Type of business: Salon
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 430 Crane Ave. Suite 110
Contact information: 209-277-7719
Specialty: Hair coloring
History of business:
Salon Two Zero Nine is preparing to celebrate the one year anniversary of its opening, and first time business owner Megan Morris has learned plenty over the course of the last 12 months.
“I have had so many setbacks and stressful moments in this past year…and no matter how many rocks were thrown at us, I was determined to get back up and be a better version of Salon Two Zero Nine,” said Morris. “I know we can overcome anything that is thrown at us now — this year taught me that.”
Morris originally envisioned herself attending fashion school in her adult life, but after some research discovered the field wasn’t always the most successful. Her mom had attended beauty school in the past, and she persuaded Morris to channel her creative side into cosmetology instead.
Working as a stylist in a salon was what convinced Morris to open one of her own.
“I would constantly think of how I would do things,” she said. “I wanted to help everyone and make the salon better.”
Now, Morris spends over 12 hours a day in a salon of her own. However, the long hours are worth it.
“I can honestly say I wouldn’t want it any other way right now,” said Morris. “The salon is everything to me. It’s my baby.”
Since opening on Jan. 1, the salon has become known for its expert staff of hair stylists who specialize in color, turning dull heads into glimmering works of cosmetology art. Morris, who spends about 95 percent of her work day coloring hair, credits the camaraderie between herself and her staff for the salon’s success.
“I have some extremely talented stylists working with me,” said Morris. “We all learn from and help each other.”
Morris and the salon’s team of stylists attend classes regularly, where they learn new techniques and ways in which they can become better stylists. In the past year, several Salon Two Zero Nine stylists have travelled to Chicago, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Laguna Beach to further their beauty educations.
“I think the thing that sets us apart is our passion,” said Morris. “Every single stylist in our salon is in love with what they do, and they all strive to be the best hairstylist they can be.”
While the stylists ensure that the salon is running to the best of its ability, Morris enjoys helping them become the best they can be. There is no competition among them, she said — she wants them to succeed in everything they do.
“Their success and happiness is my success and happiness,” said Morris. “When they are on top of their game, I get a weird sense of accomplishment from that.”
Morris frequently posts her work on Instagram (@justteaseme), as does Salon Two Zero Nine as a whole (@salon.twozeronine). Though the client in the chair may vary from day to day, one thing always remains the same for Morris and her team.
“I love helping them become, in their opinion, the most beautiful version of themselves,” said Morris. “When a client leaves my chair and feels more confident with their appearance, they literally glow and I love that.”
