Meet Kindsay Elgin | Platform Stylist, Educator & Salon Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kindsay Elgin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kindsay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was able to create a successful career as an individual hairstylist and for that I’m truly grateful. However, I realized that I was maxed out as an individual. I didn’t just want my own success, I wanted to make an impact in the industry. I wanted to create an environment where I could educate, grow, and nurture other stylists to find their success as well. My answer was to open my own salon where I was able to prioritize the values that meant the most to me; a team-oriented culture, on-going education, and passion for mastering stylist skills.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Essence Salon opened in July 2019. It took nearly two years to build and design just the way I wanted. I was involved in nearly every step of development so that I could customize the space. I’m most proud of the compliments I get on the aesthetic of my salon when guests come in for the first time. I see a lot of awe and wow reactions. That’s a great feeling! From the drinks and services we offer to the atmosphere we create, our hope is to provide a complete luxurious experience for each guest. We want our salon to be a place you love coming to so much that you want to bring your friends and family too. Our first year in business has been a rollercoaster to say the least. I had a lot to learn about owning a small business. On top of that, we were hit hard by having to shut down during quarantine. We had to come up with new solutions to generate some income while we were closed such as curbside pick up, gift card purchases, etc. When we were allowed to re-open, we had to follow strict guidelines regarding sanitations, protocols and salon traffic. It took us a little while to find new routines but as a team we worked through it. I take a lot of pride in the fact that we are still diligent with sanitizing between each client, requiring masks and limiting our salon capacity. One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is how to balance my responsibilities. I’ve had to learn how to manage my calendar so that I’m giving my clients my best behind the chair, my stylists the education and training they need, and staying on top of day to day business needs. Having a support team helps tremendously but it is a skill to find a good balance.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite restaurants in Cedar Rapids: Zeppelin’s, Quinton’s, Mandarin Spice, Vino’s Ristorante & RG Books Lounge, Red Ginger, Pizza World, WineStyles, Local Pour Street Food, WhiteStar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a lot of people who have had my back through the entire process of becoming a business owner; My family and friends who show me unconditional support. My clients who are loyal and refer more business to us. My salon team that shows up, performs and trusts in my vision for the salon. And of course, my husband who consistently helps me navigate the ins and outs of business ownership, takes on multiple different roles based on the needs of the salon, all while living with me and loving me through whatever each day brings.

Website: www.essencesaloniowa.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/essencesaloniowa?igshid=1u9apbie24hsa
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/essence-salon-4775721a0/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EssenceSalonIowa
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/essence-salon-cedar-rapids?osq=essence+salon

Image Credits
Sam Elgin Kindsay Elgin Jamere Estelle Photography