A new West Coast salon’s education-friendly design proves to be the key to success.
An open floor plan allows for any setup
In a city full of famous faces, even noncelebrities are treated like movie stars at one of Los Angeles’ newest salons, Spoke & Weal. From the Hollywood-inspired vanity lights that line the perimeters of each styling station to the personal attention each client receives, Spoke & Weal has what it takes to make clients feel special and keep them coming back. Neutral-colored and loft-like, the 2,300-square-foot Aveda Lifestyle Salon, which opened in May, is designed to be simple but comfortable, boasting wood and metal accents and an open floor plan that’s designed to be flexible. “All stations can be moved around to accommodate any setup needed,” says Elizabeth Norton, director of operations at Weal Management LLC, which operates a second Spoke & Weal in San Francisco that opened in December.
In addition to color, styling and cuts—with a focus on a dry-cutting approach—the salon offers thermal retexturizing and makeup services using Aveda hair, skin and body products. The salon also provides educational opportunities for its employees and industry professionals. Classes include Color Placement, Razor Cutting, Curly Cutting, Men’s Cutting and Editorial Styling taught by the salon’s owners and hair experts Jon Reyman and Christine Thompson. Reyman, master stylist and creative director, is known for his custom, progressive cutting and styling techniques, never hesitating to challenge traditional rules and methods to find better results. Thompson has more than 30 years of experience in the hair industry, specializing in haircolor and styling. “The entire Spoke & Weal team is on board with their leadership, and we couldn’t have better resources,” Norton says.
The salon’s Hollywood-inspired decor is simple and comfortable
The staff training, professionalism, technique and craftsmanship at Spoke & Weal set the salon apart, Norton says. “Our clientele values customized service from highly trained professionals who understand and value the subtleties of excellence in cut, color and styling,” she says. “Guests who come to us do not want a stylist to put a cut or color on them, but create a cut or color service specifically for them. Our professionals ensure quality services and team leadership every day.” ✂ —Nicole Altavilla
PHOTOGRAPHY: Samuel D. Lleva