Hey, hey! Deanna here. It’s our birthday! Milestones have a way of getting us feeling all kinds of ways. Yes, there will be cake. Yes, there will be champs. Yes, Freckles will be donning a party hat. But do you know what I am most proud of? Ok - in addition to the impeccable parade of fresh lewks leaving our salons on the daily...
I’m most proud of the legacy we are creating - while honoring our roots (No- not THOSE roots. You’re funny.)
My commitment to considering the impact of the salon’s decisions on its employees, customers, suppliers, community, and environment has led to the distinguished honor of being named North America’s FIRST ever certified B Corp Salon - while subsequently trailblazing new salon standards, which are being adopted locally and beyond.
I experienced firsthand the reality of excelling as a stylist but struggling deeply to make ends meet - or live a life that offered any promise of balance or financial rewards- as a young new talent in a high-end salon. One month in 2007 I brought in $22,000 for this previous employer, only to take home $1,500.
And this was not my story alone. As I spoke with industry peers, I learned this reality was pervasive. A reality that meant working long hours with nothing more than minimum wage to show for it. A reality that often evaded tax laws - resulting in the inability to ever apply for home or car loans - while simultaneously negatively impacting the very communities wherein salons exist. A reality that meant parents had to choose between working to make ends meet or being an active participant in their children’s lives. Health insurance, as well as short and long term disability, was never a part of the picture. And with a goal of earning just enough to make ends meet, the idea of being a breadwinner for the family was so far off, it seemed near impossible.
These realities fueled an empowering conversation with the boss of the salon I had been working for in 2007 - a conversation that angered the salon owner and subsequently left me jobless.
Jobless in the poor economic climate that was 2007/ 2008 meant one of two things. I could either sleep on my parents’ couch while using every ounce of self love to fight off the disappointment of my parents - or - I could start my own salon.
I chose to start my own salon. And with the harsh realities of the industry still pristinely fresh in my heart and on my mind, the salon I created was birthed with the driving force of creating a sustainable model that does it all differently - in order to uplift, empower, inspire, and equip its members to thrive - beyond just survive. And when they thrive, so does the community. And then the world.
The result?
A salon that is committed to growing the community while growing oneself, while putting focused and deliberate intention on what each employee, including myself, wants his/her/their imprint to be. A salon with a purpose far greater than churning out stylish locks - by ensuring that the stylists behind the chairs are living quality lives, full of balance, security, and financial freedom. In my experience, running this sustainable salon business model is simply the right thing to do; it’s the only sustainable thing to do.
So, friends. Thank you for being on this journey with us. Whether you’re with us for the amazing color treatments, flawless cuts, or exceptional artists you experience in our salons - or you’re aligned with our deeper mission, we’re SO glad you’re part of our story.
Cheers!
Deanna, owner of Ginger & Maude (formerly Ginger Salon)