It's all about teamwork.
Indeed, Patrick Ludlow and Todd Buckley, the new owners of Mosaic Salon & Spa in midtown, will combine Ludlow's passion for his craft as a stylist and educator with Buckley's business sense as they map a plan to grow their new venture.
With 12 years' experience between them, Ludlow, 30, and Buckley, 31, are ambitious enough to dream big (not big hair!), with goals to remodel the existing salon and, hopefully, open another – or more.
Ludlow and Buckley sealed the deal Oct. 1, taking over Mosaic from longtime owner J.C. Allen.
We sat down with the new owners to find out more about their plans and why Sacramentans (both men and women) appreciate the perfect coif.
Almost two months into your venture, what's the short-term plan?
Buckley: Definitely to grow the business. That includes the aforementioned remodel and building the staff. We also want to do more community outreach, and we want people to know about our customer service. Ludlow: As an educator, I'll be more involved with our stylists – especially those in the assistant program – to become more upper echelon. I think we've trained half of the stylists in Sacramento at one time or another.
When you talk about education, what does that mean for a stylist?
Ludlow: It's how you keep from burning out. Keep taking classes, whether it's from Bumble & Bumble or Vidal Sassoon or someone else. It's easy to do the same haircut over and over.
What pops into your mind when you think about hairstyles in Sacramento and beyond?
Buckley: Certainly how we style hair has evolved. The industry, too. There's more creativity and imagination. Though we still get a lot of clients who bring in pictures of a style, especially on a celebrity, they might like to try. Ludlow: You can change the way someone looks in an hour or two. But I take it beyond that and work with a client so he or she has not only a great style but also healthy hair. That's why we've become very product-savvy and carry the Shu Uemura line, which is easy to use. The other important thing is learning and accepting the texture of your hair and what it will and won't do.
So how do you talk a client out of a style you don't believe will work? Ludlow: I know this: Women would rather get their hair done than go shopping. And they can change their minds every six weeks. But most don't want the fuss of a high-maintenance style. Classic styles will always be in. Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham) did the whole bob thing. But now she's reinvented the crop cut, which looks so much fresher.
Besides hair, what other services do you offer at Mosaic?
Buckley: Facials, massage, eyelash extensions, waxing, spray tans. You could spend the day in our salon!
Information: Mosaic Salon & Spa is at 2700 J St., Sacramento; (916) 558-2700 or www.mosaicsalon.com.
Call The Bee's Leigh Grogan, (916) 321-1129.
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