Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Nelson and Maryrose Gonzales.
Erin and Maryrose, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We started in 2012 by chance honestly. I took over a small failing salon and turned it around with the help of Mary Rose who at the time was a manager for the salon, and of course, my team. Mary Rose quickly became more than just a manager, she became my business partner. I definitely couldn’t do it without her. We wanted to create a space that was inclusive. A space that was more than just a salon. We knew we had to find a way to stand out in a sea of salons in Chicago. It started with customer service being our number one concern and of course making sure we are putting out the best hair possible. We have had a gender-neutral pricing structure for a couple of years now and that is a huge deal for so many reasons. Hair has no gender, so our prices needed to reflect that. Our values are strong and clear. We only carry independently owned and operated brands, brands that are cruelty-free, and sustainable. We are a green circle salon which means we are a 95% waste-free operation. Green circle is the only salon industry recycling program. We recycle everything from the over mixed chemicals, the hair, and our foils! Basically, there are only a few things that we can’t recycle! We are more than a team at Fix, we are a family. We have gotten where we are today by being humble, no bad attitudes, no egos.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like any business, there are ups and downs. However, I must say, the stars have aligned for Fix Hair Studio. The ups have by far outweighed the downs. The hardest part for me personally was learning how to be a leader. How to ride the line between friendships and business relationships. I went from being a busy stylist behind the chair to being that and a salon owner. So, finding that balance is something I had to work on and continue to work on.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Fix Hair Studio – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m most proud of what we represent. Which is the people. We’ve created a space where our clients feel comfortable to be their true selves. Our space has an energy about it that makes you feel welcomed from the moment you walk through that door. We are also proud to be a green circle salon. We are of the first 1% to be a part of the green circle salon movement and we hope more salons will look into this option for waste diversion at a level that really makes a difference. Our industry sends over 400,000 lbs A DAY to landfills. Most of which will never break down. Did you know that hair does not ever break down in landfills? In turn, it actually mummifies and released methane gas into our atmosphere. We put over 108,000 lbs of hair into the landfills a day as an industry. We are proud to be a part of the solution and no longer the problem. I have a lot of time to make up for. I spent the first 16 years of my career not recycling a single thing at any salon I’ve worked at. So happy that is behind me now!
We specialize in custom cuts and colors tailored to every person, blondes and metallics, pastel colors, color corrections, curly hair, short hair, and creative cuts and colors. We take pride in our consultations being thorough, we start every service this way.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We look forward to having the privilege to serve our wonderful clients. We plan to continue to do so with pride and integrity. With the utmost respect for everyone who enters our space. I hope to someday have a little more space, but we plan on being a Chicago staple.
We are officially a non toxic, clean air salon. I believe we are the first of its kind in Chicago. Our color line is ammonia free and over 70% cleaner than traditional color. Our retail products are all completely non toxic. No synthetic fragrances or chemicals what so ever. No endocrine system disrupters. We believe that beauty does not have to come at the price of our health or the environment.
Pricing:
Contact Info:
- Address: 952 w Newport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
- Website: www.fixhairchicago.com
- Phone: 7735432291
- Email: fixhairchicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: @fix.hair.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fixhairchicago
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