Miranda Fenley first bought The Loft Salon in 2014, bringing nearly two decades of experience and comfortability to work alone.
Fenley’s business model has centered around one thing — happiness.
“If I can run the business alone, always, and still be profitable, then I can have people work with me that just make me happy, instead of needing to rent chairs,” Fenley said. “So, it’s never been I need people here — it’s just if someone great comes along.”
In the early days, there were three stylist chairs and a couple of part-time stylists. But Fenley said having three people buzzing around took away from the ambiance, so she cut out a chair.
Three years ago, Fenley was joined by stylist Kaitlan Brown, who has remained since because of the client base, steady flow and Loft’s downtown location.
“I loved the idea of a smaller salon, the dynamic between Miranda and I is great — it’s easy to stay on the same page as each other,” Brown said.
Loft Salon lets in plenty of natural light from the big windows along the interior April 18.
Eimile Darney | Argonaut
Fenley said a large motivator in her decision to purchase Loft came from the small bright space. Located on the second floor of a downtown building on Main Street, Fenley has created a calm and neutral space that doesn’t take away from the view. Fenley and Brown work their own hours which do not always overlap, but the two are happy at the salon.
“It’s awesome to find that person that our personalities go together, and we work well together,” Fenley said.
The pair don’t stick to normal nine-to-five schedules, instead their client load is as many hours as they are willing to work and can fill.
For Brown, who works 45 hours a week, flexibility was one thing that attracted her to Loft.
And for Fenley — who sometimes cuts hair late into the night or in the early morning — chose the business model to have more flexibility as an independent contractor, setting her own schedule that works well with her family.
Their clients range from children, young professionals and professors. A majority of which text the stylists personally when they need an appointment.
Loft doesn’t have a receptionist like a typical salon, their main phone line is mostly used by new clients. The two are usually booked a few weeks out and get most of their clients from word of mouth.
“My favorite part about being a stylist is all the people I get to meet and hear about different professions,” Brown said. “I love the artistic aspect of doing hair as well, every day is different.”
Ellamae Burnell can be reached online at [email protected] or on Twitter @Ellamae Burnell