Urban
Renaissance
Style, exceptional design and practicality come
together in Currie Hair Skin Nails latest outpost.
When salon owner Randy Currie first heard about plans to transform a
run-down, industrialized portion of Delaware’s Christina Riverfront into
a vibrant neighborhood three years ago, he knew immediately he wanted
to be a part of it. “Justison Landing was being revitalized into a place of
cultural, economical and residential importance, so I jumped at the chance
to lease space,” he says.
In February 2010, the fifth location of Currie Hair Skin Nails—the
four other salons are situated throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and
Delaware—became the newest beauty to open for business on the Justison
Landing block. “The space has enabled us to continue to develop our
winning culture, provide exceptional services to clientele and expand upon
our passion for education,” Currie says.
The furnishings and design scheme are first-rate. Bamboo wood flooring
smoothly transitions to a five-foot-wide Pennsylvania slate walkway that
helps direct traffic throughout
the 3,400-square-foot space.
Colorful acrylic chairs, channel
glass, bamboo walls and a
custom-made chandelier from
Italy mingle with sleek styling
stations that are equipped with
utilitarian storage compartments
that house clients’ belongings
and stylists’ tools. “Everything
has been designed and crafted
with meticulous attention to
detail that mirrors the high level of quality and care that we strive to provide
to our guests,” Currie says.
Not surprising, Currie hasn’t spared any expense when it comes to
driving foot traffic to his new salon. Case in point: He routinely gives away
$25 gift cards to nurses employed at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for
Children as well as to teachers at local schools. “Last year we gave away
about $44,000 in services and got a triple return on our investment,” says
Currie, who was twice named the Salon Entrepreneur of the Year by the
Global Salon Business Awards. Along with that, he started advertising the
salon on TV, running local spots during programs such as Jersey Shore and
Tabatha’s Salon Takeover. “We committed $22,000 in advertising and made
a million dollars last year,” says Currie. “But what makes me most proud is
how giving back to the community has become such an integral part of our
salon culture.” ✂ —Kelley Donahue
66 American Salon April 2011
