Stacey Niles is the proud owner of one of the most successful salons in downtown Kenosha, Salon Pure 5531 6th Avenue. We recently sat down for this exclusive Q&A with Stacey to learn all about her and her business Salon Pure.
Stacey: I didn’t always know this is what I wanted to do. I went to college right out of high school, because that’s what you’re “supposed” to do. I just didn’t feel content with that, so I explored my other options and ended up attending VICI Beauty Schools, an Aveda Institute in Milwaukee. I have been in the Industry since 2009, that makes it just over 13 years!
Stacey: I have always talked about the idea, even since I was in beauty school. I come from a small business family, I grew up on a dairy farm and dreamt about putting my unique touch on every detail. I like to think of it the same as welcoming someone into my home!
Stacey: Aveda products harness the power of nature and are created from pure flower and plant essences. Aveda believes that the environment should always be considered. They have never and will never test their products on animals and have recently reformulated to be completely vegan!
Q. Why did you choose Downtown for your salon? Stacey: The camaraderie of all of the small businesses. When I walk into the salon each day, I get to wave to the fellow business owners that surround us!Q. What is your role as the owner of Salon Pure?
Stacey: First and foremost, I am a hairstylist at heart! I work most hours behind the chair with clients. Besides that, I work behind the scenes doing the book keeping, orders for the salon, marketing, cleaning, hiring, and managing the stylists books. As a small business owner, my husband and I have truly become the jack of all trades!Q. How do you keep up on the latest trends in hair?
Stacey: We have a few classes per year, but mostly social media! The power of watching educational videos is amazing.Q. What is one hair trend you you wish never happened?
Stacey: The mullet! NO matter what people say, it is NOT coming back in style!!
Q. How many stylist do you have on you team?
Stacey: There are five stylists and our fabulous Salon Coordinator! We are looking to add a sixth and final stylist!
Stacey: The right person at the right time. In a salon, I believe you need a variety of experience; some new talent and some experienced talent. I also think that not only does the salon fit the stylists needs, but the stylist has to fit the salon needs! It has to be right for both parties to be successful.
Stacey: Craziest hair, or craziest client?!? We’ve had a client have to run over to Fec’s Place to go get their credit card. They had an open tab and forgot to close it before their hair appointment. I guess they were planning on resuming their adult beverage consumption after their salon visit.
Q. What services does Salon Pure offer?
Stacey: We are a full service hair salon: Men’s and women’s haircuts and color of all types!
Q. How did you come up with the name Salon Pure?
Stacey: Lots and lots of brain storming. Pure means authentic, real,
natural, and true beauty to me!
Q. What is your favorite part about being a stylist?
Stacey: The people! We talk about all the things: the happy, the sad, the exciting, the new, the devastating, the frustrating, the fabulous. I have been with some of these fabulous people for over 10 years. They have seen my at my best and worst, and I have seen them in the same. I would be nowhere without them.
Stacey: Don’t give up! It takes time to develop your skills and trust with your clients. Put in the time, and it will pay off.Q. What makes Salon Pure stand out from other salons?
Stacy: Salon Pure is a boutique salon. The atmosphere is calm, clean and inviting. Myself and the other stylists have put our blood sweat and tears into our work.Salon Pure is located at 5531 6th Ave. Kenosha, WI
Book your next appointment by calling 262-577-5114 or visiting salonpurekenosha.com
Follow Salon Pure on Facebook & Instagram
Q&A and photos by Donny Stancato
Edited by Jason Hedman
(This article first appeared in the Downtown Kenosha Magazine Vol.15 #2 – 2022)
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