Meet Paul Chambers of Paul Chambers Salon in South loop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Chambers.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Paul. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
22 years ago I was aspiring down a career path to become a buyer for a fortune 200 company I worked at. However it didn’t happen I was unfairly release from the company. This moved me to look into a different industry for job security and growth. I thought I would enter barber school to get my start in the beauty industry , The waiting list for the barber schools I wanted to enroll in were too long of a wait, I was on unemployment for only 6 months I had to move quickly so I enrolled into Truman Cosmetology. This was a pivotal decision I made that would literally change my destiny from being a barber to becoming a hairdresser. I never envision myself as a Master Colorist/Haircutter only a barber at that time in my life However I fell in love with cosmetology but I worked part-time after school in a barber salon to learn how to clipper cut men’s hair. Upon graduation immediately worked for a year at well-known hair cutting chain. This laid the foundation for me understanding how to service different cultures and understanding a variety of textures. After a year I transition to Elizabeth Arden salon formerly located in the Carson Piree Scott building on State Street. I worked there for 2 1/2 years met my wonderful wife and soon to be business partner. My wife Wendy was already a salon owner of the Kuttin Ege’ Salon located 55 E Washington across the street formally known Marshall Fields. So we decided join together to renovate and expand the Kuttin Ege” Salon instead of opening second location. This would prove to be another pivotal decision that would eventually allow us to seize a future opportunity to move the salon to a store front level of Visibility in a prime real estate location and demographic. During our time at the 55 E Washington location I began to form important relationships with product manufacturers and distributors. We began being invited to do 15 minute radio spots on hair care. Along with write up articles in the local newspapers talking about the latest trends! When decided not to opt in extending our lease we move to the south loop 332 S Michigan ave Building. It was a new era for us in expanding our clientele and upstart of our in house education for salon professionals and internships. This is when I also began collaborated with photographers and traveled around the globe with brand companies to bring high quality education and editorial work to fellow professionals. Time expired on our lease and it was time to move once again but rebranding and renaming the salon to Paul Chambers Salon became significant because of the expanded influence and location we were about to move into. The storefront location at the Chicago Club is where high profile politicians, club members, business executives and lawyers frequent us for their hair services.

Each move open up a new season for our careers and face of the business. This year we have embarked upon launching our International hair care line in the fall in which we have been giving it a test run with our clients for 2 yrs. All I can say is be patient but keep growing never stay comfortable change is inevitable. Education, customer service and networking is been a constant in our success staying relevant to our clients and our industry!

Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worthwhile ever goes smoothly! You have to take them as stepping stones to your path of achieving your goals. When we decided to start out in house education in training future talent to work at our salon. We had some people never to come back to work once they had 4 to 6 months of our advance training. What did we do we adjusted our hiring program to filter out those who don’t fit in our educational culture. We know if we decided to quit after an interns took off unexpectedly we wouldn’t be available for those who are looking for a salon who willing to mentor and train to become the professional creative stylist who is in demand for their services!

Lastly I decided to become an American Board Certified Colorist its only 2000 of us in the US. I passed the written and case history exams but failed the practical 2 times but my third time was charm, you can’t give up because someone on the other side is waiting for you to share your encouragement, knowledge and hope.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Paul Chambers Salon – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We service clients from around the world in hair care, color and cutting! We know culture, texture and design in how it relates to the individual. Clients love our customer service this is where our passion lives to serve and bring out the best in clients! Lastly we understand how science plays an important role in our hair care products to helps us facilitate beautiful heads of hair on a consistent basis, this is what we are known for.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago attracts cultures from around to world I love the tourist action we get in Chicago, I love the art, food and music that is promoted especially in the summer when the city comes alive. The architecture in our city is very inspiring. I am not pleased with violence that escalates in the summer time here in Chicago. This issue is not too big to tackle in our city. We need all hands on deck to reduce the violence we have in our city!

Contact Info:

• Address: 75 E Van Buren
  Chicago, Ill 60605
• Website: PaulChamberSalon.com
• Phone: 3129223560
• Email: paul@paulchamberssalon.com
• Instagram: PaulChamberssalon
• Facebook: Paul Chamberssalon

Image Credit:
Photographer Jean Sweet
Makeup Jean Sweet
Stylist Jean Sweet
Makeup Krystyn Johnson

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.