Through Ebony Eyes: The Search For A Multicultural Hair Salon Ends

After writing my previous column about the opportunity for a multicultural salon in the Far West End, I discovered one at 11567 West Broad Street called Artistic Fusion Hair Company. Their name and website immediately grabbed my attention so I made an appointment to sit down with the salon manager. Upon entering the salon, I was […]

September 15, 2010; 9:57 AM • by Sharyn Mann

After writing my previous column about the opportunity for a multicultural salon in the Far West End, I discovered one at 11567 West Broad Street called Artistic Fusion Hair Company. Their name and website immediately grabbed my attention so I made an appointment to sit down with the salon manager.

Upon entering the salon, I was immediately struck by their décor, the shop was clean and the colors are vibrant. The staff I interacted with on the phone and at the location were extremely pleasant and helpful. The salon owner and manager, Jane Moates, was open and entertaining during our interview. I felt I had set down with an old friend to catch up.

Jane’s goal was to open a shop that would be “urban chic “and she felt that Short Pump would be an area that would work for that environment. And I think she got it right.

Jane has a love of art and wanted a place where artists could display their artwork. Some of the wonderful color in the shop comes from the artwork that is displayed on their walls; there is abstract, still life and photography on display. Jane sees a direct connection between art and hair and feels that hair is an expression of art.

Her salon is staffed with stylists that are trained to work on a multicultural clientele that presents a variety of types of hair and processes. She sees the diversity in Short Pump and the need for her stylists to stay up on the latest trends and processes and they continue to train to on the newest techniques, including introducing European products such as the Goldwell coloring process.

She points out that the days of African-American clients going to only African-American salons have become archaic and she and her staff are prepared to work with any type of client or hair.

Her shop also has the distinction of having Caitlin Uze, the newly crowned Ms. Virginia, and Ms. Virginia Teen 2010, Courtney Jamison, as their clients. Jane’s salon not only does Courtney’s hair but, Jane has sponsored her throughout her pageantry career. Jane is also committed to an eco-friendly environment and has even used VOC free paint to paint the salon.

Visiting Jane’s salon was a delight and meeting her was a joy.

September 15, 2010 9:57 AM 0