Buying And Selling Unconventionally

By Katy Lovan & Jack Morlan, Studio 409 Salon & Wigs, West Des Moines, IA

When people think about buying or selling a salon, they often imagine formal contracts, real estate negotiations, and business brokers. But our story didn’t follow that script. We didn’t go through a corporate handoff or a rigid retirement plan. Instead, we built something slowly; based on mentorship, shared values, mutual respect, and a deep desire to help others — especially those experiencing hair loss.

What began as a simple conversation between two stylists evolved into a unique transition rooted in trust and purpose. In telling our story together, we hope to offer a different perspective on what it means to grow, evolve, and eventually pass the torch in this industry. This wasn’t just about transferring ownership, it was about continuing a mission and preserving a legacy.

A Journey of Mentorship and Trust - as told by Katy Lovan

I first met Jack Morlan in June 2015. At the time, I was considering leaving the traditional salon setting to become an independent stylist — an exciting but intimidating leap. A coworker of mine happened to be in touch with Jack and passed along his number. I didn’t know it then, but that phone call would mark the beginning of a transformative journey, not only for my career but also for a mentorship that would shape the way I do business.

The transition was anything but smooth. Just five days after giving my two weeks' notice at my thensalon, I was unexpectedly let go. I was heartbroken. Other stylists before me had been supported and celebrated for branching out on their own, but I was left with no income and no plan. As a single mom, I couldn’t afford even one week without pay.

Jack, however, stepped in without hesitation. Rather than making me wait to start at the new salon location as originally planned, he offered me a spot at his existing salon so I could continue working immediately. That gesture, one of compassion and flexibility, was my first real glimpse into the kind of person and professional Jack is.

He helped me with every detail of becoming independent: who to go to, what to do, and how to set up my business. I remained under his wing through the transition when he sold the salon rental side to Jenna, and even picked up part-time work at his other salon located inside Edgewater Retirement Community to cover for a team member on maternity leave.

After a few years, I relocated about three hours away but continued working every other weekend at Jenna’s salon. I spent countless hours on the road, juggling family, career, and figuring out where I wanted to plant roots. In 2019, I moved back home and decided to open a salon with my cousin. Although I had owned a restaurant previously, opening a salon was a completely different world and once again, I turned to Jack for guidance.

My cousin and I were optimistic about our location, situated in a revitalizing area of Des Moines. Unfortunately, the challenges soon outweighed the promise: endless construction delays, a landlord who harassed us daily, and a building that quite literally began to fall apart. Despite the struggles, our salon thrived, thanks to sheer will and hard work. Throughout that time, I continued working two days a week at Edgewater, drawn back by the joy of making people feel good and the sense of purpose that always lingered in my heart.

Eventually, my cousin and I parted ways with the salon, and I found myself once again unsure of my next step. I met with Jack, this time with a clear goal: I wanted to transition from traditional salon services to alternative hair solutions. I had always felt a calling to help others in a more meaningful way, and the world of wigs and hair loss solutions sparked that passion.

That conversation turned into something bigger. Jack mentioned the possibility of retiring, something he’d talked about for years and the idea of me purchasing Studio 409 was born. We took an unconventional approach to the transition. Rather than a traditional sale, Jack and I agreed on a monthly payment plan while I worked toward securing a down payment through a bank. During this time, I gradually took on more responsibilities, stepping into the role of manager while Jack moved into a part-time position. We also expanded our team by welcoming Taylor and Tricia, two incredible additions who helped us begin shaping the next chapter of Studio 409 Hair Loss Clinic.

It wasn’t a typical business transaction, but it was built on years of trust, hard work, and mentorship. Jack never held back his knowledge. He mentored me through every phase of my career, from my first uncertain steps as an independent stylist to owning a full-service clinic dedicated to hair loss solutions.

On September 1, 2024, I officially became the new owner of Studio 409. Just two weeks later, we were in Dallas at the AHLC convention, an unforgettable experience where I was introduced to so many of the incredible companies Jack had worked with over the years. That weekend was more than just a convention, it was a launchpad for what’s next.

This journey has been unconventional, yes, but also deeply rewarding. I’m proud to continue Jack’s legacy with a modern twist, bringing education, compassion, and innovation to those struggling with hair loss. Most of all, I’m grateful for the mentorship that made it all possible. Jack gave me the tools, the trust, and the belief that I could do this, and now, I’m doing it.

Buying and Selling A Salon Unconventionally - as told by Jack Morlan

When I started my hair salon business 50 years ago, it was just to do basic hair services: cutting, coloring, and perming, not thinking at all about hair additions like wigs, toppers, or anything to do with hair loss.

After 10 years of doing traditional services, my sister Jo, who was a nurse, came to the salon and told me she had been diagnosed with cancer. She said I needed to offer something for those losing their hair. I told her I only wanted to do hair, not wigs, and she said she'd bring all four of our sisters in to convince me otherwise. I said I didn’t need everyone ganging up on me like they did on the farm growing up!

Still, I agreed to do some research. After attending a week of intensive training in Florida on cutting, fitting, styling, and altering wigs, I committed to offering these services to clients in Des Moines.

That decision turned into something much larger. I began teaching the Look Good, Feel Better program for cancer clients, which led to over 40 years of building a salon known in the medical community as the place to go after a diagnosis. I was even invited to speak at a cancer conference for doctors and nurses, which opened more doors for the business.

From there, I started hiring and training stylists who wanted to be part of this specialized service. We expanded offerings to help men and women with medical and natural hair loss, and the business grew into something truly meaningful.

As retirement neared, I looked at my staff. I had worked with Katy in various settings over the years and respected her deeply, but I didn’t immediately approach her about buying the business. I had a few others inquire, and one even got to the finish line before backing out. None of them felt like the right fit.

Eventually, I approached Katy and asked if she would be interested in taking over Studio 409. and we began discussing options. I believed in her talent, her vision, and her drive and I promised to stay on and support her until she was comfortable leading on her own.

Because we had worked together for over a decade, I felt confident in offering her a non-traditional deal: a specific contract with monthly payments until she could secure bank financing. It worked because there was mutual trust.

Now, watching her lead our team has been a joy. Katy has honored what we built while adding her own vision and energy. She’s ready, and the future of Studio 409 is in great hands.

Looking back, we both agree: this was never just a business transaction. It was a passing of the baton from one chapter to the next, grounded in care and community. We didn’t follow a traditional path, but that’s exactly what made the process so meaningful. Through every conversation, every learning moment, and every step of this transition, we leaned on trust rather than titles, and purpose over paperwork.

We share this story with the AHLC community because we believe that mentorship matters. That relationships — when nurtured over time — can lead to powerful, unconventional outcomes. And that the future of this industry doesn’t have to look like the past. With a shared vision, it can look even better.