Business Matters: Fantastic Sams Takes on Fresh Look
Just the like the hair industry itself, Fantastic Sams is evolving. The budget salon chain underwent a branding makeover a couple years ago. And it recently celebrated 15 years in Maple Grove, which serves as the company’s regional headquarters.
Part Stylist, Part Listener
During that time of year for parties and get-togethers, the rush is on at the Fantastic Sams in Crystal to get a fresh look. Aaron Morrison doesn’t mind the steady stream of patrons. He embraces it.
“I like the volume of the clientele here,” said Morrison. “We’re always pretty steady.”
For Kat Held, a career in hair was inspired by her own experiences.
“For some reason, I always felt I had the wrong hair stylist to cut my hair,” she said. “So that’s what motivated me and has motivated me.”
Now Held not only spends time beautifying hair at the Fantastic Sams in Crystal, she spends part of her day listening.
“A lot of people tell their hair stylist things their own family doesn’t even know,” said Held.
Evolving with the Trends
While Held spends most of her days at the Crystal salon, she also takes advantage of free education offered by Fantastic Sams. Maple Grove serves as the regional headquarters and training center for Fantastic Sams.
“You’re getting education through the corporate,” said Held. That’s really nice that you don’t have to fund that yourself.”
The Maple Grove Fantastic Sams facility helps support 100 salons and more than 1,000 stylists throughout Minnesota.
“Every single week we have stylists that come through here,” said Jamie Brudos, franchise business consultant for Fantastic Sams. “It definitely sets us apart.”
Stylists at Fantastic Sams receive free continuing education to stay on top of industry trends.
“We really train them, train our stylists to really spend the time with each and every guest,” said Brudos. I think that’s unique.”
Hair Colors That Pop
This year’s hair trends are colorful ones.
“Right now we’re seeing a lot of pop colors,” said Brudos. “You might see whether that’s blue or pink, or yellow or something at the bottom of the hair. That’s really what we’re kind of seeing.”
Mystic topaz hair color takes cool tones to the next level.
“You Can Really Change a Person’s Day”
Back in Crystal, it’s not just the hair that’s an important part of the job.
“I know it just seems like a haircut, but it can be so much more for a lot of people,” said Held. “I know that we’re doing hair cuts and colors and waxes and everything, but at the same time, you can really change a person’s day.”
