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On the 1st Day of the 12 Days of the SALON TODAY 200, we excitedly present the 2020 honorees in the category of Compensation and Benefits. While it's a service provider's job to care for the clients, it's an owner's job to care for the team, and these salons do that brilliantly with competitive compensation programs, transparent pathways to growth and creative benefits.

It’s a service provider’s job to take care of clients, but it’s an owner’s job to take care of the team. Salons and spas that offer rewarding compensation and benefits packages and design transparent career paths retain talent longer, which helps them grow faster.

The team from Avantgarde Salon Inc. in Destin, FL.
AVANTGARDE SALON INC.
Destin, FL
avantgardeaveda.com
Joseph and Deke Rogers
SQUARE FEET: 4,300; 1,400; 1,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 35
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $51
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $40,000 to $49,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: OPI
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, ZeeZor
“This past year, we were able to offer major medical and provide a 401k for our employees matching up to 4%. We have so many young employees and it was huge to see them be able to save for their future. Of all our eligible employees (employed for at least one year), only two declined enrollment.”

The team from Avenue Hair Design in Venice, FL.
AVENUE HAIR DESIGN
Venice, FL
avenuehairdesign.net
Claire Kirby
SQUARE FEET: 2,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $54
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $40,000 to $49,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, DevaCurl, Pureology
COLOR: Redken, Pulp Riot
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“Once a stylist has been promoted to the next level, they must maintain the goals to retain the commission percentage. Should the stylist fail to meet the maintenance goals for three consecutive months, they will drop back to the previous level’s commission percentage.”

The team from Breeze Salon and Spa in Round Rock, TX.
BREEZE SALON & SPA
Round Rock, TX
breezesalon.com
Breanna Herriott
SQUARE FEET: 4,200; 4,000; 3,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 76
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $68
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $40,000 to $49,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda, PCA
NAIL CARE: OPI, Gelish
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, ZeeZor, Demandforce, Loyalty Gator
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, 2 to 10
“We created a ‘dream team’ that consists of a few employees from each location. We get together quarterly and go over all of the ideas the other team members have brought to them. Examples of ideas include themed dress code days, charity donations, and spa and wine nights.”
DESIGN 1 SALON SPA
Grand Rapids, MI
design1.com
Larry and Lisa Walt
SQUARE FEET: 8,400; 7,400; 7,260; 6,500; 6,430;
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 227
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $50,000 to $59,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, Prive
COLOR: Redken, Aloxxi, Pulp Riot
SKIN CARE: Aura Beauty Products, Coola, St. Tropez
NAIL CARE: CND, Foot Logix
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, ZeeZor, Salon Clouds Plus
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, ISBN
“We have nine levels for stylists. The goals to move up are to hit a monthly dollar amount in service sales and retail per service ticket for two out of three consecutive months.”

The team from Five Senses Spa, Salon & Barbershop in Peoria, IL, demonstrate their 'We Can Do It' spirit.
FIVE SENSES SPA, SALON & BARBERSHOP
Peoria, IL
fivesensesspaandsalon.com
Paola Hinton
SQUARE FEET: 5,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 24
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $40,000 to $49,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Salon Clouds Plus
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“Our team app measures staff member’s average service ticket, retail, new guests, repeat guests, rebooking, etc. Data can be viewed daily, weekly, monthly or as a 90-day report to help staff understand the impact of their efforts over time.”

Sharah Madrone, owner of Gervais Salon and Day Spa in Eugene, OR.
GERVAIS SALON & DAY SPA
Eugene, OR
gervaiseugene.com
Sharah Madrone
SQUARE FEET: 4,300; 3,600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 63
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $50,000 to $59,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: CND
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Salon Clouds Plus, Precense AI
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“Our mission is to create extraordinary guest experiences and an extraordinary workplace. We offer financial fitness classes, at no cost to employees, that focus on retirement, debt elimination, home buying and creating/maintaining an emergency savings fund.”
THE HAIR COMPANY
Leonardtown & Charlotte Hall, MD
thc.salon
Jackie Buckler
SQUARE FEET: 5,500; 4,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 42
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $52
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $40,000 to $49,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Kerastase, Pureology
COLOR: Redken
SKIN CARE: Bareminerals, Farmhouse Fresh
NAIL CARE: OPI, CND
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo 2, Salon Clouds Plus
ASSOCIATIONS: 2 to 10,
Summit Salon
“A service provider may, by invitation, purchase stock in the company. This gives them the opportunity to own part of a salon that has proven systems in place and is profitable.”

The team from Savvy Salon and Day Spa in Cornelius, NC.
SAVVY SALON & DAY SPA
Cornelius, NC
savvysalonanddayspa.com
Pat Helmandollar
SQUARE FEET: 6,400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 35
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $38
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $40,000 to $49,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kerastase, Bumble and Bumble, Aveda
COLOR: L’Oréal Professionnel, Wella
SKIN CARE: Dermlogica, Cosmedix
NAIL CARE: CND, OPI
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce
ASSOCIATION: PBA
“Our Savvy Savings Club is inspired by the Christmas Club accounts banks used to offer. The employee contributes a set amount per pay period for 46 weeks and we make the 47th contribution. Taxes are withheld with each contribution.”

The team from Spa Nijoli & Salon in Methuen, MA.
SPA NIJOLI & SALON
Methuen, MA
nijoli.com
Nicole and David DeRosa
SQUARE FEET: 6,000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 60
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $70,000 to $79,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, Kerastase, Bumble and Bumble
COLOR: Wella
SKIN CARE: Dermalogica
NAIL CARE: OPI, Dazzle Dry, Footlogix
TECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Fetch Rev
“We hired a financial planner to oversee our IRA retirement plan and help our team to plan their retirement. We have an onsite babysitting facility that is available to team members up to two hours of care. And we pay for our team members’ parking in an adjacent lot.”

Raven Hudson, owner of Village Salon and Spa in Lewes, DE.
VILLAGE SALON AND SPA
Lewes, DE
villagesalonlewes.com
Raven Hudson
SQUARE FEET: 3,200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 25
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
AVERAGE STYLIST INCOME: $50,000 to $59,999
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, Brazilian Blowout
COLOR: Redken, Pulp Riot
SKIN CARE: Dermalogica, Farmhouse Fresh, Hydrafacial
NAIL CARE: OPI, CND, Farmhouse Fresh
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Demandforce, Salon Clouds Plus
“When a stylist level jumps, we celebrate! After hours we put a flowers and balloons at her station, and post a sign for guests to see their achievement. A picture of the stylist is posted on social media.”
Additional Honorees:
Bella Style Salon, Slidell, LA
Blo, Raleigh, NC
Fourteenjay, New York, NY
Ginger Bay Salon & Spa, St. Louis, MO
Maggie The Salon, Pembroke Pines, FL
Van Michael Salon, Sandy Springs, GA

The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!

The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!

At night, Dominic Michael Salon keeps the interior lights on, as the illuminated, eye-catching contemporary design serves as a billboard that consistently attracts new guests.

Built from the ground up, Mane 18’s design strikes a balance between an elevated experience for guests and the functionality and flow necessary for team members to perform at their best.

Andreas Hogue Salon’s recent renovation surprises visitors with the interior’s expansion of space, elevated retail area, and changing views of the restored Chicago prairie.

It's Day 10 of our SALON TODAY 200 reveals, and we've reached the end! Today, we toast the honorees in the second half of growth--the salons, spas, and barbershops that constantly strive to build stronger bottom lines, including Brandy Smith Stephens in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

On Day 9 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 reveals, a big 'Huzzah' to our first look at the salons, spas and barbershops that fueled their growth by mastering a number of best practices, including the fun team from Lavish Hair Lounge in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (P.S. The second half of Growth comes tomorrow.)

A big "Bravo!" to the salons and spas that develop strong cultures that fuel growth while retaining team members, such as Soleil Salon & Spa team in Windham, New Hampshire, who catch up reading last year's 200 issue.

We tip our hats to the salons and spas that genuinely connect with guests and strive to elevate their service, including Chenica Racine and Ricka O'Bannon, owners of C&R Beauty Bar in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hats off to the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who make education a priority for employees at every level, including Eric Fisher Salon, which hosted Educator Oscar Bond for a cutting class in Wichita, Kansas.

Today, we have two 2026 SALON TODAY 200 categories as we hail the salons that find creative ways to build client loyalty and the ones that constantly explore and embrace new technology to further their businesses, including the social-savvy team from Verde Salon Group in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

For today's SALON TODAY 200 announcements, we toast the honorees who prioritize the environment in their business decisions and those who take retail to the next level, including the excited team from Pure Salon Spa in Louisville, Kentucky.

Cheers to the SALON TODAY 200 honorees who give their time, talent and fundraising efforts to their communities, including Eli Mancha and the team from Bang! Salon, whose cut-a-thon has collected more than 1,200 coats that have been donated to Chicago's unhoused.

It's Day 1 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 announcements, and today, we raise our glasses for the honorees in the Business Builders category. These salons, including Elan Hair Studio in Spring Lake, New Jersey, took strategic risks that paid off in revenue-generating success.

It's time to celebrate the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who design rewarding career paths and seek out enriching benefits to keep their team members healthy, happy and growing, including the team from Pinup Studio in Raleigh, North Carolina, who always enjoy a good pajama party.

With a training salon, treatment rooms, education and collaboration spaces, a podcast studio and a yoga studio, BASE ONE is the foundation for the future growth of PENZONE Salons+Spas, as well as the company's gift to their community and the industry. Peruse the image gallery or take the personalized video tour led by Debra Penzone to see this exceptional space.

As our judges read those last essays and create their list of honorees in each category, we're planning to start announce the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 starting February 25.