Many of my clients already know this, but I have been going through a major life transition. After 8 great years at E*Clips I finally took that step and am venturing out on my own. About 6 years ago I read an magazine article (Elle? Allure? Bazaar?) where various "Beauty Reporters" went to different salons around New York and wrote in depth about the experience and what values they perceived at the various price points. One of the highest price points ($800 for a day of beauty) jumped out at me (but don't get scared dear clients... we live in Seattle not New York lol).
The writer of the article explained she came to this woman's space which felt very much like a condo in an upscale building. She was listened to, and the stylist assessed her needs and gave various treatments, did a cut and color as well as an intensive conditioning treatment and treated the time they were together like a special time to just focus on that young writers beauty concerns. This writer was quite effusive in the article about how thoroughly happy she was with her experience.
The seed of my dream was borne.
Whenever I thought of what I wanted to do, it had to feel it understated and customer focused with a lot of glamour and elegance. Reading that article resonated with me on a deep level. One woman's private sanctuary, as well as her skill and expertise as a stylist, shared with her clients. It had my name written all over it!
When my husband and I found our house two years ago with the mother-in-law (a separate apartment) built into it, it was one of the major reasons I fell in love with it. I immediately saw myself and my clients in lovely little sanctuary where I could provide them with all the love and attention to detail (ok obsession) I have for doing hair! It's not a Soho loft.. but it's an exclusive environment I get to share with my dear and wonderful clients doing what I really love: hair!
I have been so fortunate to have so many wonderful people in my life who have helped make this dream a reality and I'd like to get a little sappy here and thank them.. and any one I leave off this list, you know I'm grateful to you too!
Josephine Morales, thank you for eight wonderful years of friendship and a wonderful salon environment to build the foundation of my business around.
Ross Taylor, thank you for being a wonderful friend over the years and lending your services on my Logo, signage and graphic design work.
John Higgenbottom, thank you for making order in our house when there would otherwise be chaos.
Chris Shroyer (CLS Renovations), thank you for all your help and input in the build out.. anyone looking for a contractor I can't recommend him highly enough.
(You!) My fantastic clients, thank you for coming back over the years and for those of you who I've already seen in the new space, thank you for being understanding about a little bumpiness in the transition. For those of you I've yet to see.. I know you are going to love it!
And last but not least, my amazing husband, who always has faith in me. How did I get so lucky?
So... if you've taken the time to read through all that. Here's the nitty gritty:
My last official day at E*Clips was March 31, though I have been taking some of you in the new space. I didn't mention anything to you all while the build out was happening because it's not a good vibe to put out for everyone at E*Clips so Josephine and I agreed I would just put out an announcement after I was officially done there.
I was hoping to have an official opening on April 1 but I still have some furniture and stuff that's being delivered so the official opening will be May 1, 2014.
I probably have more news to share with you on various little things but for right now I think that's all I can think of to "Officially" announce my new venture.. oh and btw, I've been working like a fiend on my website and it may or may not be up by the time you read this but it's: www.studiothreehairsalon.com
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