18|8 Fine Men's Salons to Introduce Southern Orange County to Entirely New Grooming Experience

LAKE FOREST, Calif. – 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons will soon introduce a collection of affordable indulgences to men in southern Orange County. The locally based lifestyle brand announced today that it has signed a multi-unit franchise development agreement with Aliso Viejo, California entrepreneur Monica Harter to take over an existing salon and open two additional salons in the area.

With more than 10 salons already open in Orange County, 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons is renowned for its distinctive collection of upscale men’s services offered at moderate prices. Harter purchased the Lake Forest salon, which first opened in April 2014, earlier this year and plans to open two additional salons in southern Orange County in the coming months.

“We are upping the style game and making it convenient for men to look and feel their best,” said Harter, who is now overseeing the day-to-day operations of the salon at 23626 El Toro Road in Lake Forest. “When men walk into our stylish, modern facility, they will quickly realize this is not an ordinary hair salon, but a sanctuary – a retreat from the outside world. It is a one-of-a-kind place where men can feel comfortable enjoying our collection of premium services.”

Harter brings years of business experience to her 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons business, and has worked in a number of sales roles for companies such as Kodak, Cisco Systems and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Harter is equipped with a skill set that will serve the growth of 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons well in southern Orange County. Likewise, she and her husband are active in the community, including participating regularly in Lake Foreset Chamber of Commerce events.

Prior to purchasing the Lake Forest salon, Harter and her husband spent the previous ten years leading mission and community development efforts in impoverished areas in South Africa and Namibia. They hope their new business venture will allow them the opportunity to continue supporting developing communities in Africa.

The new 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons in southern Orange County will channel the essence of cool confidence directly to its discerning clientele. Leaving men looking their best – and feeling even better – 18|8 offers men the same transformative effect from which the name 18|8 comes. Team members at 18|8 are trained to take the time to learn about clients, their personalities and special needs, and then caters services to mirror their lifestyle choices.

At 18|8, men can relax in the brand’s signature lounge area before their grooming services, which range from cuts and styling (modern and classic) to straight edge hot lather shaves, facials, massages, scalp treatments and more. Customers may even purchase memberships that provide member perks such as complimentary clean-ups and other bonus grooming services.

“Monica is exactly the right entrepreneur to grow the brand in southern California,” said Scott Griffiths, founder and CEO of 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons. “Her business acumen is outstanding. She recognizes the strong local demand for 18|8’s distinctive line of services.”

Griffiths, who launched 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons in 2002, has a track record of creating breakthrough brands. Given his company’s successes during the past decade, he recently began franchising 18|8, sharing the opportunity for driven entrepreneurs such as the Parsons to become part of its growth. Griffiths is a recognized marketing and branding trendsetter who has created and built industry-leading companies across several sectors, including within the salon segment. He has cast his golden touch on the cruise industry with Crystal Cruises, the luxury communications industry with Vertu and the hair care industry, recently as the creator of the brand Mitch for Men from Paul Mitchell.

About 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons

Claiming its name from the original formula for stainless steel, 18% chromium + 8% nickel added to steel, 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons offers its clients that same transformative effect – improving both look and performance. Since launching in 2002, 18|8 has established itself as the only men’s salon catering to a discerning clientele with an upscale suite of hair care and grooming services.

To learn more about 18|8’s services and the Lake Forest salon, visit www.eighteeneight.com, email monica@eighteeneight.com or call (949) 510-1324.

For information on the 18|8 franchise opportunity, email scott@eighteeneight.com, call (949) 290-6431, and visit www.eighteeneight.com, or www.eighteeneightfranchise.com.