NOTE: A press release complete with downloadable high-resolution imagery can be found at PRWeb.com:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010-salon-today-200/elle-marie-hair-studio/prweb3533114.htm.

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL (January 2010) – Bothell’s Elle Marie Hair Studio, owned by Colleen Buck, Lorry Green and Jody Bossert, was recently named to the SALON TODAY 200 by SALON TODAY magazine, a top business publication for salon and spa owners.

The magazine’s 13th annual SALON TODAY 200 issue profiled the selected salons in its January 2010 issue. The 200 salons were selected for their best business practices from applications submitted by SALON TODAY readers, who represent the 25,000 top-producing salons and spas in the country.

The magazine honored applicants in 11 different best practice categories, including Compensation and Benefits, Recruitment Training, Customer Service, Retention and Reward Programs, Advanced Education, Marketing, Technology, Environmental Sustainability, Retail Programs, Inventory Control and Sales Growth. Elle Marie Hair Studio was honored in both the Growth and Marketing categories.

“Having opened our doors in August of 2006, this was our first year of eligibility so we elected to test the waters of the competition by submitting applications in the two categories we felt most confident in.” says co-owner Jody Bossert. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have made the list in both Marketing and, even more significantly, the Growth category given the state of the economy.”

To celebrate the achievement, Elle Marie invites the public to attend their 2nd annual Sip ‘n Snip event entitled “Love is in the Hair!” The event takes place on Friday, March 5th from 7pm-9pm and will feature plenty of food, wine, and prizes as well as promotions on the Chi Transformation System for hair straightening, the Affirm Professional Conditioning Relaxer System, and So. Cap. USA hair extensions.

Mill Creek, WA Stylists Lorry Green and Hollie Leach Travel to New York City to Attend Redken’s “Cut and Know Why” Class to Enhance their Creative Edge

(Mill Creek, WA) - Lorry Green and Hollie Leach of Elle Marie Hair Studio in Mill Creek, WA sharpened their professional edge and took their hair styling talent to the next level at the award-winning Redken Exchange in New York City last week. Green and Leach were two of the dedicated salon professionals who attended the “Cut & Know Why” class November 9th-12th at the Redken Exchange, the hair industry’s leading resource for higher learning that now offers fresh and exciting salon services.

The core of inspiration of the design programs offered at the Redken Exchange, “Cut & Know Why” leaves stylists with a total understanding of hair design and a new twist on their creativity. The 4-day Design Comprehensive session includes interactive, hands-on workshops in cutting, design analysis, facial form and finishing. Students of all levels explore how the elements of shape, head form and movement can allow them to create, recreate or duplicate any design. Facilitators included Redken’s Global Artistic Director of Design Chris Baran, as well as Jayson Morgan, and Francesco Ferri.

The Redken Exchange is the award-winning, leading resource for higher learning in the professional salon industry, and allowed Green and Leach to experience interactive, hands-on attention. With classes ranging from color basics to editorial photoshoots, and dressing the bride among others, it’s no wonder that thousands of salon professionals attend the Redken Exchange from all corners of the globe making it a great venue for exchanging tips, ideas and techniques with other stylists – as well as for getting the latest information on Redken haircare, haircolor and styling products.

Consumers interested in fresh, modern, innovative style or color can call Elle Marie Hair Studio at (425) 402-1900 to make an appointment. Salon professionals can visit www.redkensalon.com or call (800) 545-8157 for more information regarding classes at The Redken Exchange.

(NOTE: Images from the class can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=168818&id=26940623451. High resolution versions available upon request.)

Expert advice on color techniques, business growth and making an idea into a product.

Q What type of education is most effective when growing your business?

A Colleen Buck, owner of Elle Marie Hair Studio (ellemariehairstudio.com) in Bothell, Washington, says, "Growing the team, and focusing on four types of education to develop our stylists both personally and professionally. We offer the following education: hands-on cutting and coloring techniques, customer service, life/career coaching and business training.

"Our team attends hands-on cutting, styling and color training, both in-salon and off site, with platform artists and educators. They have a tendency to respond to educators who are personable, fun, approachable and who teach salon-friendly techniques. Our stylists ultimately return to the salon full of inspiration, confidence and a renewed sense of passion for our industry. Follow-up is key and our team members are required to share skills they've learned at team meetings.

"I am a certified life coach and our life/career coaching has enabled us to create a business environment that produces better results faster by increasing employee motivation and productivity. These coaching sessions allow one-on-one time with each stylist every month to review their numbers and discuss ways to grow their business. It empowers and energizes our team to achieve their highest potential.

"Training team members on our business is essential to success - everyone knows exactly where we stand on all aspects from marketing to inventory management. We value our team and solicit feedback on decisions at every opportunity. This strategy works because our team understands that they aren't simply part of a cutting-edge salon, but rather a full-fledged business team, and they take pride in being part of something bigger.

"Running a successful business, especially today, can be a bit of a challenge. Focusing on education keeps everyone on the same page. When clear goals are set and the entire team understands, and has a vested interest in reaching the goals, it's amazing how pleasant work becomes for the salon owner, the team and, of course, clients."

The full article published in the October 2009 issue of Modern Salon magazine, including advice from Redken's own David Stanko, as well as Denis DaSilva can be found online at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/vance/modernsalon_1009/#/70.