In 1964, Marilyn Ast was sole owner and operator of the salon until 1972, when Marsha Dunbar (McLean) began working for her. In 1974, McLean bought the business and was sole owner of the shop until January 2011, when former employee, Amy Geiger, who became co-owner.
Now Geiger is ushering the salon into an exciting new era, as she assumes full ownership of the business.
“As of January 2016, the salon will be renamed Salon 206 and will be expanded and renovated which will utilize the whole building,” says Geiger.
“The location will remain the same although temporarily be relocating to the Shockwave building on Railway Ave. in February and March,” Geiger explained. “And Marsha will still be here to serve all her clients.”
“We're looking forward to expanding the space to make room for more styling stations, a larger waiting area, and eventually more services and retail to offer to our clients.”
“But our commitment to serving our clients will stay the same.”
The women’s shared history goes back further than the salon business however.
“I was in school and graduated with Marsha's son, Brent,” says Geiger I always wanted to be a hairstylist. Grade one career day, I said I wanted to be a journeyman hairdresser like Brent's mom, so I could travel, because I knew she always went on trips,” she laughs.
McLean says, “Amy and I were at a conference and my brother Kevin said to her 'Not to be condescending to you but you couldn't be more like my sister if you tried – the energy, the fashion, the shopping...'”
“And for me to sell this business to someone who has the same passion as me, that's great,” adds Mclean.
Although McLean love of global travel is well known she says she didn't indulge in it until she raised her children.
“Most of my travelling I did after I raised my kids,” McLean said. “And the great thing about this career is that it allows you to grow and change. But, your relationship with your clients is what allows you to do that.”
“They do their best to accommodate me and I do my best to accommodate them if I'm going away.”
“ It's all about mutual respect and it's a real privilege to have those relationships.”
“You become part of each other’s life.”
“Sometimes there are fun things they’re telling everyone and of course you have the other things you can’t share,” says McLean
“You go and your heart is heavy for people. We really do see many of our clients through it all – we have people bringing babies in for their first haircuts and we go to Moose Mountain Lodge to visit our clients there and everything in between.
Currently the salon employs five stylists: Geiger, McLean, Brooklyn Bodnaruk, Brittany Keyes, and Jacey Tarr.
“We all believe in continually learning and growing as stylists,” Geiger says. “But that's not hard for any of us because we love what we do and we're always looking forward to what's new.”
McLean – who turned down an opportunity to be a cosmetologist instructor late in her career agrees. And while she still attends hair shows regularly, her travels also inform her creative vision.
“I remember talking with a lady from a Canadian city in Paris and she thought the world stopped on her doorstep, I told her in that even if you’re not into fashion you have to take a walk around and observe people because Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world.”
“I completely reject the idea that if you're from a small town or rural area that you don't know what's going on.”
“On the other extreme I went to a barber shop in Istanbul to watch how the barber did a shave with a straight razor and I also watched him do a haircut. In Africa, I saw a sign for a beauty salon called The Blood of Jesus Hair Salon – I went in there just to see what they did!”
The newly named Salon 206, 2015 was something of a record.
Geiger explained, “We were approved by Hillberg and Berk, to carry their jewelry at the shop.”
“We don’t have final numbers or figures yet, but I can say that we were stocking so often that during the Christmas season one of their people called us and said ‘What’s going on down there?’”
“They couldn’t believe how much we were selling.”
“It’s really gratifying and it’s all due to our customers supporting local business and for coming to us instead of ordering online,” says Geiger. “We can’t thank them enough.”
“And although we have lots to do and are in a temporary location for February and March we know all of our clients and ourselves are looking forward to the renovations, they will be enjoyed.”
“We look forward to seeing them during the transition.”
As for McLean she will continue working her three and a half days a week – this time as Geiger’s employee.
“I can’t imagine not being able to come to work,” McLean says. “I’m a people person and so is Amy.”
“I’m so thankful for all she’s done for me,” Geiger said. “We both thank our clients and we’re excited and happy to welcome them to 206.”
For more information visit their Facebook page “Salon 206” or call them at 306-453-2420.
