108 Salon Staff Finds A New Home Just Around The Bend

“We had a feeling something was wrong on Wednesday. On Thursday afternoon we were told that the salon was closing and had been purchased as a nail salon,” said Mackenzi Schmeller, one of the displaced stylists. “We had two days to find a place to work – two days to call all of our clients to let them know the salon was closing.”

The sale of the 108 Salon & Day Spa to Universal Nails came as a surprise to stylists and staff left with only a few days to find alternate employment, as well as a home base for their business and clients. Opened in its Kingstown Road location in 2003, the salon was home to many South Kingstown residents in need of salon, nail and spa services.

Acting under extreme pressure, one of the stylists made a phone call hoping to find a place to continue her business. “I got a call from Erin, a stylist I knew from previous conversations. She explained what was happening and said there would be one or two girls who wanted to talk to me,” said Robert Anthony, owner of . 

By Friday the number had grown to six, with four stylists and two nail technicians in need of employment. Anthony went to work. He talked to all of the girls and then talked to his own staff, many who have been with him for more than two decades. All agreed that it was a good move.

Anthony, sitting comfortably in his newly renovated salon, was-matter-of-fact in his explanation: “They came to me as a family and wanted to stay together. I thought, “Who is going to take six people?”

The decision was made by the end of the day on Friday that Robert Anthony Salon was growing its staff - All six girls were coming on board to begin work the next week. The girls also had work to do. They had to attend to clients already booked for the weekend at 108, while rerouting all remaining clients and those booked for the next week.

Meanwhile, Robert Anthony Salon was in for some changes. The salon would have to be renovated. Stations would have to be added for the stylists, furniture, equipment and supplies ordered. Calling upon his support network, Anthony put together a crew. He needed an electrician, plumber and a contractor.

His staff in agreement, the Robert Anthony Salon shut down at 3:00 on Saturday afternoon. Working well into the night, throughout the weekend, the transformation took place. Two new rooms, a pedicure room and waxing room were added. It was important that current and new clients were not burdened by the changes. The salon was opening on Monday morning.

New workstations were delivered, new equipment put in place. The entire layout of the salon was redesigned and the transformation was accomplished in less than two days.

The new staff came in on Monday and Tuesday to set up their workstations and all were back to work by the next Wednesday. “The staff was so welcoming. They helped us with everything, answering all of our questions and making us feel comfortable, “ added Schmeller.

When asked what she would like to say to her clients about her new location, Schmeller answered. "Robert Anthony Salon is a high-end salon at affordable prices."

Just four weeks later, all girls are settled in with most of their clients making the transition across the border into Narragansett with ease. “It was very stressful, but my clients have come with me.” said Danielle, a new Robert Anthony stylist.

The stress of looming unemployment and loss of clients behind them, the girls with the help of Robert Anthony have turned the proverbial lemons to lemonade.

Anthony, when asked how he came to make the decision so easily was humble in his response. “They came to me in need of a home. I gave them a home.”

Owners of the 108 Salon & Day Spa could not be reached for comment.