Salon Today’s Meet the Manager series celebrates and highlights the managers, team leads, and directors in the industry who work to maintain the vision and goals of salons, barber shops, and spas. In today's profile, we take a look at how Gray & Graham Salon, located in Madisonville, Louisiana, upholds its driving values with the leadership of Abigail Higgins and Molly Meyers. 

The Managers: Abigail Higgins, Operations Manager, and Molly Meyers, Lead Stylist, Extension Specialist and Associate Program Lead

Nominated By: Abbie Crafton, Owner of Gray & Graham

Higgins' date of hire: January 2024

Meyers' date of hire: May 2020

Salon Today: How are these managers compensated? 

Crafton: “Hourly + bonus”

ST: Do these managers also perform services on clients?

Crafton: “Yes”

ST:What are the three most important tasks these managers take on at the salon?

Crafton: “They take on budgeting, ordering, educating and upholding core values.”

ST: What are their specific background/experience that made you believe they'd be a good fit for your business?

Crafton: “Abby has a degree in marketing and was raised in a restaurant managed by her mother, so she has a natural affinity for the industry, a strong work ethic, and a deep understanding of customer service and team dynamics. Her forward-thinking mindset made her a clear fit for a leadership role in our business. Because of her background, she's proactive and always ten steps ahead, anticipating the needs of both the stylists and the owner.”

“Because Molly has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, she has a deep-rooted passion for education and mentorship. As a previous educator at the Aveda Institute, she has honed her skills in developing and inspiring new talent. Molly takes the time to coach stylists individually, guiding them toward their goals with a balance of encouragement and accountability. Her experience, leadership, dedication, and commitment to helping stylists grow into the best versions of themselves make her an invaluable asset to our team.”

ST: What personality characteristics do these two hold which made you believe they'd be good leaders?

Crafton: "Abby's ability to connect with people and anticipate needs before they're spoken shows strong emotional intelligence and natural empathy. She builds trust easily and creates a comfortable environment for both clients and team members. She anticipates what is needed and she's always thinking a step ahead, which is a valuable leadership trait."

"Molly's efficiency and knowledge reflect a no-nonsense, results-driven mindset that helps the team stay on track and deliver high-quality work. She holds apprentices to a higher standard which shows that she values growth, discipline and is invested in others."

ST: How have these managers helped you personally as the owner, or how have they helped grow the business?

Crafton: “Abby has been a huge support to me. When it comes to marketing, she keeps me focused and on track, especially when my ideas start to get a little wild. She's always willing to help bring those ideas to life while also keeping our day-to-day operations running smoothly. Her ability to balance creativity with structure has been key to keeping the salon organized, efficient, and growing.

“Molly has truly been my rock during one of the most difficult times in my business. After a major walkout, she reminded me of my "why" and helped me stay grounded and focused. She didn't hesitate to step up, diving in to help rebuild the team. She played a vital role in hiring eight new team members and personally training four of them. Her leadership, loyalty, and drive were a major part of how we were able to bounce back stronger than ever.”

About the Author: Mya Shepard, a Chicago-based communications graduate with a multimedia journalism background, draws inspiration for her beauty writing from her time as a salon manager at Salon Lorrene in Palatine, IL. Known on social media as Mya Ame'rie, she shares her perspective on community, beauty and culture.