Lauren Colegrove welcomes Nailpro to Salon 304 in Wauseon, Ohio.
Details
Est. September 2019
Owner: Lauren Colegrove
Location: Wauseon, Ohio.
The Backstory
Salon 304 came about because I was tired of working for people who didn't want to actually run their businesses. By that, I mean they had a salon and were also service providers but I think would forget that they are also running a business. They showed up, did services for their clients and would leave. I wanted to open a salon that poured into my independent booth renters and gave them ample opportunity to grow and thrive.
We are an exclusively booth rental salon, but I offer a "Build Program" for new technicians or technicians coming from a commission or hourly based salon setting. This allows them all of the amenities and freedoms as everyone else but it puts them on a schedule that takes them a full year to get to the full booth rent cost to allow them time to grow and build their clientele. This has been such a successful program within our salon. As their rent raises little by little every other month, you can tell that there isn't a worry or stress on how they will pay rent because it's giving them time and space to grow and improve. I also love having a salon that everyone feels comfortable to ask questions and learn "on the job." We have such a wide range of team members and every single one of us has been able to learn from each other.
The Look
I would classify the overall aesthetic as a warm boho styled space. I wanted the salon to be a comforting atmosphere that our clients loved to be in and our providers love to work in.
Signature Services
We offer a range of nail services within our salon, but our primary focus is natural nail services. We offer everything from different pedicures, structured gel manicures, acrylics, gel-x and a good old fashioned manicure. I would say we don't have a service that is exclusive to our salon, but if you see our Instagram's you will find the best nail art in Northwest Ohio. I am so blessed to have such an amazing team of girls and their talents are out of this world.
The Goods
We use many different products from Luxa, Luminary, Files By Less, Erica's, DND, Magpie and Polished Pinkies just to name a few. I don't necessarily have a favorite as products aren't a one size fits all. We have and use different products based on the client and their needs.
Social Butterfly
We are active on social media! You will find all things nails and nail art while also getting a little glimpse into our everyday lives. Our instagram is @salon304boutique and my personal instagram is @lauren_salon304.
What's Next?
What's next for the salon? I feel like that can be a loaded question. I personally am never content and I'm always changing and growing. That's why I love this industry; there's ALWAYS room to grow. I am an independent educator and I love hosting classes in our classroom space within our salon. I am hoping to host more classes and help our community of nail techs grow as well as my girls in the salon.
Up Close With Lauren Colegrove
What was your first job in the nail industry?
Right out of cosmetology school I booth rented in a small town salon. Your first job right out of school is never easy, but it taught me SO much.
What inspires you?
Right now, seeing my girls in the salon grow and be so successful is what is filling my cup and inspiring me beyond words. I have been in the industry for 10 years and I have been so blessed with the success this industry and my clients have brought me. Now, there is nothing better than witnessing that right here in my salon with my amazing team.
What was the most challenging thing that happened while opening your salon?
The challenges were endless while owning the salon. Six months after we opened our world flipped upside down with COVID. So challenging may be an understatement. I continued to pay the bills and not charge booth rent to my girls to try to alleviate as much stress as possible. All while I was a newly single mom just trying to survive.
What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
I honestly don't think there's enough advice I could give to a new salon owner. The main thing is that it will be so worth it and fulfilling in the end so whatever you do, don't give up. There will always be obstacles and that's part of being a business owner, but just remember the struggles are so worth the reward!
“I can’t discuss my salon without mentioning…”
I can't discuss my salon without mentioning the insane support I've received from my family, friends, clients and community. Our world and economy isn't for the faint of heart these days and the support that is constantly rallying behind me is always the push to keep going. I wouldn't be were I am today without every single one of them and for that I am forever thankful.
