To achieve the business momentum that is 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 calendar years 2013 and 2014? This year, honorees in this caategory grew at rates of 10.3 perent or higher. And, we didn't just take their word for it--their financials were verified with copies of their tax returns.

KAREN ALLEN SALON AND SPA, INC.
Riverside, CA
karenallensalon.com
Van Khanh Nguyen
2013: $2,624,000
2014: $2,894,000
INCREASE: 10%
SQUARE FEET: 2,500; 2,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 50
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: ISBN, PBA, 2 to 10
“We hired an in-house marketing person to work directly with our business. She works 15 hours a week, and her biggest focus is branding Karen Allen to become a household name in our community.”

LA TIERRA SALON & DAY SPA
Highlands Ranch, CO
latierrasalon.com
Kelly Wharry and Walt Wharry
2013: $1,926,000
2014: $2,132,000
INCREASE: 11%
SQUARE FEET: 4,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 27
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $46
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, SpaBiz
“We are convinced our key to consistent revenue growth is our team-based compensation approach as well as our intense focus on a teamwork-based culture. Our employees are compensated on a matrix that clearly defines performance metrics that must be met for each pay range.”

LASH HOUSE BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
Livingston, NJ
lashhousebeautyboutique.com
Suzette Zuena
2013: $619,000
2014: $740,000
INCREASE: 20%
SQUARE FEET: 1,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 9
LASH EXTENSIONS: $100-$450
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Lalicious, Glam Glo, Kelley Baker
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce, Web Openings
ASSOCIATION: The Day Spa Association
“Every service we offer has a protocol of steps that must be followed. We do this so that even a simple brow is an experience.”

LEAF AVEDA SALON SPA
Brooksville, FL
leafavedasalonspa.com
Lori Sohu
2013: $460,000
2014: $555,000
INCREASE: 21%
SQUARE FEET: 3,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SpaBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS:  PBA
“Posting daily numbers keeps our service providers competitive and helps them push to the next level. Rewards and bonuses keep competition healthy.”

LEIF’S HAIR STUDIO
Houston, TX
leifhair.com
Leif Christiansen
2013: $559,000
2014: $799,000
INCREASE: 43%
SQUARE FEET: 2,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $76
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Paul Mitchell, private label
COLOR: Schwarzkopf Professional, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce, Web Openings
“We developed and printed a supplementary menu of add-ons—such as waxing services, deep-conditioning treatments and color glazes—that can be added to any appointment. Our guests enjoy the options, and we find it adds something different to the experience.”

LEMONGRASS SALON
Fort Worth, TX
lemongrasssalon.com
Rick and Kristin Cheek
2013: $3,801,000
2014: $4,332,000
INCREASE: 12%
SQUARE FEET: 2,200; 1,100; 2,600; 2,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 74
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $48
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SpaBiz, Demandforce
“We revised our hiring process to be more time efficient and effective. This strategy helped us become more thorough, resulting in more successful hiring of candidates most likely to succeed in our culture. This created less turnover and allows us to spend more time on building new positive partnerships.”

LOCAL HONEY
Greensboro, NC
localhoneysalon.com
Jay Bulluck
2013: $295,000
2014: $528,000
INCREASE: 79%
SQUARE FEET: 3,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: R+Co, Arrojo, Layrite
COLOR: Keune, OriginalMineral
TECH SUPPORT: STX, Millennium, Constant Contact  
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“We believe in the genteel South, artisan haircutting, building relationships, haircolor that sparkles in the sun and the happy-making powers of a great hair day. And we believe a little local honey can be just the cure for what ails you.”

LUCKY HAIR COMPANY SALON & SPA
Canton, MI
luckyhairco.com
Melissa and David Coughlin
2013: $842,000
2014: $1,076,000
INCREASE: 28%
SQUARE FEET: 3,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 28
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, Moroccanoil
COLOR: Redken, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
“For 2015, we’re following the trend of growing our service providers and split-shifting all of our profit centers. We plan to keep the momentum by using the Summit Salon Business Center for quarterly consulting.”

MAGGIE THE SALON
Pembroke Pines, FL
maggiesalon.com
Maggie DiFalco
2013: $825,000
2014: $1,056,000
INCREASE: 28%
SQUARE FEET: 2,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 25
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora, Aveda, Oribe
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce, Zeezor
ASSOCIATIONS: Intercoiffure, PBA
“As soon as our team was introduced to Qnity, there was an immediate change in how they looked at their careers. They became aware of how important setting goals and tracking numbers was, and they became united as one team.”

MAUDE SALON & BOUTIQUE
Herndon, VA
maudehair.com
Vanessa Rose, Celeste Williams and Tina Jay
2013: $1,429,000
2014: $1,638,000
INCREASE: 15%
SQUARE FEET: 2,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $53
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Kevin Murphy, COLOR: Redken, Kevin Murphy
TECH SUPPORT: STX
“In the past two years, we’ve worked on improving our communication with each other and reorganizing. We push ourselves to have the difficult conversations and speak our truths.”

MERMAID HAIR EXTENSIONS
Kirkland, WA
mermaidhairextensions.com
Cindy Reynolds
2013: $673,000
2014: $774,000
INCREASE: 15%
SQUARE FEET: 1,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 8
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: private label
COLOR: Farouk, CHI, Goldwell, It&ly
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Iris, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: NCA, PBA
“We care about how our clients’ hair looks long-term, so all of our extension services are sold as a complete package including four appointments covering consultation, installation, follow-up and removal.”

MICHELLE KENRIC HAIR & SPA
Sartell, MN
michellekenric.com
Wendy and Mike Zimny
2013: $708,000
2014: $871,000
INCREASE: 23%
SQUARE FEET: 3,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 23
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $38
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce  
“Team members can earn a 10 percent retail commission any month our overall retail goal is attained and the team member achieves a minimum of $10 per ticket in retail sales. Since we implemented this 15 months ago, there was only one month when the retail goal wasn’t attained.”

MIRROR MIRROR
Austin, TX
mirrormirroraustin.com
Martha Lynn Kale
2013: $339,000
2014: $428,000
INCREASE: 26%
SQUARE FEET: 1,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 4
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $75
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Living Proof
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: STX, Constant Contact  
“We hired a consultant to help focus on KPIs that allow us to track prebooking, increased dollars per ticket and total service revenue. We now have monthly meetings with the salon managers to track these KPIs and find ways to improve.”

NURTUR THE SALON
Columbus, OH
nurtursalon.com
Patrick Thompson
2013: $3,078,000
2014: $3,692,000
INCREASE: 20%
SQUARE FEET: 4,200; 1,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 80
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce, Spa Boom
ASSOCIATION:  PBA
“Paid time off is a benefit we offer full-time team members, but we need to be aware of how many team members take off at once because it impacts the business. Our managers limit the number of professionals who can take off each day.”

NVS SALON & SPA
Bel Air, MD
nvssalon.com
Tammy Ehrbaker and
Stathis Kotanidis
2013: $370,000
2014: $499,000
INCREASE: 35%
SQUARE FEET: 900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda, Wella
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce  
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“The Baltimore Ravens were impressed with our professional atmosphere and our green initiatives, and they chose us to be their official salon for the 2014-2015 season. We also were selected to be the official salon to style hair for the county inauguration.”

ONU SALON
Murfreesboro, TN
onusalon.com
David Fedak
2013: $763,000
2014: $891,000
INCREASE: 17%
SQUARE FEET: 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 14
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Salonbiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“Our growth came from continued designer training and education, better client experience and customer service and growth in the lifestyle center and city where we are located.”

ORIGINA SALON
Franklin, TN
originasalon.com
Jacqueline McCall
2013: $1,178,000
2014: $1,315,000
INCREASE: 12%
SQUARE FEET: 2,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $51
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz     
ASSOCIATION: Intercoiffure
“In 2015, we are moving to salon services only—getting rid of our four spa treatment rooms and pouring all our energy into the far more profitable salon space. We will be adding six more stations and establishing an in-salon education program for new talent.”

PIN-UP CURLS
Fort Wayne, IN
pin-upcurls.com
Erin Raber
2013: $368,000
2014: $424,000
INCREASE: 15%
SQUARE FEET: 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $39
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Eufora
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
“Our training program was created by our education director working with a mentor salon. By molding ourselves after a successful program, we have used their techniques but adapted them where necessary to work with the culture of our salon.”

PLANET HAIR
Wichita, KS
planethairusa.com
Tod Ernst, Linda Ernst and Graham Ross
2013: $835,000
2014: $952,000
INCREASE: 14%
SQUARE FEET: 3,000     
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 15
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Elite, Demandforce, Constant Contact
“We have integrated the philosophy of psy-cosmetologist Dr. Lewis Losconcy—we have used his ideas to improve our culture and help us work with people of all ages.”

PLUM HAIR ATELIER
Raleigh, NC
plumhairatelier.com
Ashley Collins and Erin Shebaugh
2013: $372,000
2014: $521,000
INCREASE: 40%
SQUARE FEET: 2,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 8
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $68
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Arrojo, Imperial, Mason Pearson
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium  
“Being a new business, we had a lot of trial and error while building our brand, and having unity and clarity between the business partners was crucial. We now meet weekly as partners, as well as bi-weekly with each team member so we are all focused on goals.

POSH SALON AND DAY SPA
Kokomo, IN
poshsalon-dayspa.com
Lindsay Daugherty-Pyle
2013: $358,000
2014: $491,000
INCREASE: 37%
SQUARE FEET: 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $37
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: STX
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, ISBN
“I started including new topics of praise in our salon meetings, such as best month ever, most referrals or recognizing anyone who hits $1,000 in sales. Announcing achievements in front of the team is rewarding to the achievers and encourages everyone else to do their best.”

PRIMP
Winter Park, FL
primpfullsalon.com
Yvette Husty
2013: $300,000
2014: $398,000
INCREASE: 33%
SQUARE FEET: 2,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, DevaCurl
COLOR: Aveda, Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Benchmark  
“We implemented a new mover mailer, obtaining a list of people who recently moved to the area and sending them a letter inviting them to the salon for a complimentary haircut. We have gotten a great response from this.”

REJUVE SALON SPA
Carmel, IN
rejuvesalonandspa.com
Mini Dhanjal
2013: $957,000
2014: $1,077,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 3,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Salon Builder
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, PBA
“In 2014, we added a spa membership that offers guests who visit the spa every month a price break. This enabled spa growth of more than $30,000.”

RITUALS SALON
Tampa, FL
ritualsavedasalon.com
Jonathan Mosco and
Elsa Mosco
2013: $304,000
2014: $347,000
INCREASE: 14%
SQUARE FEET: 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 7
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz     
“We went through a lot of staff when we first started until we become more selective in the hiring and quicker on the firing.”

THE ROOT SALON
Phoenix, AZ
therootsalon.com
Lauren Hart
2013: $589,000
2014: $782,000
INCREASE: 33%
SQUARE FEET: 1,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Alfaparf, L’Oréal Professionnel
COLOR: Alfaparf, Wella, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: STX
ASSOCIATIONS: NCA, PBA
“We held our first-ever Team Culture Camp with business coach Chris Murphy. The three-day event aimed to solidify our identify with each individual contributor to the team, and as an end result, we established a solid foundation for every detail of our business.”

ROOTS SALON
Greendale, WI
myrootssalon.com
Naomi Prusinski and
Shannon Lopez
2013: $1,882,000
2014: $2,289,000
INCREASE: 22%
SQUARE FEET: 3,200; 3,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 57
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $41
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision  
“We focused on managing our retail inventory to meet demand for trends as well as turning inventory that wasn’t moving. We created a last-chance shelf, focused on product education and negotiated to return products that weren’t moving.”

SALON 6
Indianapolis, IN
salon6.net
Stephanie Gregoire
2013: $337,000
2014: $410,000
INCREASE: 22%
SQUARE FEET: 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Eufora
TECH SUPPORT: ClienTrack, Demandforce  
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, ESON
“The driving force of growth between 2013 and 2014 was hiring a manager. This allowed us to have one person who focused solely on business and growth, while proving a consistent salon environment day to day.”

SALON BECK
Cincinnati, OH
salonbeck.com
Sue Beck Currie
2013: $899,000
2014: $1,150,000
INCREASE: 28%
SQUARE FEET: 2,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 24
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $56
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Paul Mitchell, Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Paul Mitchell, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce  
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, NCA, PBA
“We extended the hours we are open from 55 to 65 per week offering evening services every weekday until 9 p.m. Many of our clients are professional men and women, and the evening hours give them options after work.”

SALON ESTETICA AN AVEDA CONCEPT SPA
Riverview, FL
salon-estetica.com
Dorene Lindsay and
Amy Lindsay
2013: $493,000
2014: $573,000
INCREASE: 16%
SQUARE FEET: 2,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 15
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $39
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Iris  
“A successful catalyst to growth has been our open house evenings. It’s a great way to get current guests involved with the salon, but it brings in their family and friends, which equals new clients.”

SALON FLEUR DE LIS
St. Louis, MO
salonfdl.com
Alicia Strobl
2013: $528,000
2014: $620,000
INCREASE: 17%
SQUARE FEET: 1,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $53
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
“We grew at a rate of nearly 20 percent through the use of improved technology, use of new management strategies and systems and growing a culture that stylists could embrace.”

SALON GLOSS
Woodstock, GA
salongloss.biz
Tim Timmons
2013: $433,000
2014: $642,000
INCREASE: 48%
SQUARE FEET: 2,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 23
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Goldwell, KMS California, Arrojo
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Shortcuts, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, PBA, Intercoiffure
“We believe beautiful hair starts with a healthy scalp and offer all clients a complimentary hair scope scalp exam. This helps stylists see the client’s specific needs and create an individualized prescription plan based on these needs.”

SALON M2
Charlotte, NC
salon-M2.com
Michele Matkovich
2013: $474,000
2014: $633,000
INCREASE: 34%
SQUARE FEET: 1,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Schwarzkopf Professional, Eufora
TECH SUPPORT: STX, Demandforce   
ASSOCIATION: ESON
“My operations manager and I decided to shift how we coach our team, choosing to focus on their strengths versus their weaknesses, showing them how their strengths help them achieve their goals.”

SALON SOCA
Chicago, IL
salonsoca.com
Brigette Sobus
2013: $765,000
2014: $848,000
INCREASE: 11%
SQUARE FEET: 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 18
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $65
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda, Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, NCA, PBA
 “Because of the work I do with Empowering You Consulting, I have the privilege to both train our industry and also hear best practices from some of the industry’s best. It’s a win-win.”

SALON SPA W
Des Moines, IA
salonspaw.com
China Wong
2013: $1,800,000
2014: $2,223,000
INCREASE: 24%
SQUARE FEET: 2,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce  
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“We reworked our website with a Join Our Team page that communicates culture, benefits and allows applicants to submit an application. This has developed a better pool of candidates and shortened our hiring process while freeing up the time of key team members.”

SCHARDEIN’S
Oklahoma City, OK
schardeins.com
Steven L. Schardein and Stevie Kennedy Schardein
2013: $2,465,000
2014: $2,838,000
INCREASE: 15%
SQUARE FEET: 6,700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 37
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $52
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, Unite, Kérastase
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: STX  
ASSOCIATIONS: ISBN, CC, Intercoiffure, NCA, PBA
“Our new talent have gone from hourly pay to commission pay in six to eight months versus our previous one and a half to two-year timeline. That’s a much better return on the investment of a new hire, and our newest associate team has surpassed the next level above them in weekly sales and client retention at a lower price point!”

SERENITY COUTURE SALON SPA
West Des Moines, IA
serenitycouture.com
Doug and Jana Van Polen
2013: $4,101,000
2014: $4,631,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 4,800, 4,600, 2,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 85
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium
“We are looking forward to the future for our employees. We received the Top 150 Workplaces in Iowa, receiving seventh place in our category.”

SIGNATURE SALON
Macon, GA
signaturesalonmacon.com
Nichole Brewer
2013: $347,000
2014: $595,000
INCREASE: 72%
SQUARE FEET: 3,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 21
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Iris  
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“We grew from 10 employees to 21 and were able to become a Redken Elite Salon, which opened the door to even more support and education for our employees.”

SPA MIZAN
Lafayette, LA
spamizan.com
Ginger Louviere
2013: $1,736,000
2014: $1,984,000
INCREASE: 14%
SQUARE FEET: 8,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 34
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SpaBiz
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“We teach salon/spa business 101 every single day to every single team member. Understanding what makes individuals and businesses profitable is paramount.”

STUDIO BE SALON
Fort Collins, CO
studiobe.com
Ian and Beth Weber
2013: $3,423,000
2014: $3,967,000
INCREASE: 16%
SQUARE FEET: 2,400; 1,300; 1,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 72
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Paul Mitchell, Surface
COLOR: Paul Mitchell
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, 2 to 10
“In 2014, we changed the titles of the front desk staff to experience managers and changed their role to more of an experience concierge. We tell them, ‘The party starts at 8:45 a.m., and you’re the hostess.’”

TEASE HAIR STUDIO
Hudson, MA
teasemyhair.com
Matthew and Jaclyn Bonica
2013: $339,000
2014: $379,000
INCREASE: 12%
SQUARE FEET: 1,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 8
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $43
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: J Beverly Hills, Kevin Murphy, Eufora
COLOR: J Beverly Hills
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Target   
“We implemented an education benefit where our retail commission of 10 percent goes directly into an education fund, and each stylist is required to take a certain number of classes determined by their level.”

TRUE BLUE SALON
Nashville, TN
truebluesalon.com
Kim Hunter
2013: $1,045,000
2014: $1,28,0000
INCREASE: 23%
SQUARE FEET: 3,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $47
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: Intercoiffure, NCA, PBA
“The education director, manager and I took classes with Qnity and Six Figure Hairdresser, which gave us ideas on prebooking, upselling, and increasing sales. By the time we finished, we were seeing 30 percent growth.”

TRUU SALON
Hollywood, FL
truusalon.com
David Levy
2013: $329,000
2014: $390,000
INCREASE: 19%
SQUARE FEET: 1,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 9
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Salon Ultimate  
ASSOCIATION: Beauty Industry Council
“All new guests get a complimentary botanical treatment with their service. This elevates the new guest experience and exposes guests to an amazing add-on service that they are more open to paying for during future visits.”

TULIP SALON & SPA
Fredericksburg, VA
tulipsalonspa.com
Priscilla and Ralph Priebe
2013: $945,000
2014: $1,071,000
INCREASE: 13%
SQUARE FEET: 2,300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $56
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Chamber of Commerce
“Using Demandforce, we targeted automated emails to build interest in the salon and encourage return guests. Messages like ‘How’s your color looking?’ and ‘Is your hair behaving?’ remind guests to schedule their next appointment.”

URBAN EVE SALON & BOUTIQUE
Lake Jackson, TX
myurbaneve.com
Jason and Jennifer Culverhouse
2013: $1,249,000
2014: $1,478,000
INCREASE: 18%
SQUARE FEET: 4,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $43
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision
“We are a level-based salon with an eight-year growth plan that shows team members what they must do to jump to the next level, how much they’ll be compensated and how long it should take to reach those goals.”

UTOPIA SALON & DAY SPA
Vancouver, WA
utopiadayspasalon.com
Lisa and Jason Houser
2013: $250,000
2014: $281,000
INCREASE: 12%
SQUARE FEET: 3,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $40
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aqauge, Loma, Kenra
COLOR: Scruples
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“We keep momentum by encouraging and training staff continually, both technically and personally. We are implementing level systems for both pricing and employee growth.”

VIRTUE SALON
Columbus, OH
virtuevegansalon.com
Melanie Guzzo
2013: $509,000
2014: $602,000
INCREASE: 18%
SQUARE FEET: 2,800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 15
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $46
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: ColorProof, Thermafuse,
All-Nutrient
COLOR: All-Nutrient, Wella, Arctic Fox
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBooker  
“To improve our wedding business, we developed a wedding price-menu page on our website and started promoting wedding services on social media. To make the experience special, we provide fresh-baked vegan muffins, orange juice and a wedding-hair maintenance kit.”

VOGA SALON, INC.
Overland Park, KS
vogasalon.com
Armando Laya and Ashlee Laya
2013: $513,000
2014: $853,000
INCREASE: 66%
SQUARE FEET: 1,500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $39
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce
“As a young company, we understand remaining flexible and willing to change as we move through our learning curve is important. We work hard to embed acceptance to change and continuous process improvement into our company’s culture.”

WATERCOLOR SALON/SPA
Ridgeland, MS
watercolorsalon.com
Todd and Christa Freeman
2013: $1,837,000
2014: $2,449,000
INCREASE: 33%
SQUARE FEET: 2,200; 5,100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 29
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $66
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Bumble and Bumble, Pureology, Redken
COLOR: L’Oréal Professionnel
TECH SUPPORT: Envision
ASSOCIATION: NCA
“Our new salon is located in a busy shopping center with high foot traffic in a high-income area. This has had a huge imact on retail sales, which are now 126% of service sales at the new location.”

YOUPHORIA DAY SPA & SALON
Belton, TX
youphoriadayspa.com
Kerry King
 2013: $317,000
2014: $393,000
INCREASE: 24%
SQUARE FEET: 2,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $35
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, PCA Skin
COLOR: Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Demandforce
“We had a guest pre-booking contest that incentivizes the guest to reserve a future appointment. This program fuels growth by securing future appointments and eliminating lost revenue because schedules are full.”

ZANYA SPA SALON
Lambertville, NJ
zanyaspasalon.com
Zanya Gissler and
Filomena Cook
2013: $2,671,000
2014: $2,959,000
INCREASE: 11%
SQUARE FEET: 9,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 58
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $75
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, V76, Intelligent Nutrients
COLOR: L’Oréal Professionnel
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Demandforce  
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“A huge loyalty-builder for us has been our membership program. We now offer memberships in blowouts, massage, facials, Dermasweep services, nail services, air-brush tanning and waxing. These memberships offer clients discounted services and retail for one low monthly account draft.”

ZINKE KNOEBEL HAIR STUDIO
Boulder, CO
zinkeknoebel.com
Jolene Zinke and Megan Robertson
2013: $533,000
2014: $709,000
INCREASE: 33%
SQUARE FEET: 2,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda, Pravana
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“By offering a 10 percent discount to University of Colorado students and faculty, we became the exclusive sponsor of the CU Express Dance Team which performs at sporting events. for $100, the team members receive unlimited waxing and 50 percent off hair services. The sponsorship gave us great exposure."