A decade of growth for Salon 37 in Algonquin

ALGONQUIN – A business partnership can ruin a friendship, but Julie Grosse says it's done the opposite for her.

Since she and Tiffany Rodgers opened Salon 37 and Day Spa in 2002, located just off Randall Road at 1415 Commerce Drive in Algonquin, the women have become better friends.

"I knew that if I was going to [go into business] with someone, I'd do it with Tiffany," Grosse said. "I invited her along on the journey, she accepted, and we have become very good friends over the years."

And their business has grown. Within a year of opening, the salon took over a next-door unit in their building.

Last month, they celebrated 10 years of Salon 37, named after the combination of Grosse's birthday, April 3, and Rodgers' birthday, June 7.

"The first day we opened, we had three of us doing hair and one receptionist," Grosse said. "After a few weeks, we had more than that ... now we're up to 23."

That includes about 15 stylists, two estheticians, and four nail technicians.

The business' website, Salon37.com, has helped draw in customers, but charity events hosted at the salon have also helped get the word out.

In particular, three employees have been diagnosed with breast cancer, which has led toward awareness efforts, like pink hair extensions during October.

On Nov. 11, there will be a cut-a-thon to help with the medical expenses for an ill little boy, Konnor Grund. He suffers from a disease called Noonan syndrome, which causes abnormal development, and recently had brain surgery.

"We'll be doing it from 9 to 3," Grosse said. "People will come in, first come, first serve, and every dollar we make goes directly to the family."

Grosse takes pride in seeking a friendly, warm atmosphere for her clients.

"I think when people come into the salon, they feel very welcome," Grosse said. "They don't feel that we're uppity."

The salon will also soon be offering a service that many others don't – Sunday hours.

"We've gotten to the point where we've needed to expand our hours," Grosse said. "So, as of Dec. 1, we'll be open on Sundays."

Grosse said she hopes that the additional hours will allow her to hire more staff.

Women's haircuts/styles start at $38, men's start at $25, and kids' start at $20. But there are more services available in addition to hair care, such as waxing, manicures, pedicures, body wraps, and facials.

The "gentleman's facial" is designed specifically for men with a conditioning mask to ease shaving.

"I think we've kept our prices fair on both ends – fair for our salon and stylists, but also fair for our guests," Grosse said. "We're constantly checking to see what other salons are doing and I don't think we overcharge."

Salon 37 and Day Spa

Where: 1415 Commerce Drive, Algonquin

When: Closed Mondays, Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday hours coming in December.

Information: Call 847-658-3737 or visit Salon37.com