Gene Juarez Salons & Spas, a salon and spa group in the Pacific Northwest, has sold its Gene Juarez Academy to Paul Mitchell Schools North Star Group, a group that has been operating beauty schools since 1999.
The transition will allow Gene Juarez to focus on its 11 salon and spa locations while ensuring a continuation of the stellar reputation and quality of the educational experience offered at the Federal Way beauty school.
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas has educated hair colorists and artists at its Gene Juarez Academy since 1987, boasting thousands of graduates, and it has remained both a source of talent for its salons as well as a point of pride for the company. With its acquisition by Paul Mitchell Schools North Star Group, the Academy will be able to continue this legacy alongside a team that has a proven track record of educational excellence.
The new ownership group will retain all Gene Juarez Academy team members and has plans to offer additional programs outside of cosmetology over the next few years. Gene Juarez Salons & Spas will continue its efforts in creating opportunities for staff development and evolving its employee experience, while expanding to new regions in the Pacific Northwest.
“As we explored the idea of selling our Academy, it was important to us to find a team that understands the legacy and value that the Gene Juarez brand holds among both seasoned and aspiring cosmetologists. I am thrilled that the Paul Mitchell Schools North Star Group understands the pillars of our Academy, and better yet can support our students and staff with more resources and attention than our one-campus school can provide. We’re confident they’ll help ensure a seamless transition, allowing for no interruption in the educational opportunities offered to aspiring salon professionals in the region,” said Katie Trent, CEO of Gene Juarez Salons & Spas. “Gene Juarez has been serving the region for more than 50 years, and we are looking to the future as we dedicate our efforts to our salon and spa teams and valued guests.”
“We are thrilled and honored to welcome the Gene Juarez Academy into our family of schools. Gene Juarez and the Gene Juarez organization have been revered in this industry for decades and have helped advance the beauty industry to where it is today. We plan to honor this legacy and add to it,” said Josh Starita, president of Paul Mitchell Schools North Star Group. “As we learn from and work with the dynamic team at the Academy, we have three goals: 1. Continue to provide exceptional education; 2. Develop and support our team members; and 3. Serve the community in the greater Seattle area. Between Gene Juarez and Paul Mitchell, we are fortunate to now be associated with two of the industry’s most iconic hairdressers.”