Our fearless leader Amber was recently interviewed for Yankee Connections' April 2021 Magazine. Focused on small, local community building, this was a great opportunity to highlight many of the incredible collaborations Salon Noir is currently a part of. Check out the interview below to learn about how Amber grows locally, gives back, and stays connected.
Where did you grow up? What brought you to this area?
I've always lived in Ohio. I graduated from Greeneview in Jamestown, but most of my family has always been around the Dayton area.
What is your business, and how and why did you start it?
I am a hairstylist and salon owner. I knew in hair school that I would eventually open my own place. After being in the industry, working for other people for close to 10 years, I had to take control of my own future. I opened Salon Noir Centerville back in 2010.
I opened my Lebanon location in January 2020, right before all the Covid stuff happened, so that was scary. And during the shut-down, I started working on Salon Noir Mobile which is a renovated Airstream we are booking for on-location services starting in April... I call it the hAirstream ;)
What sets your business apart from the rest?
I am truly passionate about, and love what I do! I know that isn't unique, but I do try to think outside of the box. I kind of like to scare myself a little by trying different things with my businesses, which I know sounds silly, but with great risk can come great rewards! It’s extremely important to evolve, grow, and always be learning.
Something else that I’m really proud of that sets us apart is our community collaborations. Local businesses have really suffered the last year so we are finding ways to cross-promote. So far we have worked with Dayton Real Estate Crush to create a Limited Edition Candle to benefit charity. All proceeds go to the Artemis Center.
We worked with Dayton’s Toxic Brew Company to create a Salon Noir Porter beer. We worked with Lebanon’s Anna’s Gourmet Popcorn to create a Salon Noir black and white popcorn. We named it Cherry Noir et Blanc... And we have a few more ideas up our sleeves for the near future!
Given your business expertise, what advice can you offer to the residents?
I think my staff and I could really help by consulting with people about haircare and skincare; whether it's helping a client with dry, winter skin, or choosing the best haircut for someone's face shape. We could also make recommendations on products to help with everyday hair or complexion problems. We have our own custom hair and skin care products; NOIR that we can customize for clients. They are all-natural, vegan, cruelty-free, very gentle, and they work wonderfully!
What question do customers often ask you? What is your answer?
I think one of the questions I get asked most often is "What is a good hair color for my skin tone?" The great thing about this question is, there isn't just one answer. Most of the time a person's skin tone and eye color can work well with several options. And depending on the time of year, skin colors can vary. It's fun to change it up sometimes!
Who in your family would you like to mention in your business spotlight story?
My husband also owns his own local business; Fortress Home Inspection. He inspects residential and commercial buildings, and believe me, he is great at it! His attention to detail is ridiculous! Also, my sister is a photographer; Ashley Lynn Photography. She did all the photos featured in this spotlight. We love collaborating!
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love hanging out with my husband, family, and our dogs. My fave night-life things to do are karaoke and seeing live music. I really love old and independent/artsy movies. That's a big part of where my business names came from; Film Noir.
I enjoy reading when I force myself to make time for it. I've written poetry for years, though it's on the backburner these days. I also picked up an old hobby during the shut-down; embroidery. But I have to say, working on my business is really up there on the list of things I love to do!
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