Michelle Collins and Colleen Kramper don’t plan to fix what isn’t broken. The two new Grapevine Salon owners will continue to offer the high level of service clients have come to expect after more than three decades, while adding just a few new services and redecorating the Marketplace’s third floor salon.
Collins and Kramper, who purchased the salon from Julie Stevens on March 1, both had extensive salon experience prior to deciding to go into business together. Collins got her start as Grapevine’s receptionist 11 years ago, soon after Stevens first purchased the salon.
“She bought me my first pair of scissors and took me to my first hair show,” said Collins of Stevens. “I was apprenticing, but it was taking too long so I went to the states to get my license. After I finished school, Julie called and asked if I wanted to come work at the salon.”
The rest is history, and Collins has been doing hair at Grapevine for the past five years. Kramper, a licensed aesthetician, got her start in Love City at the Beauty Lounge.
Ready For Next Phase
“I was living here, and I left in 2003 to go to Seattle and get my aesthetician’s license,” said Kramper. “I returned to St. John and was at the Beauty Lounge until just recently, when this opportunity became available.”
And what a sweet opportunity it was for the women. Kramper, who knew Collins only as her hairstylist, decided to go into business together.
“We decided we were both ready for the next phase in our lives,” said Kramper. “It was an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up. Julie made it easy for us.”
Stevens is staying on at Grapevine to help Collins and Kramper ease into their new roles as salon owners. The unique nature that makes Love City what it is has helped the business owners as they transition, explained Kramper.
“Julie’s giving us this opportunity that we wouldn’t really have if we were in the states,” she said. “She’s such a catalyst in making this happen. And we’ve received so much support, from people who helped paint and build our desk.”
“We’ve had so much positive feedback from everyone,” Collins added. “It’s exciting.”
Things have been “hectic” since the two took over the business, according to Kramper, however progress is being made. The salon continues to offer hair, nails, massage, wax and makeup services, and facials will soon be offered as well. Collins and Kramper are also redecorating the salon to give it a more modern feel.
Continuing Success
Grapevine will continue to offer top-notch hair and makeup services to wedding parties, Kramper explained.
“We’re updating our Web site and meeting with planners to give them more updated information on what we offer,” she said. “We have a really good following already, and we’re planning on expanding that.”
“Grapevine has been a successful salon for 30 years, and we just want to continue on with that,” Kramper continued. “We’re fresh and up for the challenge that owning a business requires. We’re just going to continue to provide top quality service, and we’re grateful for our clients’ business and continued support.”
Grapevine Salon has two hair stylists, one nail technician, one aesthetician and two massage therapists on staff. The salon is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and special appointments are available. To make an appointment, call 693-9040.
