Beauty is only skin deep, as the saying goes. And when it comes to the beauty industry, what you’ll find below the surface is anything but pleasing. Cosmetologists are pitted against each other—competing for clients, tips, and booth space. While some find the ability to set their own schedule appealing, the unpredictable nature of the work can make it hard for stylists and beauticians to secure housing and other necessary services without a cosigner or guarantor. Most don’t have access to basic benefits like PTO or health insurance. And, like other tip-based industries, making a living wage relies on the generosity of customers— something a third of Americans have been cutting back on post-pandemic according to a new survey by Bankrate.
Kayla Nayes wanted something different when she opened Enlightened Beauty Salon and Spa in Fargo.
Doing It Different
“Starting in beauty school you’re taught ‘my chair, my client,’” Nayes said. “You’re focused only on your customers. I wanted something that really felt like a team effort.”
With a team-based, no-tipping structure, Nayes is able to offer her employees the security—and benefits— of a more traditional job.
“I was frustrated by the way things were done,” she said. “I worked in commission tipping out of school and as an independent contractor. I didn’t love either system—to the point where I considered leaving the industry. Then I went to a conference in Connecticut that was doing something different.”
Attending a Strategies incubator program, Nayes found the resources and support she needed to reimagine her salon space to better support her employees and her customers. She instituted an hourly structure with fourday workweeks. She offered benefits like PTO, sick time, and health and dental insurance.
The transparent pricing structure and no-tipping policy made it easy for clients to budget salon services. Additionally, employees worked as a team, so it didn’t matter which chair they were sitting in, clients were guaranteed an exceptional experience.
“We’re a team through and through,” Nayes said. “Maybe I’m doing a color and the client needs a haircut. I don’t have time, but another team member does. We just swap chairs. There’s no bad blood. There’s no worrying about where the tip goes. It’s so much better for us and for the client.”
Cultivating a Safe Space
The business model is working. Nayes leads an excited and talented team, and Enlightened Beauty’s clients love the results. Word has spread that Enlightened Beauty is not only a great salon, but somewhere anyone could go for top-notch service without judgement.
As a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community herself, Nayes leans into the salon’s growing popularity with this demographic, working with her team on inclusive policies that would make everyone that walked through the door feel safe and supported.
“I come from a very small town,” Nayes said. “Growing up, we knew we were different, we just didn’t know why or how. I moved to Fargo and found my core group of people. I discovered who I was. Coming out as bisexual later in life, there were a lot of things I had to figure out. So, I understand those feelings of being different and not knowing how to or why. And I don’t want someone to feel alone or that they don’t belong.”
Authentic Beauty
Nayes is proud that her business has been recognized both locally and nationally as a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. But just as there were challenges shifting to a different business model, there have been bumps in the road for her and her team.
“Back in November, we hosted our first teen trans and queer beauty night,” Nayes said. The salon faced backlash from a national group. Nayes worried about the safety of her staff and their guests, but in the end, they decided to hold the event as planned. They were supported by other allies in the community, including the Red River Community Action Training Safety (CATS), who helped ensure the safety of everyone.
“The coolest thing was finding a community that supports me,” Nayes said. “At first, it felt really lonely. I didn’t know those resources were even out there. But people come out of the woodwork when you are who you are, and you’re proud to be who you are.”
The Future Will Be Different
It’s been several years since Nayes shook up the Fargo-Moorhead salon industry, and Enlightened Beauty continues to grow. Nayes and the team have laid the groundwork for a training manual and franchise system that would help bring stability, security, and safety to other cosmetologists in the area.
There are still some growing pains to work out. Nayes admits that the no-tipping policy has been a major adjustment for customers. To that end, she’s partnered with Project RAI, and tips are donated to this great organization that supports queer youth.
Keep up with the bright future of Enlightened Beauty as Nayes and the team redefine beauty and salon standards in the Red River Valley. Learn more about services and special LGBTQIA2S+ programs through their website and Facebook. You can also catch up with the team during the annual Pride in the Park celebration.
Enlighten Beauty Salon and Spa
enlightenedbeautysalon.com
Facebook | /enlightenedbeautysalon
Instagram | @enlightenedbeautysalons
