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Hernando Today

Chic culture in Spring Hill

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By JODY BOWES

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: July 28, 2010

SPRING HILL - As the Paul Mitchell culture celebrates 30 years of success, their newest Focus Salon is determined to be the superlative example of what that culture represents: Professionalism, a hair experience and giving back.

A "Focus Salon" carries only Paul Mitchell products, with employees trained to provide expert product recommendations. Owner Steve Fleming says he's taken that to the next level by hiring only Paul Mitchell trained and educated professionals. "A Paul Mitchell education costs about $16,000," Fleming explained, "as opposed to $3,000 or $4,000 for cosmetology school."

Salon 427 opened in March. Fleming and artistic director Christie Brill have paid meticulous attention to detail to ensure that layout, lingo and lifestyle are in sync with the Paul Mitchell culture the staff embraces.

"You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything," Fleming said.

The salon features customized styling and colorizing experiences; paraffin hand dips; eyebrow waxing and threading; scalp, face, neck and shoulder massage; a complimentary beverage menu of infused water, wine and beer; and most importantly according to Fleming and Brill, a bevy of relaxed, happy, repeat guests.

"It's not just about hair, it's about the hair experience you get with us," Brill explained. "We ensure each guest enjoys their time rather than just getting them in and pushing them out. We comfort and pamper them, so their time and money are well spent."

Brill said men also like to be pampered, "they just don't tell you."

Returning customer Donnie Denby of Spring Hill summed-up his Friday morning experience: "I've had a migraine since Monday. It's gone. I'm not kidding." Denby's scalp and face massage were part of that day's "T3" and "Flashback" experiences. "Flashback" hair dying promises to "take off 10 years in 10 minutes for $10."

T3 starts with a tea tree exfoliating hair and scalp treatment, shampoo and conditioner. Next, steamed towels are placed on the scalp and face, with a dab of aromatherapy under the nose, followed by a scalp and facial massage. "It relaxes the guest, who is allowed time to enjoy the experience," said Brill.

Denby said his new hair color was just right. "That little thing you do can really make someone's day," added Margaret Northup.

Working at Salon 427 keeps them inspired. "Everything's celebrated, not intimidated," said Northup.

Fleming said they're especially proud of their rising star Jillian Gray. Currently shadowing their seasoned professionals, he said Gray brings a lot of energy to the business and is also very active with local charities.

Salon 427 professionals help with Haircuts for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, and other local charity drives. They're looking for more homeless support programs that could use their services. The Paul Mitchell website ( www.paulmitchell.com) has information about their culture and charities, which have raised more than $4.6 million in the past seven years.

Upbeat contemporary music fills most of Salon 427. A concierge offers customers a beverage and makes them comfortable. "Our idea is to embrace you like you're in our own home," said Fleming.

The lounge area includes the product "fashion library" and recycle bar, where customers' empty bottles are refilled for half price.

Salon dialog reiterates Paul Mitchell professionalism. They say, "take home" instead of "product" or "retail." Customers are "salon guests." Appointments are "reservations." Stylists are "professionals" whose stations are "design centers." A "problem" is a "challenge" and rules or policies are "systems for success."

"When we change the way we speak, we change the way we think," said Fleming.

Brill opened a design center drawer to show freshly wrapped brushes and combs, explaining, "Everything is cleaned, sanitized and wrapped before touching another guest. Capes, too. It cuts down on allergic reactions and germs."

One wall holds the color bar. "We don't mix color in some hidden room out back. You know what you're getting," said Brill. "We have a plethora of colors, from a whisper to a scream."

At the styling tool bar, guests get "hands on" with irons and dryers. "When choosing a style, we discuss what maintenance you're willing to do to," Brill stated. "We put the tools in your hands. Also, if a pro tools malfunctions we return it for you, and give you a new one the same day."

Privacy, hushed voices, candles and soft music are the order of the day in the "wash house." Professionals wrap guests in warm towels, giving scalp and light facial massages, or threading or waxing eyebrows. It's also where men's color is applied.

Brill, who previously worked for international platform artist Mikel Sandoval, said they take time to understand what a guest really wants, and explain whether a particular concept can be achieved. "A style doesn't always work the way you think it will," she said.

Most of Salon 427's professionals attended last week's annual Paul Mitchell Signature Gathering in Las Vegas. Brill said, "Over 2,000 stylists get educated on the latest and greatest information."

Fleming said, "We're fashion-forward. We keep up with trends, so we can give that to our guests." Every two weeks a national educator conducts mandatory continuing education. They also do continuous drills and skill challenges.

"It's teaching of artistry," said styling pro Medina Spreco, who has the Paul Mitchell logo tattooed on her foot. "I love the Paul Mitchell culture."

Fleming oversees product sales for more than 100 Paul Mitchell salons. Hernando County has five other Focus Salons, all in Spring Hill: Wild Orchid Design Studio, Oceans Jewel Hair Boutique Inc., Jenny's Haircut, Mirage Hair Studio, Inc., and Banz, Etc. All employ experienced stylists, although not all are Paul Mitchell trained and educated.

Of his professionals, Fleming said, "I'm grooming entrepreneurs to be business owners," adding he'll probably open another salon within the next six to eight months.

Wild Orchid manager Angela Boice said Fleming has been "an immense help" to their salon: "I can't say enough good stuff about him and his whole team. We visited Salon 427. It's awesome. In the Paul Mitchell culture, no one's really competitive. There are no egos. We work together as a team, even among the other shops. We love all our fellow Paul Mitchell salons."

Salon 427 is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. While "new opportunities" are warmly welcomed, reservations are recommended. Pricing is tiered by levels of service. Normal price point for haircuts is $18-$25.

A grand opening is planned for sometime in late fall. Watch their website (currently under development) for announcements.

BIZ AT A GLANCE

Name: Salon 427

Location: 7239 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill

Telephone: 352-684-4444

E-mail: Steve@salon427.com

Website: www.salon427.com

Jody Bowes writes regularly for Hernando Today. She lives in Spring Hill and can be reached at JBowesHernando@aol.com.

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