For the resident stylists at a new salon, being “Unbound” allows them and their clients to be themselves.
Sami Ford opened UNBOUND Salon at 312 North Center Street, Suite 103, in New Boston.
Ford said deciding the name was an important first step in creating the salon she wanted for herself and the salon’s stylists.
“I had been contemplating names for a while and I knew I didn’t want something with my name in it because I didn’t want them to be bound to my name,” Ford said.
UNBOUND, Ford said, gives the stylists there the opportunity to grow their clientele through their own names while working at an established facility.
“We don’t work for a company. We are our own business and we work out of a location. We are Hair by Tara Sargent, Nails by Shelby (Faulkner) and SamiFord Hair and Makeup. We all just happen to work out of the same salon,” Ford said.
Ford is a cosmetologist specializing in low-maintenance and lived-in styles, color, extensions and some vivid colors. Sargent is a cosmetologist specializing in blonding and vivid colors. And Faulkner is a manicurist who specializes in acrylics and nail art. But they are always learning.
“We do continuing education,” Ford said. “I think that’s why I don’t get stuck in my ways because I’m always learning something new.”
Sargent and Faulkner agree.
“The industry is constantly changing. There’s always something different that someone wants done that hasn’t been seen or hasn’t been done before here,” Faulkner said.
The stylists said the salon is an eclectic environment that is warm and inviting. Clients can enjoy a coffee at the coffee bar stocked with a multitude of flavors or a book from the mini library while they are receiving their beauty service.
“I love the atmosphere, the personality of the salon and that it’s just no judgment at all. Immediately when you walk in, you don’t feel like you’re being judged. It’s a very welcoming space,” Faulkner said. “It’s perfect for me and my clients … Here your personality can be shown. You can just be you.”
Ford said that was her intention with UNBOUND.
“When I first moved to New Boston, I worked in a salon which was very politically driven … The next salon was very religious driven. Both were fine, but I’m neither of those things. I didn’t want anyone walking in here thinking they were going to be judged for who they vote for or what they believe because that’s none of my business,” she added.
And all three agree that it doesn’t matter what kind of service a client wants, whether it is a traditional or bold style with their hair or nails, judgment is never part of their experience.
“It’s very relaxed and a more personal environment than most places,” Sargent added.
Each stylist says having their own space allows their clients the opportunity to relax or rant, whatever the case may be, in a private setting.
“You have that ability to speak openly without feeling like anybody else is listening to what you are saying,” Faulkner said.
For Ford, the desire to open her own salon was rooted in a desire to allow her husband more time with their family.
“My husband missed almost the whole first four years of our daughter’s life because he was working nights … He hated it and we hated it. I wanted to do something so he could be home,” she said.
Having time at home, she added, gave him the opportunity to design and make t-shirts at home that Ford now sells out of the salon.
Clients can also purchase a variety of styling products available.
But Ford said she has future plans to expand the salon’s available services.
“Eventually I want a body waxer, a lash-extensionist and an esthetician,” she said.
The salon is open Tuesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The public is invited to their grand opening celebration Saturday, November 9. There will be a raffle drawing for a basket of products valued at more than $300 and free giveaways throughout the day.
