Making the Dollar: Salon Boheme

Published 4:00 pm Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Kallie Linder

Salon Boheme

1180 Commercial St., Astoria

The Astoria Beauty College in Astoria closed its doors in July of 2007, temporarily leaving an empty storefront and a gap in downtown personal services. But thanks to the expansion of Salon Boheme, staffed by the college’s alumni, complete hair-care services continue at the same location. The shop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays and evenings by appointment. For more information, call (503) 338-3864.

What do you do?

“We are a full service salon. We give haircuts, perms, extensions, and color. We also give manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, waxing and we have a room for massages. There are six girls here working as independent contractors and everyone has the same opportunity for business. Clients may choose their hairdresser and change hairdressers at any time. All but one of us is a graduate of the Astoria Beauty College and we are all licensed and inspected by the state. We continue our education with classes in Portland and Seattle. I would like everyone to know that we have a partnership with the American Cancer Society and offer free wigs and prosthetics to anyone.”

How did you get started doing this?

“My aunt was a hair dresser at Ardelle’s here in Astoria, and I wanted to be a hair dresser since I was 6 years old. I graduated from Astoria Beauty College and opened a two-chair salon next to Penney’s in 2005. I expanded into the beauty college’s space in 2008.”

What is your volume of business?

“We are still expanding! This business has tripled in two years. We serve hundreds. We have had 48 clients in the past three days and business is very steady. We are remodeling downstairs to expand our facial and wax treatments.”

What is your strategy for coping with the recession?

“We have retail specials and offer service specials throughout the year. People can enter a drawing for a free massage. We also offer beer and wine, one glass per client per visit. We really like to grow relationships with our clients. We have been fortunate to not see a big change because of the recession. Some clients are coming less frequently, by extending their visits by a week or two, but that is about all.”