systems, employee appreciation weekends, bonuses for the front desk, and give them all cute Nijoli branding gifts.”

Stem Hair and Body Salon
Merriam, KS
stemhairandbody.com
Angela Watne Janssen and Suzanne Phelps
`11: $623,000
`12: $822,000
INCREASE: 32%
SQUARE FEET: 2800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 24
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $38
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken, Moroccanoil
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision
“We have a five-tier compensation level system in place, and as each team member achieves each level, they are able to begin working on goals toward the next desired level. What makes this process work is sticking to the plan, and we use many tools to help our staff grow.”

Studio Be Salon
Suite 131, CO
studiobesalon.com
Ian & Beth Weber
`11: $1,936,000
`12: $2,537,000
INCREASE: 31%
SQUARE FEET: 2700, 1275
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 51
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: JPMS
COLOR: JPMS
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz,
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Our goal at every point of contact is to get the guest to become part of our brand. Each new guest receives a gift package, including a T-shirt, sticker and Thank You card, which immediately brings our brand into their home. We create brand cheerleaders who speak highly of us wherever they go.”

Style Downtown
Pensacola, FL
styledowntown.com
Cortney Campus
`11: $357,000
`12: $478,000
INCREASE: 34%
SQUARE FEET: 1200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $63
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Moroccanoil, Unite, KMS
COLOR: Goldwell, L’Oreal, Keratin Complex
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
“We appointed a sales coach—a stylist who is a product junkie, who tracks her sales daily religiously. She mentors staff weekly by helping them monitor goals, and she leads a segment in our weekly staff meeting, discussing products, retail strategies and role-playing.”

Taj Salon & Spa
Brooklyn Park, MN
tajsalonspa.com
Jeanne Strandin  and Andria Strandin
`11: $1,730,000
`12: $1,956,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 3400, 1400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 52
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Pureology, Unite
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Salon Iris, Demandforce, Constant Contact, Spa Boom
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“We found a recycling facility in the Twin Cities that would accept hair foils from any chemical service as is, so we don’t have to use additional resources to clean off the color.”

Tangles Full Service Salon
Fayetteville, NC
tanglesnc.com
Colleen Wellons
`11: $468,000
`12: $691,000
INCREASE: 48%
SQUARE FEET: 3,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Bumble and bumble, L’anza, MoroccanOil
COLOR: Redken, L’Anza, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: STX
ASSOCIATIONS: Summit Salon
“On our website, all stylists have their own page where they can profile pictures of their work in the salon, as well as bios of themselves.”

The Black Cat Salon + Spa
Kailua, HI
theblackcatsalon.com
Katy Gassaway and Jentry Petzold
`11: $542,000
`12: $934,000
INCREASE: 73%
SQUARE FEET: 2200, 1400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 30
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $57
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
“In Hawaii, we have the Coconut Wireless, the unique island phenomenon where words spreads quickly for better or for worse. We do everything to make a guest’s time amazing, and when something does go wrop, we work quickly to correct the situation.”

The Changing Room
Aventura, FL
changingroomsalons.com
Justin Gold
`11: $1,077,000
`12: $1,332,000
INCREASE: 24%
SQUARE FEET: 2,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 35
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL:  A/G, Aveda, Moroccanoil
COLOR: Framesi, Rusk, Matrix
TECH SUPPORT: Millennuim, Demandforce, Ibeautiful, Constant Contact
“Our entire team helped create our Vision Statement: ‘To beautify the world one person at a time by creating an extraordinary client experience for every client, every time.’ We post it with our Mission Statement for guests go read and to hold us accountable.”

Three Cutters on Pearl
Denver, CO
threecutters.com
Brad Van Dyke and Justin Williams
`11: $306,000
`12: $477,000
INCREASE: 56%
SQUARE FEET: 700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 11
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $61
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Biz
“We’ve participated in Living Social deals which attract many new guests to stylists who are trying to build their business. We’ve retained more than 50 percent of our Living Social guests.”

True Blue Salon
Nashville, TN
truebluesalon.com
Kim Hunter
`11: $777,000
`12: $1,054,000
INCREASE: 36%
SQUARE FEET: 3,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 15
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $48
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: NCA, PBA
“As guests became more confident in the economy, we revved up marketing. Every guest left with a referral card, and we put $20 gift cards for new guests in local dorms, sorority houses and in gift bags at charity functions.”

Tulip Salon & Spa
Fredericksburg, VA
tulipsalonspa.com
Priscilla & Ralph Priebe
`11: $618,000
`12: $811,000
INCREASE: 31%
SQUARE FEET: 2300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $54
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Constant Contact
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“During the course of 2012, Tulip hosted four in-salon color training sessions facilitated by Aveda Global Educator Jimmy Girgenti. We also invested in individual development and growth by supporting 38 outside training sessions for our staff members.”

Urban Betty
Austin, TX
urbanbetty.com
Betty Morrison
`11: $877,000
`12: $1,122,000
INCREASE: 28%
SQUARE FEET: 3400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Bumble and bumble, Milk by Reverie
COLOR: Wella, Redken, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: STX, Mailchimp
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“On Easter, we filled plastic eggs with candy, discount cards, products, Urban Betty swag, and one special grand prize. Clients could choose an egg from the basket during April if they spent $30 in retail products.”

Urbaneve
Lake Jackson, TX
myurbaneve.com
Jason and Jennifer Culverhouse
`11: $791,000
`12: $1,014,000
INCREASE: 28%
SQUARE FEET: 4200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 21
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken and Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision
“Once a month, the salon closes for four hours for a staff meeting. We use the time to plan promotions, focus on new trends, discuss how to set ourselves apart, and celebrate ‘best evers.’ During the last hour, we hold a ‘jam session’ where a head stylist leads a hands-on education session.

Warmsprings Salon & Spa
Chambersburg, PA
warmspringsdayspa.com
Eric and Jolinda Sands
`11: $954,000
`12: $1,262,000
INCREASE: 32%
SQUARE FEET: 3500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 32
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $34
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Arrojo, AG
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“To boost sluggish spa sales, we created a number of Spa Series programs—Regular Relaxation, Facial Frenzy and Morning Massage—which give clients deep discounts when they pay in advance and pre-book their spa appointments. We’ve seen a consistent jump in spa sales and pre-book percentages have increased by 12 percent.”

Watercolor Salon Spa
Ridgeland, MS
watercolorsalon.com
Todd and Christa Freeman
`11: $1,225,000
`12: $1,394,000
INCREASE: 14%
SQUARE FEET: 2200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, Pureology, Redken
COLOR: L'Oreal, Redken, Scruples
TECH SUPPORT: Envision
“Our business manager has a strong relationship with all the local beauty schools and makes presentations to each of their classes on ‘The Business of Cosmetology.’ This give us an opportunity to meet students and get feedback from the instructors to help us identify promising new talent.”

Zandi K. Hair and Skin Studio
Denver, CO
www.zandiksalon.com
Faye Zandi and Nicki Wenz
`11: $757,000
`12: $896,000
INCREASE: 18%
SQUARE FEET: 1850
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 23
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Vertical Response
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Add-on services are a big part of our growth, and on the advice of our mentor Keri Davis of Gila Rut, this year we implemented a Beauty on a Budget menu, which describes services that are $30 and under.”

Additional Honoree
Jon Alan Salon and Spa, Nashville, TN

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