If you’re new to the Ft. Polk area you’ll find that most things around here are word of mouth. One of the first things many women want to know is where the best salons are and who should they see…well, here you go, friends!
Transitions Salon is located in DeRidder, just 15 minutes from Ft. Polk. I’ve been going to this salon for the last two years and I can vouch for their excellence! I had the opportunity to meet with Karen, the owner and stylist and take a few photos to share with y’all. She was also kind enough to answer some questions so that y’all can get a better sense of why Transitions is so fabulous!
How long has Transitions been in business?
Transitions has been in business for 20 years!
Is this what you’ve always wanted to do? If not, what was your original plan?
I never imagined myself as a stylist, nor a salon owner. I have always been interested in art and enjoyed being creative, so that made being a stylist very easy. I ultimately choose this career for the flexability for my children. Plus, I can be creative.
If you weren’t a salon owner and hairstylist, what would you be doing?
Maybe Interior Design, or buying old homes and restoring them. Sounds silly but I love stuff like that.
What do you like best about your job?
Making clients smile and feel good about themselves and how they look.
On a personal note: guilty pleasure?
Staying up all night after kids and husband have gone to bed and watching movies by myself. Okay maybe not all night, but for sure really late.
Do you have any strange or funny stories in your years of experience?
The funniest story that I have experienced would be when a client completely fell asleep in one of my stylist chair while she was foiling highlights in her hair. She almost fell out of the stylist chair!
What has been the scariest or most difficult thing for you as a salon owner?
The most scary moment would defineitly be this past December when half my team left me and the salon to open their own. That is the salon business, I was not angry at them, just a little hurt, and scared of how to recover. The Lord had a plan for me and the salon, we were able to move to brand new building and have had more success than ever before. I am always worried about the salon failing or getting a bad reputation. That is my number one worry and concern everyday as a salon owner.
How many stylists do you have working with you and what services do you offer?
We now have 6 stylist and 1 nail tech. We offer, all hair services : cut &, style for men, women, and children, All Color services, Perms, Keratin smoothing treatments, special occasion hair, Make-up application, Manicures and Pedicures.
What new things are you going out of your way to learn and apply to your salon?
New things I go out of my way to learn for salon would be the latest products and trends as well as the latest cutting techniques. My goal is to stay up to date on all of this things with my stylist as well. Keeping them educated is important.
What sets your salon apart from the others in town and what is your goal for your business?
Our salon is built on a foundation of Christianity, That is most important to all of us who work there. Clients can come knowing that they will not be around gossip sessions, no inappropriate topics, just good clean atmosphere. We strive to make each client feel special and appreciated. We want every client to feel 100 percent satisfied when they leave. I would like people to hear our name and know that it is a great place to go.
I’m so glad Karen agreed to let me feature Transitions on the blog. I truly enjoy visiting there and always feel so very welcome. I even take my three boys there and every time we drive by the twins point and say, “We going to haircut? I get a lollipop?” They love Miss Karen! Give her a call to set up your next appointment 337.462.8090. You won’t be disappointed!
~Melissa 🙂
