Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Madrid.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Annette. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started doing hair about 20 years ago. I went to school at Robert Morgan and then went to work at Peter of London for about 13 years. After the salon was sold twice while there, my now business partner Sonia and myself decided to venture out on our own. We started looking around the area and always loved the unique building where we are now. It was called La Reve De Lucie. We literally walked in and met the owner, Lucie. She expressed to us she would be interested in leasing us the building. It happened very fast and this was back before Instagram for clients to find stylists who moved, and in the old salon culture you didn’t give out your phone number or information to clients so it was kind of scary! I never really kept any of client contact information since I hadn’t planned on really opening a salon at that point in my career. I had just had twins the year before so the timing was kind of crazy but we jumped on it. Sonia and I did everything ourselves from painting to decorating which is her thing.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was scary and definitely a learning curve. We had some bumps a few years ago with a walkout which is common in our industry. Booth renting has become a popular move for a lot of stylists who want to have their own business but not open a regular commission salon. It definitely has changed our industry. I never did it personally because I like a team atmosphere and it seemed to isolate to me. Some people have great success with it. We are a training salon and love to give back and mentor the new and up and coming talent and learn so much at the same time as them!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Luxe the colour Lounge – what should we know?
I love color! I specialize in short hair, platinum, color corrections, highlights, and balayage. I love vivid colors as well. We are known for using the best color (Redken) and keeping the hair healthy is our utmost priority. If you want platinum and your hair can’t handle it, we’re not going to do it! Integrity before everything else. We always provide a thorough consultation before every service, offer wine, beer, sangria and mimosas on Saturdays. We love to help out at charity events as well. Last month, we volunteered at lotus house for a spa day providing complimentary hair services. It really makes you take a step back and be grateful where you are in life. I spent a year as a young adult in a halfway house so doing something like that very makes me emotional and thankful for the opportunity to touch someone there.
What do you love about our city and what do you dislike?
I like the different cultures! Being from New Jersey originally I feel most at home when there is diversity. The thing I like least is the traffic and people that don’t engage with other people. I say hi to everyone people may think it’s weird but it’s just the way I was raised.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6690 sw 117 ave Miami, Florida 33193
- Instagram: luxethecolourlounge, annetteluxe
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 305-279-3319
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