2021 SALON TODAY 200: Salon Honorees Alphabetically Arranged T-Z

As the pandemic forced salons to close across the country in 2020, owners and their team members had to pivot, designing new avenues to bring in revenue while their doors were shuttered, incorporating stringent new safety and social distancing procedures, and getting creative with their budgets to weather the challenges of the year.

SALON TODAY’s landmark salon business competition also shifted, temporarily abandoning its sharp focus on growth, and instead choosing to celebrate the business successes of 2019 and the tales of leadership and heroism for 2020.

To make this large story a little easier to digest for our readers, we’re breaking it into segments alphabetically. Here is the 2021 Honorees for Salons T-Z.

The team from Tailored Salon in Milwaukee, WI. 

Tailored Salon
Milwaukee, WI
tailoredsalon.com
Laura Graven and Ashley Seneff
SQUARE FEET: 1,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $49
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Davines
COLOR: Davines
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Reach
“During closure, our team created marketing campaigns that drove retail and gift card sales. Our most successful and heartwarming campaign raised $2,000 for donated gift cards to front line workers. Our communications systems stabilized us, and we found comfort and sustenance in our community.”

Ringmaster Kara Kemp, Stylist Matthew Henry, Stylist/Owner James McCarrell and Stylist Melissa Kanaley from Tangerine Salon and Spa in Murfreesboro, TN. 

Tangerine Salon and Spa
Murfreesboro, TN
tangerinesalonandspa.com
James, Donna and Mark McCarrall
SQUARE FEET: 4,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 26
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: OPI, CND
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“E-Commerce and online booking were instrumental in our revenue growth for 2019. E-Commerce accounted for $42,000 in revenue over a 5-month period.  Both freed up functions for our front desk team, allowing our salon to trim down payroll hours as well as offer appointment bookings, gift certificates and product sales when our salon was not open.”

The team from Thirty Hair in Columbia, MD, on holiday sweater day. 

Thirty Hair
Columbia, MD
thirtyhair.com
Dustin and Sarah Mariman
SQUARE FEET: 1,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $66
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo 2, Textel
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“In 2019, we worked hard to schedule stylist hours in the most ideal times where we could take more new client requests, then prebooking them into less desired times for future appointments. Currently, with capacity restrictions, we continue to work hard to manage our time schedules, filling off-times and split-shifting our team to manage the demands of work and home.”

The team from Thompson & Company Salon Parlor in Iowa City, IA. 

Thompson & Company Salon Parlor
Iowa City, IA
thompsoncosalon.com
Bobby and Kayla Thompson
SQUARE FEET: 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: private label, Arrojo, Oligo
COLOR: Oligo
SKIN CARE: Jane Iredale
TECH SUPPORT: Boulevard
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA
“When we were closed, we created multiple videos from all team members which our guests found not only helpful, but funny as well. From at-home beard trims to how to use Color Wow and curling hair tutorials to funny ‘this is what we do at home videos,’ our social media was booming with our culture.”

An inside look at Timothy John’s Salon in New York, NY. 

Timothy John's Salon
New York, NY
timothyjohnsalon.com
Timothy John Differt and David Spangenthal
SQUARE FEET: 875
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $83
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, Baxter of California
COLOR: Redken
SKIN CARE: Baxter of California
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Iris
“We had signed a new lease to move our existing salon to a new location. Our permits were approved the day the city shut down! We had to decide whether to move forward or to scrap it. We decided to move forward, pandemic and all, with the new landlord’s word that he would make sure we were successful!” 

Karen Hardee, owner of Totally Chic Salon in Calabash, NC.

Totally Chic Salon
Calabash, NC
totallychicsalonspa.com
Karen Hardee
SQUARE FEET: 2,016
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, 
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Mailchimp
“Every other month, we come together to do fun activities, and we also are involved with the local garden club’s fashion show. We do the hair and makeup for the models and the proceeds from the show go to the Make-A-Wish foundation.”

The team from Traci Woodard Salon in Destrehan, LA.

Traci Woodard Salon
Destrehan, LA
twsalon.com
Traci Woodard
SQUARE FEET: 2,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 9
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $30
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Davines, Moroccanoil, Malibu
COLOR: Davines
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Fivestar
“We had great potential for leadership within our team, so we discussed their strengths, desires and where they wanted to invest their time. We invested in leadership coaching and implemented goal setting, accountability and a coaching program.” 

Katherine Skillman with her team from Tres Chic Salon in Cleveland, OH.

Tres Chic Salon
Cleveland, OH
treschiccle.com
Katherine Skillman
SQUARE FEET: 960
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 6
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: OPI
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Textedly
ASSOCIATIONS: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses 
“During closure we revamped our website to include safety-related information, an updated gallery of stylist work, and product photos that linked to our new product portal. We also boosted our social media presence with tips for at-home self-care.” 

The team from Tribe Hair Company in Athens, GA.

Tribe Hair Company
Athens, GA
tribehaircompany.com
Jessica Mingledorff and Catherine McWhirter
SQUARE FEET: 1,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $70
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Bumble & Bumble, Truss, Olaplex
COLOR: Redken, Goldwell, Schwarzkopf
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Iris
“Other stylists are always asking us for tips on our hand-tied hair extensions, so we decided to create our own brand and technique. Through these classes, we have added another source of revenue, and we also offer one-on-one shadow programs. In 2019, classes brought in an additional $25,000 in revenue.” 

Tricoci Salon Spa
Palatine, IL
tricoci.com
Mario Tricoci
SQUARE FEET: 7,000; 13,000; 5,000; 9,700; 16,000; 6,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 1270
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: private label, Virtue, Rene Furterer
COLOR: Wella, Pulp Riot, Sebastian
SKIN CARE: Babor, Glymed, Emergenc
NAIL CARE: CND, Orly
TECH SUPPORT: Zenoti, Axis
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, Cosmetologists Chicago
“Three weeks after closing, we launched our e-commerce website and guests were able to have all our skincare, beauty and hair retail delivered safely to their door. Guests also could book virtual appointments so that our professionals could assist them with when and how to use their retail purchase.”

The team from Trios Salon in Fort Collins, CO.

Trios Salon
Fort Collins, CO
triosaveda.com
Karen and Joe DeAnda
SQUARE FEET: 2,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 24
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: Aveda, OPI, CND
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Presence AI
“We wanted our guest services team to be remembered by our clients. They introduce themselves, refer to our clients by name, and go out of their way to make our clients feel welcome. Even long-time clients have commented on our front-line staff and how friendly and welcoming they are.”

Tricia Rivas, owner of Trixies Salon & Spa in Des Moines, IA. 

Trixies Salon & Spa
Des Moines, IA
trixiessalon.com
Tricia Rivas
SQUARE FEET: 1,500; 2,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda, Limelife By Alcone
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA, 2 to 10 
“Before the pandemic, we closed a location that ended up not being a good fit culture- or business-wise. We began plans on expanding a current successful location to include a spa, larger square footage, education room, boutique area, and community room to highlight local artists and business.” 

True Blue Salon
Nashville, TN
Truebluesalon.com
Kim Hunter
SQUARE FEET: 3,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 19
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Nutrafol
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Presence AI, Demandforce, Zeezor
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Our client count has been down since we reopened but revenue has been holding steady and is going up. With fewer tickets we have more time to do add-on services and help people with their at home care than we did before.”

Truu Salon
Hollywood, FL
truusalon.com
David Levy
SQUARE FEET: 1,265
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 11
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Ultimate
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Beauty Industry Council
“Since reopening, we have discontinued the home hair color kit, but have added an express color service for guests who are uncomfortable being in the salon for too long. Right before we closed, we had added lash lift and brow services to our menu. Since eyes are the new lips, we are building this revenue line.” 

The team from Tulip Salon & Spa in Fredericksburg, VA.

Tulip Salon & Spa
Fredericksburg, VA
tulipsalonspa.com
Priscilla and Ralph Priebe
SQUARE FEET: 2,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 27
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $57
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: OPI
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz 
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Chamber of Commerce
“During closure, the Chamber of Commerce reached out requesting we instruct one of the male board members how to cut his own hair. Our cutting educator attended a live board meeting via Zoom and instructed him while he used the mirror in his bathroom. He quickly realized his talent was better suited as a board member.”

The team from Twig hair Lounge in Carlsbad, CA.

Twig Hair Lounge
Carlsbad, CA
Twighair.com
Jennifer Lechowicz
SQUARE FEET: 1600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 8
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Davines
COLOR: Davines
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Textel
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“During our shutdown, our staff personally called each guest on the week of their missed reservation to check and see how they were doing. As a company we partnered with local businesses and offered curbside pick-up of products, local baked goods, hand sanitizer from a local distillery and deals from neighboring businesses.”

Jimmy Von Boxel, owner of Uberzoot in St. Simons Island, GA. 

Uberzoot
St Simons Island, GA
uberzoot.com
Jimmy Van Boxel
SQUARE FEET: 2,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, Bumble and Bumble, Redken
COLOR: Keune, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest
ASSOCIATIONS: CC
“With a dozen stylists and a million dollar business, we have a unique client management process that allows the stylists to manage their own books and manage client communication, while still being connected to the community system.”

The team from Urban Betty in Austin, TX.

Urban Betty
Austin, TX
urbanbetty.com
Chelle Neff
SQUARE FEET: 3,400; 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 63
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $75
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kerastase, Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Redken, Pulp Riot, Wella
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Meet Your Stylist, Trello, Mailchimp
“In June, we had our highest grossing month ever. We thrived by spacing Service Providers at every other chair, creating split shifts, and opening up seven days a week, 13 hours a day. Our salon manager reworked our entire schedule to give most service providers 30+ hours per week.”

Lisa Houser, the owner of Utopia Salon & Day Spa in Vancouver, WA. 

Utopia Salon & Day Spa
Vancouver, WA
theutopiasalon.com
Lisa Houser
SQUARE FEET: 3,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Arrojo, Surface, Aveda
COLOR: Surface, Scruples
SKIN CARE: Bioelements
NAIL CARE: Gelish, OPI
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Salon Clouds, Textel
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA
"Although we have monthly meetings and quarterly one on ones, we started holding morning huddles Thursday-Saturday before opening. We go over the numbers, specials and goals; see if anyone anticipates any obstacles in their day and how can we assist, and we celebrate the previous day’s victories. It just gave a few moments to connect before the chaos."

An inside look at V Collective in San Diego, CA.

V Collective
San Diego, CA
Vcollectivesd.com
David and Tina Valencia
SQUARE FEET: 1,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 4
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $95
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: R+Co, Oribe, V76
COLOR: Goldwell
NAIL CARE: Smith & Cult
TECH SUPPORT: Mindbody
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“During the shutdown, our partnership with R+Co allowed us to have Zoom meetings with their marketing team and other salon owners. They made online fast and easy with marketing and social media support. Our team members had access to a plethora of technical and inspirational videos and live virtual classes.” 

The team from Varuna Aveda Salon Spa in Annapolis, MD.

Varuna Aveda Salon Spa
Annapolis, MD
varunasalonspa.com
Riccardo and Rebecca Santoro
SQUARE FEET: 4,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 28
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: Zoya, CND
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Reach 
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Upon reopening, we committed to our team’s work/personal life balance, especially when carrying the burden of Covid-19 conversations from our guests. We switched to a three long days and four days off schedule. This provided ample recovery time for our team and increased job satisfaction.” 

A look at Vault Salon in Rocklin, CA. 

Vault Salon
Rocklin, CA
thevaultsalon.com
Rosie Wescott
SQUARE FEET: 1,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Eufora
TECH SUPPORT: Vagaro, Numa 
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“During California’s shutdown, we finally offered outdoor haircuts for $50 from 7 a.m.-10 a.m., three days per week. The appointments filled up almost instantaneously, and the turnout truly warmed our hearts, making us even more eager to get back inside and reopen our doors to the public.”

Venice Day Spa
Venice, FL
Venice-dayspa.com
Heidi Aeppli
SQUARE FEET: 2,440
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 18
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken, Olaplex
COLOR: Vivtone, Redken
SKIN CARE: Sanitas, Farmhouse Fresh
NAIL CARE: OPI, Spa Ritual, Farmhouse Fresh
TECH SUPPORT: Shortcuts
“My husband and I purchased our own freestanding building and construction went on during the shutdown. The pandemic put us behind schedule and my spa designer went out of business and took $50,000 of our money. But we opened in September with a team of 18, and we’re still growing.”

Kerry and Amy Hovland, owners of Von Anthony Salon in Frisco, TX.

Von Anthony Salon
Frisco, TX
VonAnthonySalon.com
Amy and Kerry Hovland
SQUARE FEET: 3,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 40
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $82
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kerastase, Oribe, Virtue
COLOR: Wella
SKIN CARE: GM Collins
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Salon Clouds Plus
“With our team app, all stylists have the ability to have real-time data about client bookings, retain numbers and performance goals and indicators. It’s really driven our team to know their numbers and work toward their goals. It increased our service capacity by 25% and because it eliminated the need for extra support staff, we’re saving $70,000 a year.”

Jim Valenzuela and his management team based in Phoenix, AZ.

V's Barbershop
Phoenix, AZ
vbarbershop.com
Jim Valenzuela
SQUARE FEET: 50 locations, 1,200 average
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 300+
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $30
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Reuzel, Suavecito, Layrite
COLOR: KMS, Goldwell, Redken, American Crew
SKIN CARE: private label, Jack Black, Billy Jealousy
TECH SUPPORT: MyTime, Campaign Monitor, Planoly 
ASSOCIATIONS: ISBN
“Inclusion and equality is something we pay attention to regularly in our shops. Barbershops are one of the few, segregated business models in the world. We have to consistently aim for diversity in our employees, which in turn brings the diversity in our patrons.”

Wanderlust Salon and Spa
Sevierville, TN
Wanderlustsalonspa.com
Jessi Sexton
SQUARE FEET: 3,200; 3,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $49
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kevin Murphy, Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Farmhouse Fresh
NAIL CARE: CND
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Demandforce
“To create an even more symbiotic relationship between employer and employee, we have daily goal bonuses. If a stylist hits Tier 1, they get a small bonus on their paycheck. Tier 2 gets a bigger bonus and Tier 3 is even bigger. This allows us to give our employees almost immediate reciprocity while additionally trying to grow their goals and increase their hourly pay.”

West 13th Salon
Fargo, ND
West13thsalon.com
Janelle Finseth
SQUARE FEET: 1,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $47
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Cinderella Hair Products, Eufora, Kevin Murphy
COLOR: Eufora
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo 2, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Our hiring and training systems were improved by the creation of written and repeatable systems for interviews and hiring. It became easier to take action quickly and intelligently when we experienced turnover of staff, and we could fill open positions with artists who fit our culture and core values.”

Amy Pal, owner of Whip Salon in Ridgefield, CT. 

Whip Salon
Ridgefield, CT
whipsalon.com
Amy Pal
SQUARE FEET: 2,000; 2,000; 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $80
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Davines, Whip Salon Brand, Shu Uemura
COLOR: L’Oreal, Redken, Pulp Riot
TECH SUPPORT: Booker, Vish
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“During closure, we created a #RockYourRoots campaign around root cover up sprays and powders. We sold them online and delivered them to our clients, so that they could look good and feel confident on their Zoom calls without reaching for box dye. We created informational posts and videos about how to apply sprays and powders.” 

The team from Z Studio in Tulsa, OK.

Z Studio: The Art of Hair
Tulsa, OK
zstudiotulsa.com
Beau Barbee and Drew Anderssen
SQUARE FEET: 2,209; 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 30
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $47
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kevin Murphy, Eufora 
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: CC
“We invested in a plan to help our team develop a savings plan. This program teaches them the basics of saving, one step at a time, including saving 10% of their tips. We want them to know they can save at their own pace and help them be prepared for emergencies.”

The crew from Zinke Hair Studio in Bolder, CO. 

Zinke Hair Studio
Boulder, CO
zinkehairstudio.com
Jolene Zinke and Megan Robertson
SQUARE FEET: 2,100; 2,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 26
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, GK Hair 
COLOR: Aveda, Pulp Riot
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“We now ask that each employee donate two days a year to help in our local community. They have responded by delivering great service to awesome causes. One includes on-site haircutting for A Precious Child. This simple act of giving brings in an abundance of gratitude into our culture that continues to spread.”