When Jeffrey Ching and Bowie Lau opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.

Located in New York City in a light-flooded second-story atelier in lower Manhattan, JBW Salon has become known for its refined aesthetic, technical excellence, and highly personalized approach to beauty. From styling to meticulous color work, the salon attracts a loyal clientele that values both creativity and consistency. But behind the scenes, Bowie and Jeffrey’s vision extends beyond the chair. They are just as focused on how the business operates as on how the work looks.

“We are focused on wowing our clients by welcoming them with care and respect,” Bowie says. “For us, that foundation is built on delivering an experience that feels seamless from start to finish.”

Building a Salon Business

Like many independent salon owners, Jeffrey and Bowie faced early challenges familiar to service-based entrepreneurs: balancing cash flow, managing bookings, supporting staff, and maintaining high service standards—all while growing their salon in a competitive market.

From the beginning, Jeffrey and Bowie understood that operational efficiency would be critical to scaling without compromising quality. Accepting American Express was a strategic decision tied directly to the salon’s clientele and long-term goals.

“Our guests expect flexibility and premium service,” she says. “Accepting American Express aligns with that expectation and reflects the level of experience we aim to provide.” 

And the data derived from a February 2025 Nilson Report supports that decision. The average annual spend on American Express Cards in the U.S. is 2.9x that of cards on other networks.¹ American Express Card Members demonstrate higher annual spending compared to non-Card Members, making them an important segment for businesses focused on experience-driven services.

Streamlining the Guest Experience 

As the salon expanded, managing appointments and client communications became increasingly complex. That’s where Fresha entered the picture.

JBW Salon uses Fresha, the leading beauty and wellness booking platform, to power its booking, client management, and payments processing. 

“Fresha has helped us stay organized,” Bowie explains. “Our clients appreciate the convenience, and for us, it reduces friction so we can focus on our customers’ experience from start to finish.”

A glance at the salon’s glowing online reviews highlights the impact. Guests frequently praise not only the results, but also the professionalism of the staff, personalized client experiences, and overall atmosphere—key drivers of repeat business in a relationship-based industry.

Loyalty, Location, and Lasting Relationships

JBW’s clientele spans creative professionals and longtime New Yorkers who value consistency and trust. Many clients have followed Bowie and Jeffrey throughout different stages of their careers, a testament to the relationships they prioritize. “We are proud to be a multi-generational salon as we have some clients whose children - and even grandchildren - come in for a variety of our services,” says Bowie. 

Accepting American Express adds another layer of value for those guests. Clients can use their payment method of choice while enjoying services they already prioritize, enhancing the overall experience without changing their routine.

Adapting Through Change

Like much of the beauty industry, JBW faced significant change over the last decade. From inflation and rising rent costs to finding and retaining skilled employees, increased labor expenses, higher supply costs, growing competition, and changes in customer spending habits, these obstacles affect every part of the business. 

“Our continued success depending on our ability to stay flexible, respond quickly, and make smart decisions as challenges surface,” Bowie says. “We had to rethink scheduling, staffing, and how we communicated with clients.”

Despite ongoing challenges such as rising costs, Bowie and Jeffrey remain optimistic.

Designed for the Future

Today, JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon stands as an example of what’s possible when creativity, precision, and passion are matched with smart business strategy. By combining premium service, efficient technology, and trusted financial tools, the salon continues to grow without losing its identity.

American Express supports small businesses like JBW Salon through its Shop Small® movement, providing resources, insights, and programs designed to help entrepreneurs thrive. Shop Small® encourages customers to support local businesses, strengthening communities and helping independent owners reach new audiences.

For Bowie, success isn’t defined solely by expansion—it’s about sustainability.

“Our goal is to continue to grow, stay competitive, and remain successful into the future,” she says. “We want to keep serving our clients at the highest level and keep building something we’re proud of.”

With a clear vision, loyal clientele, and the right partners in place, JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon is well-positioned for what comes next.

Want to take your salon to the next level? American Express offers tools, insights, and resources for your business. Click here to learn more about the benefits you receive when you accept American Express. 

¹2024 American Express US average billed business per card, vs. weighted average of US credit/charge spend per card for Visa and Mastercard in 2024.