Ashka Salon+ In South Lyon – Our Family Grows

Ashka Salon + Ashka Salon Spa Canton Hair Color Hair Salon South Lyon Hair Color

Finally, OUR FAMILY GROWS (and yes, we are hiring)! We are excited to officially announce Ashka Salon + in South Lyon…our 2nd location and sister salon! We have been a part of the Canton Community for 15 years and are expanding into the up-and-coming South Lyon Community. Our Ashka Tribe is so thankful for this journey to grow and also because we get to expand our world! Ashka Salon+ (PLUS) is an AVEDA full-service salon for all of your hair designing, hair color and hair care needs. We will also offer new and additional services to be added on throughout 2019.

In contrast to our Canton location, the + at the end of our name signifies special services. Most noteworthy are many straightening options, lash lifts, express skin treatments, lash extensions and also hair extensions. Our industry and beauty care standards are always evolving and we want our company, team and also our service menu to evolve with them. As a result of foregoing the traditional spa model, we leave the door open to new and exciting services at price points and timing to fit your life. Most of all, we want to be your refuge and give you a delightful experience and an escape to wellness!

Ashka Salon Plus Hiring Hair Color Hair Salon South Lyon Hair Color
We are HIRING! There are open positions for hair stylists, lash artists and front desk coordinators. Non-AVEDA trained is just fine. See what makes the Ashka Tribe so special!

Remodeled Hair Color Space Awaits You – Relax at Ashka Salon+ in South Lyon

Our new space has been fun to update and we have taken the opportunity to improve it for your enjoyment. A brand new manicure area and shampoo experience await you, because we want to be the best option for your beauty needs. Lay down and receive a one-of-a-kind shampoo to wash out your AVEDA hair color. While things are still dusty and a work in progress, we can see all of the sparkly light at the end of this remodeling process! Over the next six months we will add a pedicure area, makeup area with tons of natural light and an express skin and lash studio. Although, these projects happen one at a time, here is a sneak peak of our shampoo experience…

Color Shampoo Hair Salon South Lyon Hair Color
Our new color application and shampoo area features AVEDA hair color and shampoo beds for an incredibly relaxing and comfortable experience. We are putting some of the finishing touches on today!

Natural Nail Manicures and Pedicures – Ashka Salon+ in South Lyon

Our natural nail paradise will be here for you soon! Ashka Salon’s technicians focus on the natural nail because we care about your health and wellness. We offer regular manicures with Vinylux polish and we use Shellac for our gel polish. Our spa pedicures are coming soon and they will be done on a comfortable padded spa table for an experience unlike the rest. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for updates in real time!

Manicure Nails Pedicure Hair Salon South Lyon Hair Color
We CANNOT wait to offer manicure and Shellac on the natural nail…these brand new tables were NOT meant for construction 😉

Sparkly and Classic Styling Awaits You – Ashka Salon+ in South Lyon

First of all, lots of special details have been added to this space, including all new lighting to brighten your experience! Some members of our Ashka Tribe in Canton will be joining us one day a week in South Lyon to kickoff  our new location. We are lucky to have Kay, Josie, Lisa, Casey, Evelyn and Kristin (read about Ashka’s VERY FIRST tribe member here) launch Ashka Salon+ and insure our new guests have an experience we are all truly proud of! All of these team members are AVEDA trained hair colorists and have had much success at our Canton location. They join Joe Loose, Independent Stylist, Salon Consultant & CEO of Graphene Hair Tools as well as Lauren, an experienced Nail, Skin and Microdermabrasion Technician who have previously worked out of this space.

Chandelier Hair Salon South Lyon Hair Color
Sneak peak at the gorgeous chandelier and posh finishing of the new South Lyon location…pardon the dusty floor!

Classic Canvas For True Artistry – Ashka Salon+ South Lyon

Let the capable artists, designers and technicians at Ashka Salon+ bring your look to the next level! Our space represents our goal of taking a beautiful canvas and enhancing it to reveal the beauty within. Due to this, our facility is clean and classic with gorgeous grays and an eclectic mix of styles and colors. Most of all, we hope you find our space and our team of professionals to be warm, welcoming, fun and worth your investment!

Waiting Room Hiring Hair Salon South Lyon Hair Color
Variations of cool grays and whites, with bold pops of color are pleasing to the eye!

AVEDA Hair Color & Products…Only the Best!

We are honored to partner with AVEDA and offer only the best in hair care, hair color and skincare! Because ingredients matter, sourcing matters and manufacturing matters to us all and to the environment. Therefore, AVEDA has been sourcing, producing and manufacturing sustainably since way before it was cool. AVEDA is cruelty free, and in contrast to other beauty companies goes far beyond in many areas. Most notably, they support indigenous communities and farmers around the world. Come on in to see, feel and learn what it’s all about! Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo and Conditioner, anyone? (Because you will NOT be sorry!)

cherry almond aveda hair color ashka salon south lyon
We are excited to offer AVEDA Hair Color, Skin Care, Hair Care and Styling Products! Not only better for the environment, but most of all,  healthier for you!

Ashka Salon+ South Lyon Hiring Stylists, Students, Assistants and Front Desk Coordinators

Above all, we are grateful to our Ashka Tribe, our family of guests and the Canton Community for the 15 year journey that has led us here! Our entire team looks forward to investing in the South Lyon Community. Our emphasis is on giving back to area schools, causes and non-profits. Most noteworthy, we believe we rise by lifting others and we are incredibly excited to move forward. We are conveniently located at 21190 Pontiac Trail between 8 and 9 mile next to Metro PCS and Lyon Veterinary Clinic.

Our Ashka Salon Tribe and our Entire Family Welcomes You To Join Us and

Experience the Ashka Difference!

Ashka Salon + Ashka Salon Spa Canton Hair Color Hair Salon South Lyon Hair Color
Can’t miss us! Come join our family at 21190 Pontiac Trail between 8 and 9 mile. We are excited to delight you!

Featured Service Provider: Kristin

Kristin

At Ashka Salon Spa, I truly believe we have the greatest team a salon can have. We all care so much for one another inside and out of the salon. I take pride in the fact that my clients can see our comradery and comment on it regularly. Today I wanted to talk about one specific team member: Senior Mentor Stylist, Kristin. I wanted to highlight (pun fully intended) her for her can do attitude, loyalty to Ashka, and being a great role model to aspiring stylists and veterans alike.

I Asked Kristin a Few Questions:

Kristin
Kristin
  1. What is your Ashka Salon Spa history?

    Kristin: Starting  as one of their first employees in November 2003, I have worked for Ashka for 14 and 1/2 years. I do women’s and men’s haircuts as well as hair color services. I am also certified to do Socap and Dibiase Hair Extensions.

  2. What is your most cherished Ashka Salon Spa memory?

    K: I have many cherished memories working at Ashka Salon Spa! One that stands out in particular though was when a guest called back a few days after her haircut and had one of my coworkers leave me a note. The note was to tell me that she absolutely LOVES her hair and that I have “hands of gold”.

  3. What’s your favorite thing about Ashka Salon Spa’s culture?

    K: I love everything about the culture at Ashka Salon Spa. Everyone is kind and has a positive attitude. All of us are willing to go the extra mile to make sure each and every guest is completely delighted with their experience. We truly are a big family.

  4. What do you like best about what you do?

    K: I love that each day I have an opportunity to make others feel great about themselves. It’s so rewarding to see someone smile when they look at themselves in the mirror and know I contributed to that.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Kristin a little bit better! Kristin is available for appointments Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10 AM to 8 PM. Call today to schedule your next appointment with her!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Rewarding Guest Loyalty; Guest Appreciation Week

Guest Loyalty

At Ashka Salon Spa, we have started celebrating our Annual Guest Appreciation Week. This year, we moved it to November so that it went along with Ashka Salon Spa’s anniversary. This year marks 14 years that Ashka Salon Spa has been open! As a stylist, I am so grateful for guest loyalty and am happy that we are able to recognize the importance of that.

Guest Loyalty
Celebrate Guest Loyalty with us!

Guest Appreciation Week Benefits: Guest Loyalty

Like every year, you will receive 15% off all services you receive this week and you will be offered champagne and cheesecake for during your appointment. You also get 20% off all product purchases.

One of the biggest changes with Guest Appreciation Week this year is that we are doing a raffle to win many amazing prizes including:

  • Fifty-Minute Dual Exfoliation Peel ($105 Value)
  • $100 Ashka Gift Card
  • Keratin Express Treatment ($100 Value)
  • Fifty-Minute Tulasara Facial Treatment ($85 Value)
  • Shellac Application ($55 Value)
  • $50 Ashka Gift Card
  • Haircut ($50 Value)
  • Fifty-Minute Deluxe Spa Pedicure ($62 Value)
  • Botanical Hair & Scalp Therapy Treatment ($50 Value)

How do you get entered into this amazing raffle? There are two ways to earn raffle tickets!

You can book your next appointment before leaving the salon:

Schedule Your Next Appointment – 1 ticket

Book Your Next TWO Appointments – 3 tickets

Schedule Your Next THREE Appointments – 5 tickets

Or you can purchase Aveda products:

Buy 1 AVEDA Product – 1 ticket
Purchase 2 AVEDA Products – 3 tickets
Buy 3 AVEDA Products – 5 tickets

Winners will be announced on our Facebook page in real time so be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW us on there. We will then post the winners again right here in our blog by November 17, 2017.

Guest Appreciation Week is always so much for at Ashka Salon Spa. Take full advantage of this deal and come spend some quality time with your favorite service provider.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge

Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge Entry

Aveda is now holding a monthly Instagram contest called the Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge. This past month, Ashka Salon Spa set up a photoshoot for us to get images to enter into the competition. I teamed up with Kay to create my image. I was in charge of the hair, and Kay did the make up for me!

What is the Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge?

Aveda has been putting on this challenge for a little while now. Every month Aveda picks one or two hashtags as the inspiration. The winner is chosen by the Instagram posts with the most likes. If you win, you get the amazing opportunity to be flown out to Minneapolis to the Aveda Headquarters. There you get to do another photoshoot with the Global Artistic Team as your mentors for the shoot. Here is an example of what you win!

What Did I Do for the Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge?

The hashtags for the month of September are #EcliptingColor and #TextureTonic. Eclipting Color is Aveda’s signature coloring technique. I used that method to apply the dimensional smokey tones on my model’s ends.

When It came to styling, I was so excited to use Aveda’s new Texture Tonic. This is Aveda’s version of a “Sea Salt Spray” but instead of just using salt, they actually have put sugar in as well. This helps to create a natural, touchable, undone look! I curled her longer side with a 1/4 inch curling iron and then used my fingers to comb through it, while spraying the texture tonic.

I really wanted the focus to be on the hair so we went simple with the make up. Kay did a simple cool toned smokey eye to play up her beautiful blue eyes, without taking too much away from the hair! She did an amazing job and I absolutely love it.

Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge Entry
Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge Entry

I would appreciate it so much if you followed this link HERE, over to instagram and gave my photo a like to help me win this amazing opportunity!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Ashka Salon Spa Giving Back

Giving Back

Part of Aveda’s mission is “give back to society”. This phrase has always struck a chord with me. I think it is super important to always be thinking of how we can be giving back, especially those less fortunate than you. Ashka Salon Spa has a very similar Core Value:

“Always uphold our integrity and contribute to the betterment of local and global community.”

Ashka Salon Spa is Giving Back Through Anchor of Hope

Ashka Salon Spa sees the importance of giving back in to our communities. Through their Community Giving Back Fund, Anchor of Hope, Ashka offers a 100% Give Back Policy. As long as you give us at least a 30 day notice, giftcards, goods, or services will be given to your event as long as you are local! Due to the frequency of inquiries of donation requests, we do ask that you abide by our donation requirements.

To apply just visit our website and fill out our Donation Request Form.

Giving Back at Forgotten Harvest

Giving Back
Owners, Steve and Lisa, volunteering at Forgotten Harvest

Steve and Lisa Curry, the owners of Ashka Salon Spa, recently volunteered at Forgotten Harvest in Fenton, Michigan. Forgotten Harvest’s mission is:

“We are dedicated to relieving hunger in metro Detroit and preventing nutritious food waste.”

They were established in 1990 to fight two problems: Hunger and Waste. What I think is so cool about Forgotten Harvest is the amount of opportunities they have to volunteer! For instance, Lisa was working in the kitchen  separating meals into bags to send out of shelters that they had gotten from restaurants that no longer fit in the guideline of “restaurant quality food”. By this I mean, even though they might not be able to sell it anymore, the food is still good and can provide nutrition to someone in need. Steve on the other hand was going through pounds of potatoes picking out rotten ones and separating the good ones to be used and sent out.

I think it is so important to attempt to give back to the world around you. I am so lucky to work for a company, both Aveda and Ashka Salon Spa, who believe that as well.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Get Your Beauty Box at Ashka Salon Spa

Beauty Box

Monthly subscription boxes of any type seems to be all the rage lately. At Ashka Salon Spa we have jumped head first into that trend! We now are offering our own “Beauty Box”. Although most of these types of products change monthly, ours goes as long as supplies lasts. I have seen multiple of my guests fall in love with new products this way! Its an awesome way for people who want to try out Aveda products but don’t want spend a lot in case they don’t like it.

Beauty Box
Beauty Box

What Can I Expect To Find in a Beauty Box?

Each time we come out with a new “Beauty Box” it is different! We have had two now. One was Damage Remedy themed, and now we have a Smooth Infusion box.

Currently in our Smooth Infusion Beauty Box you get:

  • Smooth Infusion Shampoo Sample
  • A Sample of Smooth Infusion Smoothing Masque
  • Smooth Infusion Style Prep Sample
  • A Sample  of Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme
  • $5 COUPON for product at a FUTURE visit

Would you believe me if I said you get ALL of this for ONLY $5? Well you should, because it is!

What is the Beauty of a Beauty Box?

I think the coolest thing about Ashka Salon Spa’s Beauty Boxes is that it gives you a chance to sample the Aveda products. I have said it before, and I will continue to say it, I TRULY believe that Aveda products are the best choice for your hair. However, living on a budget myself, I understand that it is scary to invest in something you don’t know for sure. By giving this affordable option to dive into the Aveda world, Ashka Salon Spa is making it much less frightening.

Give it a try! I promise you won’t regret purchasing one of our Beauty Boxes.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

 

Benefits of Drinking Water

Drinking Water

I found myself thinking “water is life” earlier this week. With my new year resolution this year being to really focus on drinking water, it has been on my mind a lot lately. While I have always been told that drinking water is amazing for you, I realized that I have never actually looked into it myself. I did a little bit of research and this is what I found:

Drinking Water

What I Found to be the Top Benefits of Drinking Water

  1. Improves Skin Complexion
    – Another one of my New Year Resolutions is that I want to be more consistent with my skin care. As an esthetician, I recommend drinking water to my guests regularly. While I knew that water is great for your skin, to hear that it helps get rid of wrinkles and is “the best anti aging treatment around” sold me.
  2. Puts You in a Good Mood
    –  How can anyone be mad about this benefit? If all I have to do is drink more water to be in a better mood; sign me up! No one wants to be a Debbie Downer and this could be a simple solution!
  3. Increases Energy and Relieves Fatigue
    – One of the sources I found brought up the point that our brain is made mostly of water. When we are fully hydrated, we are able to focus better. This is something that I can personally struggle with since I have been diagnosed with ADHD. If this will help me buckle down on what I need to, I am 100% down to try it.
  4. It’s FREE!
    – Have you ever noticed how much of a difference that coke or wine makes on your bill at the end of night? If you are only drinking water, you will definitely notice it in your wallet over time. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather spend my money on other things.

And there is multiple more benefits! All in all, drink more water! You, your esthetician, and your wallet will thank me later.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Wellness: Vision Boards, Intention, Breath, Sound

Sound Healing Wellness

As I have said in the past, one of my new year resolutions is to be very tuned into my yoga practice. An overall sense of wellness throughout my life has become super important to me. Shardae Sanchez from West End Yoga Company held a workshop called Art of Intention, Breath, and Sound Bath in mid January. I challenged myself to sign up for it. I knew this would help to push myself in the right direction of achieve my goal. In the workshop we were going to make vision boards and learn about the importance of intention.

Vision Boards Wellness

We started our workshop with talking about the importance of intention. There is scientific proof that by thinking about something, you are sending that out into the universe. I believe what you send out into the world is what you receive. This is the exact point of making a vision board. It has been proven that you are more likely to achieve your goals, if they are written down.

Wellness

We used water colors to paint an “I AM” circle to put on our vision boards. Once it dried, we wrote “I AM” in the center with positive adjectives around it. I choose words like: strong, caring, and enough. You can put any adjectives you want, whether you think you encompass that trait or not. Fake it till you make it! 😉

After we made our “I AM” circles, we went through magazines to create our vision boards. I found things eluding to accepting that I am not perfect, my desire to travel, and my need to wellness.

Breath and Sound Wellness

After we got done doing our vision boards, we did two different breathing techniques. The first one that we did was called the “Bee Breath”. This one is good to help empty your brain. If you are anything like me, you never have an “empty mind”. I really felt the benefits from this breathe immediately. We also did alternating  nostril breathing. This is meant to help balance the left and right sides of the brain.

We also did a short session of sound healing. It was very interesting. I don’t know a lot about it so I am definitely interested in learning more about it. All I really know as of now is that there are 7 bowls that are all specifically designed to create the sound associated with the 7 chakras. We meditated while listening to the bowls.

If you are interested in any of this definitely check out the West End Yoga Company website as well as Shardae’s website Gaia Love. You can also follow both of them on instagram: @westendyogis and @gaia_love_yoga.

Sound Healing Wellness
Sound Healing Wellness

At Ashka Salon Spa we are required to do at least 2 different “personal growth” things in order to receive our bonus. This workshop was the first thing I have down for the year for my personal growth! All in all, I loved every second of it. I look at my vision board daily to help keep me on track.

 

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

 

 

Salon Assistant Training Program

Salon Assistant Training Binder

I was already working at the front desk at Ashka Salon Spa when I started to near the end of my cosmetology program. I needed to consider if it would be a good fit for me as a stylist. One of the many reasons I decided to begin my career with Ashka Salon Spa was their intensive salon assistant training program. There are two major parts to the New Talent Training Program here: classes twice a week with our Training Manager, and following our mentors.

Classes in the Salon Assistant Training Program

Salon Assistant Training Binder
Salon Assistant Training Binder

At Ashka Salon Spa, the assistants are lucky enough to take classes twice a week. They are usually with Evelyn, our Training Manager, Jozie, our General Manager, or Lisa, our Owner. We cover most services that we provide. They range from hair cutting to make up, and even eyebrow waxing. It is great being able to meet so often to talk about different subjects. We also usually have “homework” that we need to do on our mannequin. Our mannequins, also known as doll heads, have real hair to be able to duplicate working with real clients as closely as possible.  It typically takes about a year to get through the entire program.

“I think my favorite part of training is watching the “ah hah” moments… the dots connect and the light bulbs come on. It’s very rewarding as an educator to watch everything come together.” -Evelyn, Training Manager

Mentors in the Salon Assistant Training Program

Courtney, Christine, and Lisa are the three Master Mentor Stylists are the salon currently. I went through my program working with Courtney but throughout the year I also had a few instances where I worked with the other mentors. I think it is extremely important to assist a successful stylist when you are first starting out. You see what works for them and what doesn’t. While I don’t do everything that my mentors did exactly, it definitely helped to form my own techniques.

While following your mentor, you are interacting with their guests and see what they like. You also are able to how a seasoned hair stylist faces challenges. This all helps to improve technique.

Next time you are in the salon, take a look around and find some of our assistants. We are extremely proud to have them as a part of our team. I am ecstatic to see their career flourish!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

 

Ashka Salon Spa’s Popular Beauty Gift

Popular Beauty Gift

It is that time of the year again! We all know those people who are great at giving gifts. They always seem to find the perfect thing for everyone on their list. Gift giving can be stressful when you can’t seem to find anything for your loved one, no matter what the occasion. I decided to help make everyone’s shopping lives easier this holiday season by creating a popular beauty gift list! I asked some of the girls in the salon to share what AVEDA gifts they would be giving this year.

Popular Beauty Gift Recommendations

My personal recommendation as a popular beauty gift would be AVEDA’s new Radiant Awakening Ritual. I have been super into perfecting my skincare routine this year. This specific product will make for a great gift because it is good for all skin types! Everyone’s skin can use some exfoliation with AVEDA Dry Brush. No one would ever say they didn’t want their skin to look “radiant”.

Popular Beauty Gift
Popular Beauty Gift

I asked Jessie what she would get someone for the holidays and she immediately said they everyone needs Hand and Foot Relief. Winter is so incredibly drying for so many people. Help your loved ones out this year by giving them the gift of moisture. They will be thanking you all the way until spring because their hands and feet won’t be splitting!

When I asked our Front Desk Representative, Shayna, what products she loves to give as gifts she said:

I’d choose the Beautifying or Stress-Fix Compositions. The compositions are great because they have so many uses! They’re awesome to add to a bath to relax and helps add moisture to your skin. You can also try mixing it with body lotion for even more moisturizing benefits. Another way I like using them is by mixing with the compositions with water and spraying on your pillowcase to help ease you to sleep.

Popular Beauty Gift
Popular Beauty Gift

There are endless amounts of popular beauty gifts for you to choose from at Ashka Salon Spa. Stop in today so we can help your find the perfect one!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂