Comfortable couch dryers add a touch of luxe.
Those seeking a luxury beauty experience in San Diego need look no further than the Travis Parker Salon. Owner Travis Parker, an expert hairstylist, has created his salon on a foundation of quality, customer service and comfort. The contemporary décor and friendly staff draw a clientele that includes the trendy along with Southern California’s society crowd. The salon has received rave reviews since opening in 2003, and Travis has become a press favorite, offering beauty and style advice on programs such as NBC’s “Streetside San Diego.” In 2005, LuLu’s by Travis Parker, a nail boutique focusing on the same concepts of providing clients with luxurious, pampering services, opened and received top accolades. These successes led L’Oréal Professionnel to name Travis a national Portfolio Artist; a role in which he shares his business expertise with other salon owners. Here, Travis discusses his vision for his business.
What is your industry background?
I enrolled in cosmetology school when I was 16 and graduated at the top of my class. After high school, I moved to San Diego for college and began working at Model Call Salon in La Jolla. I stayed there there for 14 years. In 1995, I joined the team at Privé in Los Angeles and began pursuing editorial work and session styling. I also worked with Michael Canale, Jennifer Aniston’s haircolorist, in 2005 and 2006.
What is the vision for your salon?
I wanted to develop a luxury brand. Opening a world-class salon with a high-fashion sensibility was the first vehicle in the brand. Then we opened the nail boutique. Both of these represent the highest level of technical ability and customer service. We use the environment to hit the five senses so clients have a complete experience. In the salon, music is an integral element of the sensory experience and a big part of the ambiance. On Saturdays, we have a live DJ spinning trip-hop, electroclash, down tempo, nu jazz and nu soul. Art provides visual stimulation and brings on conversation. We feature a different artist’s work every three months.
Bamboo and natural colors bring warmth to the cutting stations.
What was the biggest challenge in opening your salon?
Running the business. I thought I was opening a hair salon and I quickly realized I was starting a business. I knew how to accomplish a great hair cut and color but I didn’t have the foundation for financials, systems, managing a staff or anything pertinent to running a salon. It was a "bloody knees" experience — falling down and getting back up again. With
"I wanted to develop a luxury brand. Opening a world-class salon was the first vehicle in the brand."
passion, there is illogical perseverance. The person without passion makes decisions based on logic and bottom-line facts, and therefore would have closed the business a long time ago. I have an extremely high tolerance and passion for success and have always been willing to endure whatever it takes not to quit.
What has been your biggest reward in opening your salon?
Owning my own salon is a dream come true for me—it’s something I always hoped to do. Now I have a foundation that represents an image I believe in and a culture that I can relate to. My salon is a facility where I can be and where others can learn and grow.
What is your new role with L’Oréal Professionel?
As a Portfolio Artist, I am currently touring the United States teaching salon business development for the "2008 Year of Expertise" tour. I’m also helping to build L’Oréal Professionnel’s Texture Expert online community on Facebook. On this site, stylists have the opportunity to connect with me, Andrew Bartfield, VP of Education, and Malcolm Edwards, an editorial stylist, to ask our advice and read our blogs. I’ll be writing a live blog from a salon owner’s perspective. I am passionate about sharing with other hairdressers; I love to teach.
You’ve recently founded the National Association of Commission Salons (NACS). Why?
NACS is a committee for employee-based salon owners to gather and share ideas for the betterment of the industry. We have found it much more difficult to run commission-based salons versus booth rental or independent contractor salons. We have also found that it is almost impossible to find personal support for our business. NACS is a place where we leave the ego and competitiveness at the door and form an alliance to support one another.
