Veteran hairstylist Jodene Gomez is used to trimming tresses and transforming looks with expert precision, so it’s no wonder her newest venture, Evolution Salon, has hit its mark as Buellton’s one-stop shop for fashion forward hair care and beauty upkeep.

The first-time business owner and mother of three has certainly kept busy since the salon’s March debut, assembling a strong team of estheticians, masseuses and hair stylists who fit in with Evolution’s urban vibe.

“Someone came in here and said, ‘The salon’s got that back-alley-in-New York look.’ And that’s what I was going for, but it still has that valley feel,” said Gomez.

The avant-garde interior aside, Evolution Salon’s selling point lies in the knowledgeable and passion of the staff, all of whom are required to attend continuing education classes in their field to remain current on trends and techniques.

Gomez is also hoping to do a girl’s night out event every other month, incorporating hors d’oeurves and wine with massages and manicures.

With other promotions and events in the works, Gomez is enjoying her new business one day at time while embracing the theme that inspired it all.

“This is really about change,” she said. “Evolution. It’s a change from what’s the norm. People change their hair all the time, but it’s also about evolving as a person.”

 

The Journal visited with Jodene Gomez to find out a little more about her business.

 

SYVJ: Why did you start this business?

JG: I wanted to bring something different to the valley and still have that hometown feel. I just wanted something a little more modern, a little more contemporary.

SYVJ: What is your educational background?

JG: I went to cosmetology school back in ’94, and I have my associate’s degree in marketing.

SYVJ: What is your business background?

JG: I worked in a few salons prior to this just helping out and filling in. I took a couple of office jobs when I moved here, and that wasn’t real fun. When I lived in New Mexico, I worked in a spa from ’95 to about 2003.

SYVJ: What is the best piece of business advice you have been given and who gave it to you?

JG: My mentor, Sarah, told me: “I hire people off of personality because you can teach anybody the skills, but you can’t teach personality. When you hire people, hire them because you all click and your business will thrive off of that.”

SYVJ: How do you feel about running a business in this economic climate?

JG: I think that I’d have to be crazy to say it’s not a little scary. Fortunately, I think I offer something that people will always get, regardless. We tend to take care of ourselves, which is a good thing. I think I’ve really worked through my numbers and dealt with my plan so that everything will go smoothly.

SYVJ: How has your business changed in the face of continuing bad economic news?

JG: It affects me as to my plans for the future. I just wouldn’t go expanding or adding new things or bringing in a bunch of products right now.

SYVJ: What is the biggest challenge your business faces today?

JG: My location. I love the interior of the building. I love this modern, industrial look in here, but it’s not in a high-traffic area.

SYVJ: What sets your business apart from your competitor’s?

JG: First off would be the atmosphere. Also the training that I put into my job. I’m all about education. I go to seminars once a month because there are always new techniques to learn.

SYVJ: Who is the smartest person you know and why?

JG: I’m going to say my grandma because she taught me to never to sell out my morals regardless of what it is. In the end, that’s the most important. Smart values in turn affect your business.

SYVJ: Where do you see your business one year from now?

JG: I honestly hope that I survive the first year because of the economic times. Besides surviving, I really hope that I have a full staff and that we all get along.

SYVJ: Where do you see your business in five years?

JG: I hope that in five years the business is thriving. I would like to get a lot of in-house training not only for my salon and my staff, but also for salons in the area because there’s not a lot offered here. Basically, when we want to go to continuing education classes we have to drive out to L.A. or San Jose. I know in reality I compete with these other salons, but I think it’s important that on some level we unite. We need to focus on keeping ourselves up to date with the trends.

SYVJ: Finally, what is on your to-do list?

JG: I really want to cross-promote with other businesses. My to-do list would be to get that configured and network with a caterer and a couple of massage therapists so I could create that girl’s night out.

 

Business Name: Evolution Salon

Owner: Jodene Gomez

Business address:

244 E. Hwy 246 Unit B, Buellton

Business telephone: (805) 693-9639

Business hours: Tuesday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Email address:

jodene.evolutionsalon@verizon.net