Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Vaughn.
Hi Carissa , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Conception of Phi
After working almost a decade in hair salons and urging others to start taking steps towards not only minimizing their carbon footprint, but incorporating more organic approaches for the sake of guests’ health and stylists’, I decided to give it a go on my own. I set out to create Jacksonville Beach’s first fully sustainable and 100% organic hair salon.
What some called a pipe dream has evolved into a movement. Since opening in 2014, Phi has grown into a brand relied on for organic hair care, eco-luxury treatments, and a safe community space for all — proudly LGBTQIA+ affirming and the only sensory safe salon in Jacksonville
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
2 weeks into opening my salon, I was served with a lawsuit by my previous employer. 4 years and $40,000 I won that lawsuit. Then came Covid, and now we are up against incredibly inflated costs as well as the inability to get most of our supplies due to the ongoing issues in the strait of Hormuz.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am personally known behind the chair for my curly haircuts as well as my Ayurvedic practices and being an advocate for more transparency in our industry regarding toxic chemicals that companies are sliding into peoples hair care.
Aside from that, I am known as a business owner for creating a safe space for our community and my employees.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
To never give up on the “why” behind what you do! There will be many people and companies try to get you to do it their way and sometimes it will feel like an impossible dream. Maintaining the why, will always keep you on the right path
Pricing:
- $150 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.phiecosalon.com
- Instagram: Phi_ecosalon
