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 ...
Jessica Greene welcomes guests into her Elements Salon in Fernandina Beach, Florida, as she welcomes Salon Today 200 readers into her best practices.
19 min to read
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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
After moving to Colorado and teaching at a cosmetology school, Allison Stock joined Zandi K as a stylist, eventually becoming part of the Leadership Team, Education Team and Master Bridal Team. Today, as Director of Operation, Stock is Owner Nicki Wenz's right hand, managing human resources and operations, education and career development, and coaching and culture.
Scott maximized her micro-salon by transitioning from stylist to strategic owner, focusing on recruiting and station-sharing. By prioritizing her ownership role over behind-the-chair work, she grew her team to six stylists within the two-chair, 150-square-foot space before eventually moving to a larger facility.
The former CFO of Perdue Farms and owner of Hardy Seafood, Terry Owens delivers a wealth of wisdom and strategies for entrepreneurs in his new book, "Business is Simple."
After scaling her single-location salon business, SALON TODAY 200 Honoree Amy Pal recently sold her six-location Whip Salon for seven figures. Using the six Ps for maximizing a business's value, she's ready to help her peers do the same.
Buried inside the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are federal solar tax credit changes that deserve your attention now. Two of the credits that matter most to commercial property owners, the Investment Tax Credit and the Production Tax Credit, are still available, but only if you move fast. A third, the Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Deduction, has a hard termination date that is closer than most people realize.
Up to 40% of hair stylists ghost the salon interview stage, leaving owners trapped playing endless phone tag with uncommitted applicants. This data-driven report breaks down why traditional job boards create recruitment friction and reveals the modern messaging strategies high-growth salons use to get pre-qualified talent to actually show up. Learn how to transition from cold calling to high-conversion conversations that protect your time and fill your chairs.
Spit fests, hostile threats, and even an overachieving matchmaker--SALON TODAY readers share their craziest client tales and how their team handled these tough situations with professionalism and grace.
Keeping your appointment book full when clients are in vacation mode takes more than a good Instagram post. It takes a plan.
The 2026 Summer Marketing Calendar from Meevo gives salon, spa & med spa owners a month-by-month roadmap with sharp themes, key opportunity dates, and campaign ideas specifically designed for the beauty & wellness industry.
Here’s to your summer season working as hard as you do!
AI is transforming the beauty and wellness industry, and the future is about empowering people, not replacing them. Discover how Phorest AI helps salons, spas, and med spas across North America respond faster, personalize every visit, and keep human connection at the heart of the client experience.
Owner Michaella Blissett-Williams credits her General Manager Gloria Hortua with [salon] 718's year-over-year, double-digit growth and says she's been able to scale the company to eight locations because she can rely on Hortua to manage daily operations.
Elyse Rogers is an uplifting presence at The Headroom who makes the team feel heard even in stressful situations. Owner Danielle Cherewyk sings her praises in this installment of Meet the Manager.
Despite a slight and predictable decline in client traffic for Q1, resilient pricing power is driving year-over-year revenue growth in salons. The KIM Report's Alain Audet reviews the data and what it's telling us about the state of professional beauty.
Same-store revenue grew just 2% for the second straight year—and new guest visits declined across every segment of the industry. The 2026 Benchmark Report reveals where growth is actually happening, which verticals are pulling ahead, and what the data says about where your business stands right now.
Hair restoration is entering a new era driven by regenerative science. This paper explores how Exosome technology is transforming treatment outcomes by targeting hair loss at a cellular level. Discover why EXOGROW is leading this shift.
A salon brand is much more than a logo. In this thought-provoking blog, Leon Alexander, Ph.D., walks you through the difference. SALON TODAY suggests sharing this article with your team and leading a discussion at your next huddle, asking the team to define your business's brand.