Golden Vanity Salon | Spotlight
Haley Reese, owner of Golden Vanity Salon in Bowling Green, Ohio, started her journey in 2010, at a cosmetology school in Toledo, soon after finding a job at a large commission salon nearby with a good friend from cosmetology school, Hailey Knapke.
After Haley’s grandma passed away, she decided to move home to be closer to her family. When driving in downtown Bowling Green, she noticed a space for lease; everything seemed as though it fell into her lap and Golden Vanity was born. The name Golden Vanity came from a fond childhood memory with her grandma. She and her cousins would play beauty shop at her grandma's house in front of her grandma's big golden vanity.
Hailey Knapke followed Haley Reese to her first salon to work with her and later became the business director. After lots of learning, and time to strategize for 2020, Haley and Hailey found a new opportunity. Golden Vanity moved across the street and almost doubled their size in square footage and chairs. The new space was originally a hotel, then a bar, and finally a salon. Keeping the original look with exposed brick and a hotel lobby sign, the history and feel of the space are extra special.
Another interesting aspect of Golden Vanity is that it is located in a college town. Olivia (stylist at Golden Vanity) spoke highly about the opportunity to cross-promote other local brands, and create relationships with college students. They are always willing to spice things up with their hair, keeping life at the salon interesting. When chatting with Olivia, her advice to younger stylists was to just do it. The scariest part is making the decision, but if you do it will be the best decision you ever make!
Davines was a top contender when they were choosing brands and when supply and demand were just not lining up. Haley decided to give Davines a try and become a Davines exclusive salon. Working with ManocoBlue has been a great experience thus far– a special shoutout to Robert Wheeler for helping keep the transition smooth. The smell of the products cannot be beat, and the sustainability and meaning behind the brand line-up with the culture, feel, and priorities of the salon. From the brands they carry within their salon, to the history of the new space, and the long-term team, salon culture and authenticity run deep within this salon.
Advice to new stylists: Be open to learning what it's like to be behind the chair; there is still so much to learn out of school. Advice to a stylist wanting to be a salon owner: Take it slow, remember you are going to make mistakes, and keep learning and trying over and over again.