Most people get an education at a reputable business school and then armed with knowledge go out and make their way. In my case it was more of the “School of hard knocks” and “Learn as you earn” kind of philosophy. Some of the lessons where expensive ones and if you asked me, I have paid as much on my education than if I had gone to Berkeley, UCSF, or Stanford.

Having been a salon owner for 5 years the learning curve is much more fun now. However, some things where right out “painful” to learn. Like numbers for example! It took me 3 years to even look at them. Early on, I knew we where in the red. I felt like I was failing! So, in my mind if I did not look at the numbers, I could not be such a failure.

Marketing is another example of not understanding what or why things work. I would love to have the money I have spent on advertising and marketing alone. Then there are contracts, leases to negotiate, endless red tape so the government can keep track of you, problem solving, people skills, and so on. Being a more creative mind, hair-cutting, hair-coloring, party hair. blow-outs, make-up, etc… are super fun for me and super easy. It’s like playing with life-size dolls all day and hanging out with your friends gossiping and having fun. They talk about the right brain, left brain abilities and I have to say there is something to that. Being creative is fun, painless, and exciting. Business on the other hand was a learned skill for me.

After 5 years, I feel much more capable using both sides of my brain…LOL. We are moving full steam forward and remodeling the salon this week for a bigger better Red Union Salon! It takes a lot to keep being “The Best Hair Salon in San Francisco”. We attend hair classes all over the world to keep our skill set fresh. We also have in-house product knowledge classes at least every 3 months ensuring that our stylists are “the best at hair in the bay area”. They do everything with hair from Hair-styling, Hair-cutting, Hair-coloring, Corrective Color, Hi-lights, Low-lights, Party Hair, Perms, Relaxers, Party Styles, Extensions, Weddings, Make-up etc.

I have always felt that art, fashion and music are all part of the whole picture. We have a rotating Art Gallery with Art Openings every other month. I am looking forward to also bringing in the fashion and music in the very near future. Keep your eyes pealed and if you’re in the neighborhood check out our new remodel.

Happy New Year 2009 to everyone and thanks for helping make our hair salon what it is today.

–Erika

Four months ago Red Union Salon had a staff meeting with Joan Hangarter from Miracle Makers Club and Cheryl Stokes from Delphi Tree. The purpose of this meeting was to change our energy in the salon and create some miracles. The meeting blew my mind. There where so many “miracles” in the salon daily it was hard to believe.

Red Union Salon had been in business for 5 years and we needed to fall in love with the Salon all over again. Not to mention it was time to take the salon to the “next level”. What was the next level you ask? We have been getting the salon ready for “Critical Mass” for the past year and a half. To achieve that, we implemented an online booking service, “Appointment-Plus” as well as an answering service, Pat Live both booking appointments 24/7. Kevin Edwards, our webmaster, has also had a very strong impact of achieving our goal by rebuilding us an amazing website 4 months ago - and when it comes to SEO and website optimization “master” would be an understatement.

So, while everyone is screaming “The sky is falling!”, I am happy to report we are going stronger than ever imaginable. Red Union Salon’s business has increased 30% in the last 4 months all thanks to these wonderful folks and their outstanding abilities. At this rate “Critical Mass” is only months away and we are very excited!

First Prize was swept away by two thirds of the votes. “Marie Antoinette”
who was actually be-headed in real life. A very fitting candidate for a
severed head contest. She was done by Loren Laughlin from Miss Marty’s
School of Beauty. Loren received a 200.00 Dollar cash prize.

Second Prize was taken by Kate Dewald who entered “Beauty School Drop-out”. We all know and remember “Grease”. This girl is an amazing talent and will not go back to High School! Kate received a 100.00 dollar cash prize.

Third Prize went to Tim Hutton who did Abandon a very majestic biblical figure. Tim, a very talented stylists who knows his worth was the only one to price his exhibition like a true artist.

Some other serious contenders where “Medusa” done by Pasha Smith came in 4th by only 2 votes with Zenzie’s School of Beauty who swept up 2nd, 3rd and 4th. “Siamese Twins” by Emmazing with San Francisco Institute of Aesthetics and Cosmetology. “A Tribute to Madonna” for all you Madonna/Fetish fans.

Fun was had by all and certainly got everyone into the Halloween Spirit. Perhaps we’ll extent the contest to all “Hair Salons” in the Bay Area next year!

Come and Vote:
Voting will close on October 30th 8:00 PM. Winners will be announced on Halloween!
Who is eligible to vote? Our clients, the public & San Francisco Hair Salons.

Prizes:
1st Prize 200.00
2nd Prize 100.00
3rd Prize 50.00

Participating Schools:
San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology
Cinta Aveda Institute
Miss Marty’s School of Beauty
Zenzi’s

Being a new stylist at the time it was a bit challenging however. Many of the colors where “Hot!” - in the industry meaning on the “unnatural” side. Punk was in then. However if you where not a “punker” and did not want screaming bright hair, it was definitely a problem. So, when Redken came out with Shades EQ, I fell in love. We use Shades EQ in the salon now and it is “perfection every time”. We still also use Sebastian and love it too. Of course it’s not scary any more since we are all seasoned colorists & stylists now.

For more information, be sure to check out the Do You Shades EQ website.

Do you shades EQ - Celebrating 20 Years of Inspiration
Stylists around the world depend on its gentle, no-lift formula to glaze refresh and correct. With every Shades EQ service, they know their clients will end up with healthy, shiny, amazing color. What else would you expect from the “haircolor that thinks it’s a conditioner”.

An Inspiring Future
20 years later, that excitement hasn’t faded one bit. Now, with more than 50 shades in 16 tonal families, there’s simply no limit to the possibilities. No wonder stylists vote Shades EQ the #1 long-lasting, no ammonia, demi-permanent haircolor year after year.
-Ann Mincey,
Vice President, Redken Global Communications
Favorite Shades EQ Shades: 06AABonfire and 06R Rocket Fire

Amy Sherman is a really interesting woman, and we would love to do something with her hair if she gave us a chance.

Her bottom line, “These items are very effective and useful for creating the styles for which they are designed“, is really important. All of our stylists at Red Union Salon receive extensive training from our vendors and have many years of experience using products, like those from Redken, for achieving optimum results for our customers.