Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kay Sallee, Melissa Carroll-Chmura, and Michelle Szczesny.
Mary Kay, Melissa and Michelle all rented studios at a salon suite location. Hair designers and artistic people are notoriously social, so it was no surprise that they had many common interests. While taking many classes together, having dinners, and drinks, they would talk about how cool it would be to open a salon, The MMM girls learned fast what a great brand they were creating and how much hard work it would take to grow the business!
One night Mary Kay, Melissa, and Michelle went out to dinner at a local Palatine restaurant and had parked in front of the New Providence building where Salon MMM is now located. There was a sign in the window that caught our eyes, “space available”. The building had great curb appeal, close to the train, and a fantastic downtown feel. The call was made and the Partnership was started…
Celebrating our 10 year anniversary in August, all three owners are still behind the chair accompanied by 7 Master hairstylists, a nail tech, and multiple support staff including a salon manager!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have experienced a few bumps along the way!
Salon MMM found that it is necessary to provide detailed client consultations to educate our guests on the services that would be best for them. Each client’s hair is individual and has unique challenges.
Creating a boutique salon with talented and highly educated stylists we needed to establish ourselves and our brand. Many stylists in this highly competitive market under value themselves, and do not provide or attend continuing education. We wanted to set the bar high and pride ourselves on our cumulative years of experience.
In the beginning we ran over budget and behind on time. Financing was an issue, so we had to learn how to work with what we had.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Salon MMM… – what should we know?
We specialize in creative color concepts and precision haircuts, along with salon signature manicures & pedicures as well as custom eyebrow shaping & facial waxing.
Extensions are a specialty that makes Salon MMM is exceptional. Michelle has a background as a national educator for Great Lengths Hair Extensions. Michelle, Melissa, Mary Kay, and Jessi are all certified extension experts that can customize hair to have both length, volume, and instant style change!
We serve the community by donating gift baskets to local charity organizations that our clients represent. We also on occasion work on-site providing hair services at charity events and fashion shows preparing the models for the runway.
What truly sets us apart from other salons, is that Master stylists are always looking for education to stay on trend! The Salon MMM team is passionate about what they are creating and attend classes for inspiration from top Educators from coast to coast.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Hard work and determination.
Communication and consistency.
Respect for our clients and their needs!
Where your taste matters…
Contact Info:
- Address: 49 N. Bothwell Palatine, IL 60067
- Website: www.salonmmm.com
- Phone: 847-221-2666
- Email: salonmmm@comcast.net
- Instagram: salonmmm
- Facebook: Salon MMM
- Twitter: @SalonMMM
- Yelp: Salon Mmm
- Other: Pinterest: SalonMMM07
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
