New Beauty Business Concept Comes to the North Shore Offers Pros Opportunity to “Go Solo”

Brilla Salon owner Alma Gonzalez in her customized suite at Salons by JC of Highland Park applies an organic process, the Balayage Technique, to her client Jennifer Klimas of Arlington Heights. (Photo courtesy of Audrey Suffrin Public Relations, LLC.)

Many talented and dedicated beauty professionals are expressing their creativity on their own terms by breaking free of the limited earning potential, cookie-cutter procedures, and status quo services that are commonplace in the mainstream salon industry.

A growing business model in the beauty and wellness industry has come to the North Shore, and professionals in the trade - and their clients – are raising an interested eyebrow.

Salons by JC of Highland Park, located at 229 Skokie Valley Road in Crossroads Shopping Center is offering North Shore’s first business concept that allows beauty and wellness professionals to be their own boss without incurring the responsibilities and costs of owning their own establishment.

“I am very much an entrepreneur who loves building new things, taking advantage of trends, and being independent,” said Megan O'Connor, owner of Salons by JC of Highland Park. “We are a means for successful men and women in the beauty industry to fulfill their dream of becoming independent business owners.”

O’Connor explains that there is a hurdle to get over when you are accustomed to working for someone else. “It’s scary to take on the added responsibilities of ownership, but there is an incredible upside to going solo,” she says. “We provide a simple, built in infrastructure to help our tenants start a self-sufficient business that will result in the success of their new independent salon.”

Some of the many benefits of renting a specialized suite at SBJC include:

• the flexibility to be your own boss
• the freedom to make your own hours
• not having to split income with an employer
• all-inclusive affordable rent
• no responsibility of owning/renting entire facility or staffing issues
• 24/7 access to customized suites
• access to continued education
• full-service concierge
• a synergy created by working with others in the industry, benefiting both professionals and their clients

On October 24th (6-9PM), Salons by JC of Highland Park, hosts “Winter Is Coming” a complimentary evening to bring the community and beauty professionals together. Independent salon owners will open their suites and provide many free beauty services such as: hair styling, massages, eyelash tinting, eyebrow/lip wax, make-up consultations and more. Along with appetizers and wine, attendees will receive free raffles, swag bags (for the first 50 guests), experience Chinese face readings by Marla Goldberg Energy Healer Au Fait, and peruse pop up stores featuring apparel, anti-aging skin care products and other unique items available for purchase. The evening continues with music and mini presentations from beauty experts with tips on how to protect your hair, skin and body for Chicago’s inevitably harsh winters. For a list of complimentary services, presentations and event specifics click here.

The event recognizes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October) by encouraging attendees to bring a new or unused beauty item(s) to donate to A SAFE PLACE which helps women in domestic violence shelters. Donations would be appreciated throughout the month Click here for their complete wish list:

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the ‘Winter Is Coming’ Open House because I want beauty and wellness professionals and consumers alike to know what an incredible place this is and how it has changed my life,” said Alma Gonzalez, owner of Brilla Salon. “Being an independent salon owner allows me to have balance in my life. I have the freedom to accommodate both my family and the valued clients I have built trusted relationships with throughout the years. I can even retain my other part-time work as a Redken national artist and enjoy my love for traveling.”

One of Alma’s clients, Jennifer Klimas of Arlington Heights commented that she came to Salons by JC of Highland Park as soon as she heard that Alma opened Brilla Salon in one of their customized suites. “When you have the talent and you build trust with people, they’ll go where you go. I live 1/2 hour away, but my hair is important to me so when I find the best, I’ll follow,” said Klimas. “Also, privacy is a huge plus here. In the regular salon, I see a lot of people from my neighborhood. I have a lot of hair issues and it's uncomfortable to have others listen in or watch the services I'm receiving.”

Local residents attending “Winter is Coming” Open House will discover Salons by JC of Highland Park is a one-stop shop for all their beauty and wellness needs. Industry attendees will see it as the ideal place for them to start their own business. In addition, these professionals will receive a voucher for 10 weeks free rent upon leasing a suite by the end of the year.

ABOUT SALONS BY JC:

Salons by JC of Highland Park makes it possible for independent salon suite owners to run their business inside a common space dedicated to the pursuit of beauty, wellness, and the ultimate salon service experience. They break the mold and give independent salon suite owners the freedom to use their unique talent and artistic expression to please and pamper their valued clients with the latest industry trends and services. Call or text 847-877-4784 or email megan@salonsbyjc.com for a confidential conversation to learn if a Salon Suite is right for you. Visit http://salonsbyjc.com/highland-park-crossroads-suites/ for details.

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