Hair Creations keeps ownership within

Over the past two years, however, Barrows has worked closely with Jaysie Dorman with plans to hand over the reins to his associate. Together, Barrows and Dorman have been running the behind-the-scenes jobs of a business as well as sharing new ideas in order to make the most of the transition, which is effective Jan. 1.

"It's been a collaborative effort to prepare me for this position," Dorman said. "For the past six months, I've been doing most of the work and have become the person to go to with questions so there will be no shock to the staff or customers."

Dorman was trained by Bumble and bumble, a hair product line and education center for hair designers in New York City. Through Bumble and bumble, she is certified at an advanced level in styling and coloring, running a business and stylist education.

"Bumble and bumble offers a strong support system," she said. "I have been attending classes that equip me with both the skills I need to run Hair Creations and the confidence I need to do it well."

While Hair Creations is changing ownership, Dorman is not looking to make major changes.

"I'm not looking to take a successful business and uproot the operation. I simply want to keep the same comfortable atmosphere and not just meet but exceed our clients' expectations," she said.

When she steps into her new role as owner, Dorman said her first priority is to make sure the staff believes they are valued and comfortable with the changeover and make them feel that they are a part of a team. Secondly, she wants to make minor changes to the salon so it is easily accessible to older clients such as a handrail on the outside steps that lead into the salon. She said she is currently in the process of acquiring the proper permits from the city.

"That is really important to me. Our customers shouldn't have to worry about anything when they are just walking into the salon," she said.

Customer service is very important to Dorman and the rest of the employees at Hair Creations. She said the philosophy of the salon is to focus on consultations for each visit so the clients' exact goals are met. Stylists at Hair Creations sit down with their clients to discuss the work they will do whether it is the clients' first time or twentieth at the salon.

"I want to offer an environment that will benefit my clients where we build strong relationships, where people feel that the visit they've been looking forward to is treated like an event," she said. "We have to exceed expectations for service because people have choices and I want the staff here to earn the right to do our clients' hair."

Hair Creations Salon is located at 12 Phila St., Saratoga Springs. For more information, call 583-4281.