Lakefront Salon & Spa

While in cosmetology school, Lakefront Salon and Spa owner Dianna was told by her instructor she had what it takes to be a salon owner. She focused on hair, bookkeeping, and how to build the business. Dianna’s journey began in 1985 when she purchased a building and started a 1200 sq. ft. 3-chair salon, soon growing that number to six chairs. In 2022, Dianna purchased and renovated a 3000 sq. ft. building in downtown Michigan City, just steps away from local shops and restaurants. Over the years, Dianna has grown the business by staying connected to the community. She does this by participating in events like First Friday Walks (a regular event promoting local businesses) and attending local Chamber events. Partnering with local stores and restaurants has allowed Dianna to sell more products and grow a large clientele.

Lakefront Salon and Spa expands their current clients’ services and brings in new clients by offering complimentary services to guests that they have never experienced before, like a brow wax, paraffin dip, or conditioning treatments for hair and skincare. Lakefront also specializes in holidays - starting the holiday season on Nov. 1, creating custom baskets for clients upon request and in the salon to add an extra spice to

every holiday season.

Dianna works behind the chair and manages the inventory, education, social media, website, bookkeeping, and payroll. Dianna has assembled a long-time team with three stylists: Jill, Heidi, and Kim. The team is focused on work-life balance, understanding that family life comes first. Dianna and her team hire together. It is essential to find people everyone enjoys working with and has similar interests as the team. One of her team’s favorite interview questions is, “What do you like to do outside the salon?” This helps them uncover and find those similarities.

Lakefront Salon and Spa has built long-lasting relationships throughout the industry. They have partnered with

ManocoBlue for over 30 years, since 1985! Dianna says she has always had the opportunity to work with amazing salon consultants from Malys @Manocoblue. Through this lasting relationship, she has worked with the owners, including all three generations, founder Ken Maly, current owner and President Michael K. Maly, and his sons!

Lakefront Salon and Spa is proud to be a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon. Dianna feels that Paul Mitchell offers high quality products with something for everyone. She stays focused on continuous improvement, following trends, and prioritizing ongoing education. Dianna has had numerous opportunities to meet with industry leaders, such as John Paul DeJoria and Angus Mitchell of John Paul Mitchell Systems. She has received advice from both on how to keep her salon evolving with the latest trends.

The name Lakefront Salon and Spa came from the local Lakefront Art Festival. The salon began as Lakefront Hairwaves and eventually evolved into Lakefront Salon and Spa. The unique logo is the face outlines of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Grace Jones. It was designed by a Chicago illustrator, Slug Signorino. The Lakefront

Salon and Spa team’s statement to their guests is to provide them with “Service Beyond Their Expectations.” The company has empowered her to succeed Beyond her Expectations.