Runner-Up: The Great Escape

Runner-up: Salon With 4-7 Nail Technicians

Location: Saline, Mich

Owners: Linda Hoover and Janice Cory-Bies

Years in business: 4

Staff size: 22 (5 nail technicians)

The Great Escape Proves a Great Investment

The Great Escape was a longtime dream for co-owners Linnda Hoover and Janice Cory-Bies, a dream that almost wasn’t realized. Even with a thriving nail salon, a 77-page business plan for a new day spa, and two enterprising and proven business owners, Hoover and Cory-Bies were denied by nine banks a business loan to capitalize their dream salon/day spa/ paramedical clinic. Undettered, the pair turned to another source (actually, another 641 sources) of funds--- their clients. “Six hundred and forty one satisfied customers became 641 generous supporters/investors,” says Hoover proudly.

In planning the day spa and clinic, the pair trained with internationally known makeup artist Marvin Westmore at Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts in Hollywood, Calif., to learn the art of camouflage makeup, post-operative medical camouflage, and gender transition makeup. “We gained experience working in a clinic for burn survivors, accident victims, and cancer patients,” says Hoover. “We also trained in Utah, focusing on skin resurfacing and alpha hydroxyl acid treatments,” she adds.

The Great Escape’s decor does for client mental health what the services do for their outward demeanor. The salon encompasses 4,000 square feet, including an elegant reception area with inviting leather couches, well-stocked retail displays, and a selection of educational videos; adjacent to the reception area is the medical cosmetics clinic and wig salon. In the center of the spa are four semi-private nail stations that extend out from a centrepiece waterfall. From the central location, nail clients can enjoy fashion shows, makeovers, and product demonstrations while having their nails done. The day spa’s staff also includes an esthetician who is also registered nurse, four certified massage therapists, one electrologist, one body wrap technician, and two receptionists. In all, The Great Escape delivers just what it promises... a great escape.