Getting Lucky At The Black Cat
Who says black cats are bad luck? For Katy Gassaway and Jentry Petzold, co-founders of The Black Cat Salon + Spa, these felines are nothing but a symbol of entrepreneurial success. The Black Cat Salon + Spa opened its first location in Kailua in 2009, and recently opened its newest establishment in Kaimuki (both locations are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily).
“The Black Cat Salon + Spa got its name from a music venue in Austin, Texas. Jentry used to frequent the ‘original’ Black Cat as a young kid, sneaking in under-age to see musicians such as Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Arc Angels,” Gassaway explains. “Flash forward a number of years later to Hawaii: Jentry and I had been talking about hypothetically opening a salon for months. We looked at salon spaces for rent, and tossed around names, logos and paint colors.
“Coincidentally enough, the night we found the space in Kaimuki there was a black cat waiting for me in my parking space when I got home.”
The Black Cat Salon + Spa offers high-end salon quality services within an approachable atmosphere that’s welcoming to families and the community, and it caters to everyone looking to feel beautiful. For Gassaway, Petzold and their team of stylists, 100-percent customer satisfaction is what they aim for each and every day.
“The level of expectation we have on our staff sets us apart because we constantly push each other to evolve personally and professionally,” Gassaway says. “We do not accept gratuity or tips. We are departmentalized, meaning our stylists specialize in either color or cutting in order to master their craft.
“We have a very strong educational program – Jentry is an Aveda Purefessional educator and Certified Vidal Sassoon In Salon educator, and he passes his world-class education along to our staff,” she adds. “Our work and products are 100-percent guaranteed – if our clients are unhappy with a product or service, we will do everything we can to make it right.”
Men’s cuts range from $35 to $65, women’s cuts from $45 to $110, one-color process from $60 to $135 and up, full highlight from $115, partial highlight from $90, and root touch-up from $45. The salon also specializes in color corrections, updos, scalp treatments, application of makeup and more.
“The smiles on our clients’ faces when they walk out the doors – that’s the biggest reward you can ask for. And every challenge is worth it because we get to see our staff grow as professionals,” Gassaway states. “Hawaii is such an amazing home for businesses that have innovative ideas and creative staff. Stay grateful for every single person who believes in your vision.”
The Black Cat Salon + Spa is located at 22 Oneawa St., Kailua, and 3512 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki. For more information, visit theblackcatsalon.com, or find The Black Cat Salon + Spa on Twitter and Facebook.
