The Fringe Parlor | Salon Spotlight
Lauren has the hair industry running through her veins - literally. Growing up, Lauren’s mother
was a hairstylist, so she spent lots of time within the salon. At a young age, she started
sweeping hair, then working as a receptionist at a salon called Rumorz when she was fifteen, all
before starting hair school in high school when she was 19 years old. She worked at two
commission salons during her career before she began feeling burnt out and began looking for
a change. Fun fact about Lauren - she had no interest in owning her own salon - but after
chatting with her husband one evening, they decided it was time for her to create a space where
she could reignite her passion. Rumorz, the salon she worked at as a teen, was vacant and they
began plans to restructure.The design ideas came from a concept created for an addition on
their home. She took the colors and ideas and made it work for the salon. After lots of hard work
and help from friends, the Fringe Parlor was born, after only 4 months from the time they
acquired the keys to when they first opened the doors to the public.
Fringe Parlor mission statement:
Our team of creative stylists strive to achieve excellence. We continually improve our
artistry to enrich and nourish our clients' experience. Our primary focus is quality service
through listening & attention to detail in order to tailor to your needs. We are committed
to being a fun and positive influence on our community while providing rewarding
contributions.
Lauren’s goal is to create a fun environment where her stylists can grow and make money while
expressing their unique personalities. The Fringe Parlor focuses on creating a fun, healthy,
non-toxic environment. All commission stylists set their own schedule and pricing, with no dress
code. Placing responsibility on her individual stylists creates a drama-free environment for
everyone to grow individually. This process has been a learning experience for everyone, but
the stylist always comes first, no matter what. Christmas bonuses and yearly meetings also
keep the appeal within her salon, helping stylists see their achievements and create their goals
for the upcoming year.
Lauren also runs an apprenticeship program with a minimum of three-month assisting program.
She started the program when a young stylist reached out looking for the program, and she
couldn't turn them away. Since education is important throughout her salon, it is a win-win for all
stylists to teach the apprentice, and in return the apprentice helps out around the salon. The
Fringe Parlor consists of 10 chairs, 8 stylists, 1 apprentice, 1 assistant, and 4 front desk
employees. Lauren enforces a three-month assisting for all new stylists to ensure that they are
the right fit for each other, and she loves getting stylists fresh out of school. Lauren exclaimed
her thankfulness for each stylist as they all bring different talents to the table, including
extensions, corrective color, and fashion color.
Davines, evo, and ColorWow can all be found at the Fringe Parlor. Brenda, their sales rep.,
walked into their salon when it was newly opened not knowing the owner was someone she had
known previously through her other salons. Brenda helped the Fringe Parlor team find brands
that would support them through the salon. Many of their clients buy products regularly through
recommendation, education, and their awesome loyalty program! Most products are clean
European standard products, and they offer online booking, texting, and purchasing products via
affiliate link which supports their salon.
The team focuses together on education. They strive for 2-3 in-house classes per year and at
least one travel class. Team bonding is extremely important. They are attending The Wow
Factor with Chris Appleton in Cleveland in May and renting an airbnb. If you haven't already, be
sure to get your tickets!
Advice to stylists: Know what works and what doesn't. Find your likes and don't likes and
constantly evolve. Remember to always have fun with work.