Take three stylists with more than 60 years experience amongst them, a commitment to providing good service while striving to improve at what they do, and what do you have? The answer is Bliss, A Salon, which opened in Waipouli
Take three stylists with more than 60 years experience amongst them, a commitment to providing good service while striving to improve at what they do, and what do you have?
The answer is Bliss, A Salon, which opened in Waipouli three weeks ago in the former Bronzit Hawaii site.
Co-owner Lori Nichols said salon ownership was something she always aspired to. Working with her business partner and co-owner Dane Waialeale, the spot in Waipouli was too good an opportunity not to take, she said. The other stylist is Lucas Pautz.
“It had been our dream for a while. I think most stylists have that goal,” she said. “This was our time. The opportunity came up, and we decided to go for it,” she said. “A door opened, and it’s been opening ever since,” she moved.
Nichols said the Blissters did the renovation and painting necessary to turn the Bronzit location into the salon they envisioned.
She said she and Waialeale did not have a specific business plan, but used their collective experience as hair cutters to bring their dream to life.
Nichols did not reveal start-up costs.
She said Bliss owners had not faced any really significant challenges, just the day-to-day issue of operating in an efficient manner. She said that, currently, the shop does not have its own sign, which has caused some confusion. Plans are to have a sign in place within a few weeks.
One advantage Bliss operators have is that their experienced stylists have been able to bring their clientele with them to their new salon. But Nichols quickly added that they do take new clients. She said a haircut for a woman is $40, while one for a man is $25.
She said the salon was not targeting any specific group of customers, either existing or potential.
She said future plans include bringing in a nail technician, and providing facials and full body waxing. “We are going to be a full-service salon,” she said.
Nichols said what separates a very good stylist from an average one is continuing education and an ability to keep growing in the profession.
“A good stylist needs to keep it interesting,” she said, adding that listening to what a client wants is also an important facet of being a good stylist.
As to what she might say to someone who might comment there’s no decent place in Kaua‘i to get a good haircut, Nichols can reply, “it’s not hard to find at Bliss.”
Bliss is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. till 9 p.m.
