By Brooke Hafs
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – Salon Fifty Four has a brand new look.
Rossemary Sandoval, the current owner who took over the 10-year-old business in March 2018, said she decided recently it was time for an upgrade.
“We strive to give our clients a good experience every time they visit,” Sandoval, who has been doing hair for more than 14 years, said. “We want them to feel part of our family. The vibe we want to put out is friendly, welcoming, cozy, yet trendy. Our mission is to be the best salon in the Green Bay area.”
The remodel wrapped up in mid-February, following months of brainstorming about interior design.
Sandoval said she was able to finance the $30,000-$45,000 remodel using funds from the salon’s savings and a budget put in place since last year.
“We have a snack bar available to our clients to help themselves with drinks and snacks while they are waiting,” Sandoval said.
She said the snack bar will be fully stocked with a variety of treats and beverages – granola bars, nuts, tea, hot chocolate and more – as part of their experience at the salon.
Another goal of the remodel, Sandoval said, was to bring the salon to life and make it feel more eco-conscience.
The addition of plants throughout the space, along with the plant photo wall, she said, helps bring in more greenery.
“There is now a beautiful backdrop with plants for hair pictures, combined with a color service waiting area,” Sandoval said. “Clients can sit and read magazines and charge their phones, while waiting for their color to process. The waiting area is more private. You will also have a nice foot puff to rest your feet on while getting shampooed.”
She said she turned to one of Salon Fifty Four’s hair stylists for inspiration on the remodel design.
“I used Pinterest and other things I have seen over the years to come up with ideas,” hairstylist Tori Shepard said. “The remodel improves the customer experience by having things more modern. It helps the customer feel more comfortable and have confidence in our work.”
Bigger picture
For Sandoval, the improvements are all part of something bigger.
She said 2020 was a difficult one for her for several reasons.
Not only was there a pandemic, but Sandoval also got divorced, which she said was rough on her.
“I feel like the remodel is a fresh start for me,” she said. “It is like a new beginning in a way. There is now a brighter future for me and for my business. I hope to be an inspiration to others going through a similar situation.”
Sandoval said she has high hopes for the future – which could possibly include offering classes to the public on how to do their own hair at home.
There is also the idea of daddy-daughter classes so dads can learn skills on how to manage their little girl’s hair.
“I have a lot of ideas, but nothing is a sure thing as of now,” Sandoval said. “If things take off, I wouldn’t mind opening a second location over time. That is a big dream.”
Salon Fifty Four employs 12 people and serves up to 700 clients every month.
The salon is located at 154 North Broadway St. in downtown Green Bay.
Twice a month, Broadway & Beyond with Brooke Hafs, will bring readers a fresh, new story on a business, resident, idea or event, as she serves as the eyes, ears and “word” of Green Bay’s booming downtown.