MAKING BUSINESS BEAUTIFUL IN UPPER NORTH

BY DARLA MAKELA

Just a few of the words to describe Tiffany Ward, co-owner of Indulge Salon and Tanning.

Since purchasing Indulge with her husband in 2012, her commitment has been to provide a space where other hairstylists could be supported in living their dreams, as well as have an opportunity to use their personal interests and expertise to create their own opportunities.

She has these beliefs because she herself needed a few opportunities to come her way when she was first starting out. Tiffany’s humble story starts as she became a single mom struggling to support her young daughters as a hairstylist. She rented a booth and was trying hard to figure out how to create a successful business for herself. As she came up against multiple obstacles, she decided to turn those obstacles into an opportunity and enrolled in college to become an accountant, knowing that this knowledge would provide her with the tools she needed to go back out and follow her dreams.

When the opportunity was provided to purchase Indulge from her aunt in 2012, Tiffany knew in her heart that this was her time to show herself and the world what she was created for. With the full support of her husband, Nick, her dream became a reality.

Her vision was clear – she did not want anyone else to have to leave the industry as she had because they were not able to support themselves and their family. This is where that special space comes in. A space where Tiffany’s team members (not her employees!) get to live out their passions, earn their value and try new things.

While their passions benefit them, they also benefit their customers. Some of the fun offerings that Indulge has been able to provide are: hair extensions, brow lamination (I learned something new!), lash lifts, and results-driven facials.

All in addition to their ongoing first-class salon services.

As Tiffany has committed to building a thriving business, her commitment to her community is clear in a multitude of ways as well.

During Covid, with many people struggling, Tiffany used her platform to provide a space for local women makers to share their products.

As you step into her salon you will see a sweet boutique of items including jewelry, clothing, mugs, and more. With the belief that “If one of us grows we all grow”, Tiffany continues to shine her light on others without fear of what some might look at as competition because “there is more than enough to go around.”

With Tiffany’s financial expertise, partnered with her skills as a beauty professional, she has gone from being behind the chair full time, to managing, training, and building her business full time. Not only is she developing her own team of beauty professionals, but she is also committing her time to teach and train other salon owners and their team members to become stronger and more effective in their own businesses.

Tiffany and Nick are committed to being financially responsible in all that they do, living out their mission to always find a better way. This practice of responsibility and commitment is what led Tiffany and Nick to have the resources to purchase the entire building where Indulge is located. This will allow them to expand.

In my conversation with Tiffany, it was extremely clear that while she is at the helm of this incredible journey for many she does not see herself as anything more than a member of an incredible and creative team.

With tears in her eyes (and of course, my tears came as well) she declared with such grace and humility that without this team she would not be where she is today.

Tiffany Ward dreams big, and does so, so that others can be empowered to live out their own passions and dreams as well. 

Indulge Salon & Tanning was recently named to the SALON TODAY 200 by SALON TODAY, the leading business media for salon and spa owners. In its 25th year, the SALON TODAY 200 is a landmark competition that gathers data on industry performance, creates a forum for owners to share best business practices and celebrates salons for their business acumen.

After two very tough years for small businesses, this year’s competition focused on business recovery in 2021 and rebuilding efforts for 2022. The 200 salons were selected from applications submitted by the SALON TODAY audience, who represent more than 20,000 of the topproducing salons and spas in North America.

AWARD

Available in single serve and 6 packs

BETTER SERVICE, BETTER SECURITY

HOME AND COMMERCIAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS

866-701-3113

info@securewithfirstchoice.com

1840 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003

1840 Commerce Drive, North Mankato | 507-387-6811

406