"A New Do"
Local Salon Markets To Community socializing, all while looking beautiful - By Colleen Sheehy Orme
In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different, words of wisdom from Coco Chanel that grace the walls of W Salon. Owner Souny West and her sister, Sue Tang, manager/stylist, chose these words to inspire their customers. Once you have experienced this 1-year-old Burke salon, its evident that the business is following this sage advice as well.
For West, it all begins the moment you walk through the door. Its not just about the color of your roots; its how we make you feel internally, says West. We focus on making women feel beautiful. I think if you are able to relax your mind than the external will follow.
Tang speaks about creating the Steel Magnolia experience. I wanted to make it more like your best friends salon a place that is cozy, warm and welcoming. Some of our customers will hang out here for hours.
A juxtaposition of tan and lime green, and warmth-meets-modern-meets-eclectic, there does seem to exist the serenity that West strives for and the warmth that Tang desires. A sort of yoga beauty mixed with a joyful, hip and happening energy that can almost be felt tangibly.
Wests business background and Tangs stylist background complement one another. They have identified exactly how their business is different and are marketing toward that uniqueness. Instead of creating a salon where one goes just for service, they have created a lingering vibe similar to a community coffee shop.
This is a little eclectic neighborhood place, where people can come and be themselves, says stylist Michelle Davis.
The stylists are all unmistakably unique, yet united by black attire. All seeming to possess the same combination of internal and external beauty that West and Tang have sought to provide to their clients.
I think they want us to be individuals. We all have our own individual look, our own personality, and we all specialize in something different, says stylist Tori Cahill. I love it. These people are wonderful to work for, says Jean Puccio, stylist and former owner of the salon.
W Salon offers a wide range of services: haircuts, coloring, make-up, massages, etc. I think any type of client can walk in the door. We have curly hair specialists, long hair specialists, whatever your texture or length, says stylist Megan Mosig.
There are upscale touches of personalization such as signature cupcakes, lengthy massages while color sets in, refreshments and free Wi-Fi. The salon is also thoroughly modern, utilizing social media with Facebook, a blog and how-to YouTube videos such as, Five-Minute Up-dos.
They have reached out to the community in clever and engaging ways. They offered complimentary hair and make-up for the Robinson High School Prom. There was a teacher appreciation event where teachers were pampered with free massages, swag bags, games, free services, signature cupcakes and sandwiches. And free haircuts were offered to the fire department. West and Tang might well be considered Burkes fairy godmothers.
I feel like this is my event hall, laughs West.
W salon has elevated marketing to its highest level which is speaking to the community and offering a value in that message. You dont just go to the coffee shop to buy the coffee. You go for the experience. You dont just go to W Salon to color your roots. You go because in the traditionally external beauty industry they have a captivating approach to internal beauty as well. And you choose to stay a while.
Choosing A Hair Salon
- Is the salon clean and fresh? This may be an indicator of whether or not the salon is keeping up with the latest styles, advances and trends in hair care.
- Do the stylists look professional and take pride in their appearance, another indicator of keeping up with styles/trends?
- Do the stylists attend personnel training?
- Is the entire staff attentive to customer care? Do they make the client feel comfortable and welcome?
- Does the stylist listen to the client and communicate well?
- Is the salon within your preferred budget?
- Does the salon offer consultations to ensure a meeting with stylists before undergoing services?
Source: rosaceaewhitepaper.com/guide-on-choosing-a-hair-salon
The W Salon
6025 Burke Center Parkway, Burke, VA 22015
703-250-0800; info_wsalonva.com; www.wsalonva.com
