When Inez Gray was developing her salon’s client referral program, she wanted to find a way to notify clients of their reward with something tangible rather than the usual card or letter. After browsing the Internet, she came across a company that reproduces wooden nickels, a form of currency issued by the Pacific Northwest town of Blaine, Wash., in the 1930s after their banks failed.

Gray, owner of two Habititude salons in the Seattle area, took a fancy to the story and the Habibuck was born. Each time a client refers a friend to the salon, she receives a wooden nickel good for $5 off any service or retail product.

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