Split Enz Salon Started By Hometown Stylist Gives Clients The “Total Look”
Split Enz Salon stylist Sam Smith never planned to own a business.
Yet when the Gloucester High School graduate grew weary of logging miles as both operations manager and education director for a national franchise, she thought, why not? Less time on the road meant more time at home with her daughter, Savannah.
It was a priority her husband, Ian, encouraged.
“It took about a year of convincing and praying and thinking about it, but I moved forward and I haven’t regretted it,” Smith said.
Split Enz Salon opened on July 1, 2013, and quickly developed a loyal clientele. Back then, the salon space was small with only three stations. Today in the newer Main Street location in Gloucester Village, six stylists, two nail technicians, two spa technicians, two assistants and a pair of front desk coordinators are on staff.
Prior to the expansion, Smith lost Ian to cancer but stresses, “none of it would have happened without him.”
Clients benefit from a team-focused approach that starts with a group consultation tailored to individual needs.
“We work in conjunction with you to provide the best services possible,” Smith said. “It isn’t ‘your client’ or ‘my client.’ It’s ‘our guest.’ ”
Split Enz offers an array of services, including a Red Carpet Hairstyle in addition to multiple options for cuts, colors, smoothing and straightening.
Nails and makeup compete the “Total Look” approach that considers the individual’s body type, personality and hair characteristics to customize a current trend look.
It’s also important to Smith that clients feel at home at the salon and comfortable talking with every team member.
Tidbits about each personalize the individual bios on the Split Enz website. It’s fun to learn that makeup artist Bailey Brake can recite every line from “The Office,” while massage therapist Agi Bahadar has traveled to Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Sweden, Peru, India and Jamaica. Smith’s fun fact: she watches “Chopped” while cooking, which motivates her to work even faster.
Smith started her cosmetology training through a high school vocational program and earned her instructor license through Rappahannock Community College. She takes pride in running a successful business in her hometown.
“I love the camaraderie amongst the other businesses on Main Street,” she said. “It’s a nice connected community. I love the community events; we always are plugged into those.”
When she’s not at the salon, Smith enjoys time with Savannah, now 21, and her three stepchildren, Ethan, Emilee and Eli. She and her husband, Eric, also dote on their three dogs, a Bichon Frise along with two rescues, a Shih Tzu and Basset Hound/Labrador mix.
Split Enz Salon is located at 6596 Main St. Hours are weekdays from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (804) 693-5343 to schedule an appointment.