December 8, 2021

Make It Yours, Next Level with Werk!

tanya and katlyn smiling in their suite

Katlyn Hammonds and Tanya Shaw, both specializing in haircuts, color, and extensions, have shared a suite at the Orange Park MY SALON Suite since their grand opening in February 2020. Prior to the transition, they worked together at a national chain of hair salons. 

“We were very lucky to open our private suite just before COVID hit,” said Hammonds. “Our clients felt comfortable being in a space with just Tanya and me and we were thankful we could maintain their beauty needs throughout the pandemic.”

Hammonds and Shaw plan to grow their business with online mentoring and in-suite education for stylists particularly on blonding techniques, and to continue to increase their clientele base via referrals.

“We actually had a very successful year despite COVID,” said Shaw. “It’s amazing how taking a risk and opening our own business really paid off. We’ve always been hard workers, so we knew our dreams would eventually come true – but the transition was so smooth and we were able to build a strong network very quickly.”

“Katlyn and Tanya are proof that through determination, enthusiasm, and sheer talent, success during challenging times is achievable,” said Ken McAllister, MY SALON Suite’s CEO and President. “I’m proud of our 11 Featured Members for committing to their clients and themselves particularly throughout the last year. I’m looking forward to helping Katlyn and Tanya’s businesses grow with MY SALON Suite!”

When not in their suite, Hammonds enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach, and Shaw enjoys taking her two sons to Cape Coral for four-wheeling and ATV.

After Katlyn and Tanya’s suite upgrade, we sat down with them to hear about what it has done for their business.

  • Tell us about the entire process and what you loved about it? 

Tanya: “When we first found out we were selected [as Featured Members], Tim and Lynn surprised us at the salon. I was so excited and our guests we were serving were so happy for us as well. We had zoom calls with The Home Edit ladies who totally loved our space. It was such a compliment when they said they wouldn’t change a thing about our organization systems. Eric [the interior designer] helped us make our rooftop vision come alive. I love surprises and the reveal was just that. I was in shock how it all came together in such a short period of time.” 

Katlyn: “We were totally surprised by our owners with a photographer and champagne! That’s when we found out about being a Suite Elite Featured Member.”

champagne bottles on a table in the suite members posing in their suite.

  •  What are your favorite parts about your suite now?

Tanya: “I’m OBSESSED with our waiting chairs. After living in the new additions for a couple months they’ve really become one of my favorite things. They’re so comfy and the pink is so playful. I love to look over and see our guests relaxing and chatting with one another after a long day of work.” 

Katlyn: “My favorite part about our suite is the seating area. It’s super comfy and we have a tv. It takes our salon to a whole new level. Our clients can watch tv and relax while getting their hair done.” 

one wall of their suite with a tv and shelves displaying hair product picture of their suite doors and a corner of their suite with pink chairs photo of other side of their suite featuring floor to ceiling windows and a wall covered in flowers.

  •  What have your clients said? 

Tanya: “Our guests love our new space. They love how bright and airy it is. And they absolutely love our new selfie flower wall. Everyone who walks by our suite always stops to comment on it. It’s such a statement piece of art.” 

Katlyn: They love the new bubble chandeliers. It makes it look fancy! The chairs bring a pop of color and are comfortable. The space looks bigger and welcoming.” 

picture of their flower wall. picture of their brand name "werk"neon sign above their cabinets

  • How has it made you feel more creative in your space? How has it helped you with your craft?

Tanya: “I feel super confident in our new space. I’ve been in a mental rut since the start of this year and this suite upgrade gave me the boost I needed to get back in the game. I’ve spent my days making everyone feel good about themselves that I forgot about me. So this upgrade has helped me out so much in my personal confidence and expanding my horizons in this industry.” 

Katlyn: “I feel more confident in our new space. That helps me perform my craft better. I know that our suite represents our personalities and shows that we love what we do.”

member putting a cape on a client in the suite member laughing while doing hair in her suite

  • What does it mean to you to be a Suite Elite Featured Member? 

Tanya: “Being a Suite Elite Featured Member means so much to me. I feel like something was seen in me that I didn’t see in myself and it was brought to light. I’m thankful for this experience. Not only did my suite get an upgrade but I feel like my heart did too. I’m also extremely thankful to have gotten to share this experience with my ride or die (best friend) Katlyn Hammonds. Without her by my side all of this would still be a dream.” 

Katlyn: “To me it means being top notch! Being a MY SALON Suite Featured Member is all of my hard work paying off. It makes me feel valued that MY SALON Suite takes the time to recognize their members.” 

the two members smiling in their suite

To watch Werk’s upgrade experience, click here.

Learn more about Katlyn @KitKatColorist and Tanya @The_Payper_Doll

 

Click here to learn more about becoming a Suite Elite Member with MY SALON Suite.

 

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