July 2008
In true Hollywood style, the 2008 Global Salon Business Awards, hosted by Leeza Gibbons, handed out awards to star salon owners from around the world, celebrating excellence in the salon industry, including “Salon Entrepreneur of the Year” awards and “Entrepreneurial Excellence” awards in the categories of salon leadership, client philosophy and marketing and promotion.
Bonnie Waters of Changes Salon and Day Spa in Walnut Creek was awarded the “Salon Entrepreneur of the Year-Single” award for excellence in business.
Aaron and Karie Bennett of Atelier, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa in San Jose, were awarded the “Client Philosophy/Marketing and Promotion” award for excellence in business.
Both salons rose above the average expectations, delivered exceptional service to their clientele and an impeccable product, while exhibiting integrity to both staff and clients and sustained a loyal following and a prosperous business. They were judged on financial stability, leadership, client philosophy, marketing and community involvement.
Overall, the judging evaluated the salon philosophy, mission and vision as it relates to the customer as well as brand and image management, marketing and promotional programs, customer service and community involvement.
This year, there were an unprecedented 3,000 salon owners nominated and submitted for the awards from 23 countries worldwide.
Other United States winners were: Nick Arrojo of Arrojo Studio in New York “Salon Entrepreneur of the Year-Single” award; Bryan and Silvia Nunes of Blo, Raleigh, North Carolina “Client Philosophy/Marketing and Promotion” award; Frank Westerbeke of Gadabout Salon Spas, Tucson, Arizona “Salon Leadership” award; Charles Penzone of the Charles Penzone Family of Salons in Ohio “Salon Entrepreneur of the Year-Multi” award; and Scott B. Miller of the Scott Miller Salon, Rochester, New York: “Salon Leadership” award.
The Global Salon Business Awards were produced by the Business Education for Salons Today foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the continued development of the global salon industry through advancement, global recognition and growth. Beauty icon and Redken Founder, Paula Kent Meehan formed the foundation.For more information, visit www.salonbusinessawards.com.