SOLON — A passion for service coupled with a homey environment have come together as Craft Salon + Spa has opened its doors. The Salon, owned by Haley Wall, is located at 300 East Main St., Suite 100 (NE corner of Hwy. 1 and Main St.).
Hayley has been in the styling industry for a dozen years with ten spent working at a salon in Iowa City. In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic response led to the closing of many businesses including salons. “We had two kiddos under two at the time,” she said. “I loved my previous salon but was ready to have more flexibility for my family and ultimately be in control over that. My family will always be my number one priority, and I wanted to create an environment for myself and my future team that would allow us all to live our lives and still be able to have our careers too.” After the restrictions were lifted she opened a small studio in Coralville.
“I’ve been so blessed with a wonderful following of guests that supported me through the move (to Coralville), and now the move to Solon. My husband (Greg) has been my biggest cheerleader and really supported me along the way assuring me this is the right decision for us and our family.”
The couple farms near Morse and have three children ages five, three, and nine weeks. “Greg and I were both part of the Graham Champions 4-H club, which consisted of a lot of Solon residents.” Living south of Solon, she attended West Branch schools and in middle school wanted to play soccer, however the district did not have a team. “So, I played with the Solon girls and loved all the families and how welcoming they were to my three teammates and I.”
Knowing the Solon community and having built relationships made Solon the place to move to when she decided to expand. “I could really feel how fast we were growing in Coralville and with Hanna’s (Tisinger, long time friend and fellow stylist from Solon) talent and encouragement, I started looking at bigger spaces and Solon came to mind right away.” Haley pointed to Solon’s proximity to Morse and still being a convenient drive for most of her guests. “I’ve always loved how supportive of a town Solon is. My husband and I often come to Big Grove or El Sol for date nights, and when we drive through town I can’t help but notice the streets are full of people at all the businesses, even during the week (the Dairy Queen never disappoints either, she added). I was also excited to gain more space for my team so we could grow and have even more fun.”
Haley started mentoring Hanna in 2021 and knew she wanted her to join her in Solon. “She has been my right-hand gal for a year-and-a-half and thriving! I’ve known Hanna since she was a little girl playing softball with my younger sister and has been such a blessing. I’m beyond proud of her.” Maggi Stumbaugh and Lauren Whaley are also part of the Craft team and will be joined shortly by Christy Ross.
Craft Salon + Spa is a full service salon and spa providing colors, adult haircuts, kids haircuts, event styles, makeup, waxing, hair extensions, eyelash extensions, brow tinting and lamination, lash lift and tints, and spray tans. “We are a full service salon and I felt Solon would appreciate that! Kids first haircuts, prom styles, homecoming spray tans, date night blow out and makeup, lunch break haircuts, lashes and brow shaping, we want to be THAT place.” She added, “I want to see the kids whose first haircut I did go to prom and do their hair for their wedding. That’s what I remember about small town salons, especially when I came to Sue Randall’s salon as a kid weekly with my Grandma. She very much is that place and I admire her. I think Solon is such a lucky town to have so many great spots to get pampered and I’m thankful to be one of them.”
Care for her guests extends to the hair care products she uses and offers. “The products we use are clean and non-toxic, which is very important to us. We mostly use OWay for color and products as well as BeautyCounter for skincare and makeup. We have warm towels and offer scalp massages before every haircut at our chair and the shampoo! This is a fan favorite. I do A LOT of kids haircuts and male haircuts and enjoy giving guests very lived in, easy to maintain colors! I understand not everyone has the time to come to the salon often so we try to make sure your cuts and colors will last awhile. One of the services I offer is called ‘shape and go.’ which is a haircut that I literally just shape you up without all the pampering of the scalp massage and shampoo. It’s half the time and half the cost; perfect for those lunch break haircuts! Another service we offer is between colors we will apply your color to the new growth area and send you home to wash it out yourself. Again this saves time and money but allows you to cover your grays without a two-hour long appointment. That is called ‘new growth refresh,’ and is a very, very popular service.”
Craft Salon + Spa is about more than just a multitude of services and top-quality products, it’s also about creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for the guests. “I’ve always been very family oriented,” Haley said. “I grew up that way. At Craft, I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel like they are in my home and a part of our family, as well as leave looking and feeling their best. Customer service is HUGE to us, and we strive to keep up with the latest trends and techniques.”
Haley and her team strive to cater to the whole family, and even have a small play area for kids including a large wooden dollhouse. “As a parent of young kids, we all know how helpful that is.”
As each team member has their own schedule, setting an appointment is a must and can be accomplished by going to www.craftsalonandspa.com, and clicking “book now” under the team member you want. Craft Salon + Spa can also be reached at 319-624-2021. They are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/craftsalonandspa, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/craftsalonandspa.
“It was so cool during the Beef Days parade to hear people yelling our names and saying things like ‘that’s the new salon!’ ‘Yay Craft!’ It reminded me how lucky we are and how amazing this is going to be. I can’t thank the community and my family enough for the encouragement and support.”
Haley Wall (shown here with her nine-week-old son) has opened Craft Salon + Spa at 300 East Main St., Suite 100 (at the corner of Hwy. 1 and Main St.).