aveda promo THE AVEDA VIBE AT INDIGO RYE

Indigo Rye founder Karen Kennedy opened the doors to her fi rst salon in Caversham in 1998. An Aveda advocate from the start, her passion for hair and a determination to deliver the highest possible standards of service soon led to Indigo Rye being established with an excellent reputation and a discerning and loyal clientele. A second salon followed seven years later in Wallingford. Designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, both stylish salons provide a tranquil atmosphere where clients enjoy much more than just a haircut. From the thoughtfully chosen background music to the soothing massage chairs, Karen and her teams offer an oasis of calm where clients benefi t from personalised haircuts, enhanced by expressive colour techniques. “Our unusual name intrigues many people,” says Karen. “Its origin came about by my husband and I writing down all sorts of words we liked, then playing with them to create something a bit different. Indigo Rye was the result.” From a busy background working as a freelance hair and makeup session artist, Karen decided it was time to express her creativity via a new venture. With her husband, Ian Cole, working in banking, the couple present a great yin and yang combination. “He’s all business,

I’m all creative – a great business partnership,” says Karen. Perfect premises for a salon, an old print works, were found in Caversham. “It’s a lovely location just on the outskirts of Reading,” explains Karen. “We’re in a really nice parade of shops, each offering something a bit different, such as that special pair of shoes or something crafty.” “As I knew from the start I wanted to carry Aveda, design-wise we went for a contemporary vibe, quite organic, wood and clean lines. Both salons are similar.” “I was familiar with Aveda from my session work,” says Karen. “I knew the products performed really well and I liked the ethos of what the company stands for. We have all the Aveda haircare and styling ranges in the salon, at the backbar and for retail.” Asked ‘why Aveda?’ Karen hardly has time to draw breath. “Because it’s just an amazing product all round. Lovely to use, fab smell, clients love it, my retail sales are high and it encourages a loyal following.” Top sellers include Shampure™ shampoo and conditioner – daily haircare with Morikue™ protein that fortifi es all hair types – and Pure Abundance™ volumizing shampoo, that boosts hair’s volume for thicker, fuller, more abundant looking hair.

“The Light Elements styling range is also popular, because it’s non-greasy and gives great texture and shine to limp hair,” says Karen, who attributes her relationship with Aveda as being a big factor in the salon’s success. “Aveda brings me a constant stream of new and exciting products, plenty of knowledge and professional communication,” says Karen. “Aveda also offers a continuous journey through the whole salon experience, ending with the client – who often comments on their improved hair quality – buying retail,” says Karen. “And they don’t just buy for themselves; they often buy gifts or treats – especially at Christmas, because of Aveda’s special packages. It’s a brand that drives client loyalty, very much so.” Indigo Rye Caversham boasts eight stylists, four technicians and seven assistants; the Wallingford salon, managed by Mike Martin, has seven stylists, two technicians and fi ve assistants. “We’re known for quality service, relaxation and stylish haircuts enhanced by gorgeous colour,” says Karen. Comments, surely, every salon owner would be proud to report.

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