Youngs brings in a S.W.A.T. team

Alison Youngs had spent about five years searching for a space to open her own salon when, late last year, she learned that a former cosmetology school space at 1610 W. Third St., was available.

“I was actually looking for something smaller,” Youngs said.

However, she knew the location had not only a lot of studio space, but also separate rooms in both the back and front that formerly served as offices.

“That would be perfect,” she said. “I could put nails and tanning in here.”

Youngs began moving in and redecorating the space in February, and though she’s still waiting to install a few items (such as a second tanning bed), Salon With a Twist officially opened April 2.

“Business has been great,” Youngs said. “Everything just fell into place.”

S.W.A.T. is a full-service salon, offering cuts, colors, manicures, pedicures, tanning beds, air brush tanning, full body waxing, facials and massages. It will also carry four product lines, including Moroccan Oil and Enjoy.

Youngs has seven years’ experience in the cosmetology industry, and she most recently spent five years working at a full-service salon in Rochester.

“To me, a haircut is start to finish,” she said. That means a wash, cut, dry and style.

Currently Youngs employs three stylists and two receptionists, though she said she’s eager to add to her staff. She is also looking at renting out a few of her stylist chairs to independent stylists.

“I would like to get into booth rentals,” she said.

For now, Youngs wants to make sure that there is no confusion about what S.W.A.T. is, even though it is housed in a space that was previously home to two cosmetology schools.

“It’s not a school,” Youngs said, stressing that she is in no way affiliated with the cosmetology schools that came before her.

However, Youngs said that she will hold continuing education classes about once every three months for her employees.

“Continuing education is really important to me,” she said, adding that stylists need to be able to keep up on trends and new techniques.

Eventually, Youngs said she’d like to expand her services, possibly adding a zumba or yoga class and Botox services. Those may come within the next year.

It’s all part of Youngs’ goal is to make S.W.A.T. a destination.

“Eventually I want to have this be the place that people want to be,” she said. “I don’t want people to feel that they can’t laugh because they might interrupt something. … I want everyone to feel comfortable coming here.”

What: Salon With a Twist (S.W.A.T.)

Where: 1610 W. Third St.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 9a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

More information: salonwithatwist.com, 651-327-2100

Tags: red wing, business