Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Agresta.
Hi Allison, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was the first female born in my family in 40 years. As a child, I was exposed to beauty and fashion very young. I started going to Ladies and Gentlemen salon at the age of four very frequently. Ladies and Gentlemen was a local high-end salon located in Mentor, Ohio. It was an Aveda Lifestyle Salon. Aveda is a 93% natural, environmentally friendly beauty company. When I was nine, my parents divorced which resulted in making it more financially challenging for my Mom to take me to the salon. Although these visits became less frequent, some of my finest childhood memories were receiving the “Aveda experience”. At the young age of 16, I started my journey in the beauty industry attending Cosmetology school while still in high school. Immediately after graduation, I became licensed and started working at Ladies and Gentlemen, the same salon who inspired my career. Shortly after beginning my career, I was involved in a severe car accident and underwent physical therapy for two years. The doctors weren’t sure that I could continue my career as a Hairstylist. During that time, I became a salon manager in training for two years where I developed a passion for salon leadership. I completed my therapy with very few physical challenges and began my hairstyling career. After relocating to Orlando, Florida I continued my career working in Aveda salons. I also became an educator at the Aveda Institute in Orlando teaching Cosmetology students. In 2015, an opportunity presented itself where I was able to purchase an Aveda salon. I took out multiple loans to make my initial purchase and began my new journey in salon leadership and ownership. I believe in treating my staff with dignity and respect while creating a clear path for growth within our organization.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Everyday creates new challenges as a business owner. As an organization, we may try something new and quickly determine we have to change. You have to be innovative, hard working, and willing to take on any challenge. In addition, you have to find new ways to engage your team and your salon guests. There has been no greater challenge than the year 2020. Fortunately, I have had continued support from the Aveda network while navigating the pandemic. Our guests have been supportive and we follow very strict sanitation guidelines provided by the CDC. Our team sanitizes between each guest in addition to wearing face coverings during their entire shift. I believe our salon has done an amazing job adapting to the new normal.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Grove Salon, we strive to provide impeccable service. We care for our guests and the planet. Because of this, we use 93% naturally derived ingredients. Aveda products assist our team in creating beauty while utilizing a holistic approach through wellness. You will depart our establishment feeling renewed, revived, and beautiful.
Pricing:
- Womens Haircut $35-$80
- Mens Haircut $25-$45
- Full Highlights starting at $95
- Single process starting at $60
- Shampoo and Style starting at $30
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@grovesalons.com
- Website: www.grovesalons.com
- Instagram: @grovesalons
- Facebook: Grove Salon
Image Credits
Allison Agresta
