Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Vannoy.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Allison. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started in the beauty industry in my very early 20’s in New York. I began with Aveda, working as a part-time holiday retail support staff at the 5th Avenue location. I then joined the management team as the Front Desk Team Leader for the West Broadway and Spring Street salon and spas. Oscar Bond had recently left the creative team of Aveda to open his own salon, Oscar Bond Salon, with his wife Wendy.
I joined Oscar and Wendy, doing a little bit of everything. I split my time working in the salon, assisting Oscar and Wendy with media outreach as well as working as the administrator for the Mackinder Bond Academy with Oscar and Vivienne Mackinder. I also did personal assistant work for Vivienne. It was a hodge-podge of duties that gave me a pretty wide skill set in the industry. After a few years, I moved to Chicago. I have now been with Joseph Michael’s Salon and Spa for 15 years. I am the General Manager (and HR Team, insurance and 401K Administrator, Graphic Designer, Social Media Director, support staff “support” and maintenance crew, at times.) I guess I never shook the role of wearing many hats and thrive on having a lot going on. It keeps the days full and my mind fuller.
Quite honestly, as the GM of a small, but thriving, business, there is no other option. Joseph Michael’s is going into our 28th year of business with no signs of letting up. We are a leader in the Chicago salon and spa world, with a reputation of the highest quality work, products and an unmatched level of customer service. That is a reputation that is, surprisingly, both incredibly easy, and very challenging, to maintain.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Leaving New York was more difficult than I thought it would be. I didn’t appreciate the breadth of opportunity there was for me there. My sister got me the first job at Aveda and I kind of fell into a management role fairly quickly. My roommate at the time was a stylist at Aveda and was recruited by Oscar. So, I kind of fell into that opportunity, as well. I got to meet, and work with, some very influential people with both Aveda and more directly with both Oscar and Wendy Bond and Vivienne Mackinder. I have wondered how far I could have gone with Aveda, had I stayed.
Considering I was 22 or 23 years old, living in New York and there at the time that Estee Lauder was just coming in and taking charge, I think it was a prime time to be in the position I was. But, everything happens for a reason. I cam to Chicago and found Joseph Michael’s. I am able to work in the industry I love. I have a sense of security in my position. I work directly with the people whose lives my decisions as a General Manager affect, keeping me accountable and focused on doing what’s right. In March of 2010, Joseph Michael’s moved locations after 20 years. That was a scary and exciting time. I learned a lot!
We essentially opened a new business but had a built-in clientele. There were long hours, stress and fear. We’ve made it through the recession with a non-essential luxury product, we made it through the move and we will make it through whatever the next hurdle may be.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Joseph Michael’s Salon and Spa – what should we know?
Joseph Michael’s Salon and Spa opened in 1989 on Chicago’s famous State Street. We are among a handful of salons that helped shape and mold the Chicago salon and spa standard. An article, years ago, in Harpers Bazaar, described as unpretentious and “the most comfortable salon environment” in Chicago. That line has stuck with us all these years and has helped guide our culture and our staff. You have to offer more than a great haircut or perfect manicure.
As society grows further and further from the need for face to face interaction for most everything, we are one of the few places that people come to enjoy the one-on-one, physical experience that our computers just can’t give us. So, that social experience has to count. To that end, we strive to be unpretentious and comfortable… while still providing the best services, products and customer service we can.
We are proud to carry only the most exclusive lines in hair and skin care. As a L’Oreal Exclusive salon, we offer Kérastase and Shu Uemura. Most recently, we brought in PCA Skin® that has completely revolutionized our spa services.
It’s hard to stand out in a large market like Chicago. There are so many of us offering the same things, and doing them really well. All we can do is be as genuine with what we do as we can. Luckily, there are enough men and women who still need (and want) to be beautiful and pampered that we can all share in the experience.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My strongest (and longest) advocates have been the owners of Joseph Michael’s, Paul Odroniec and Keith Myatt. I would also say that everyone I’ve worked with has played a part in supporting me. Even the negative experiences and failures. In fact, those are probably more impactful than the highlights because they made me either step up to the plate or make the fall and have to recover. I often say that it’s almost better to make the mistake and get it out of the way and move on.
Pricing:
- Women’s Haircuts $55-$130
- Men’s Haircuts $45-$130
- Color and Highlights $75+
- Manicures $24-$45
- Pedicure $53
- PCA Peel® $150+
- Facials $110-$175+
- Massage $95+
Contact Info:
- Address: 1313 N Ritchie Court Chicago, IL 60610
- Website: www.mychicagosalon.com
- Phone: 312-482-9800
- Email: allison@josephmichaels.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mychicagosalon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josephmichaelssalon/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/joseph-michaels-salon-and-spa-chicago
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