By Barbara Brown

Since she started working as a hair stylist 18 years ago, Cindy Scherer always dreamed of owning her own salon.

After years of saving and planning, that dream finally came true Aug. 2 when she and business partner Candi Rindahl opened Escape Salon and Tanning in the new Stacy Commons on CR 30.

Scherer spent the last five years working as a stylist at Caryl and Co. in North Branch. Before that she worked in the Twin Cities. She said she specializes in highlighting and coloring.

Scherer and Rindahl, a real estate agent, used to be neighbors and often would find themselves having the ìdreamî talk about opening their own business.

After Stacy Commons was finished, which Rindahlís husband is a partner of, the salon moved in, taking the first available spot.

Now the soothing earthy tones on the walls and throughout the accessories in the salon lend themselves to a relaxing atmosphere in which customers can take a little time to pamper themselves with a cut and style, highlights, tanning session or manicure and pedicure.

Perms and design wraps are available as well as hair straightening and color correction.

Waxing, bleaching and hair and scalp treatment services also are available.

The salon also offers men's cuts and mustache and beard trims.

Costs for cuts start at $19 but go up depending on which stylist does the style, Scherer said. She said customers can request Heather Carlson, who has less experience and receive the $19 price or they can request herself and expect to pay more.

Scherer said customers should feel comfortable with bringing in photos or clippings from magazines that show the style they want for themselves.

ìIf they show me a picture Iíll know whatís in their head,î Scherer said. ìSo many times what someone describes to me is not at all the same as what they really want.î

Scherer said one of the things that is important to her is honest service.

She said if after examining a picture of a style a customer wants, she will evaluate whether they style will work with the customerís hair type.
ìIím not going to do something to someoneís hair that I just donít feel comfortable with, that wonít work,î Scherer said.

The name of the salon came from a passing comment from Rindahlís mother.

As discussions about the salon continued among the women, Rindahlís mother simply said ìEscape.î

The three women looked at each other, Rindahl said, and they all agreed: ìI like it.î

ìIt reminds you to do something for yourself,î Rindahl said.

The salon, a full-service station for pampering of all kinds, employs highly experienced professional stylists and technicians.

Judy Hegge is a master nail technician specializing in light concept nail (LCN) gel. She has been a nail technician for 14 years.

Previously she worked at the Hair Shop for six years and has extensive training from the Nail Mentoring Institute.

Prices for nail services start at $21 for a manicure, $40 for a pedicure and $$45 for a full set of acrylic nails.

Her daughter, Amanda Hegge, is the receptionist in the salon.

Jenny Smith is a part-time stylist at the shop and joins stylists Heather Carlson and Janet Heinen.

The salon is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available by calling (651) 462-9995.

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