Timing is Everything: The Story Behind the Talent at Whip Salon Westport

A stylist, a colorist, and an entrepreneur walk into a...salon
 
The Hair Cutting Expert
Shay MacInnis has been a hairstylist for more than 20 years and she's seen it all. She's spent countless hours behind the chair making clients look and feel amazing, and has snipped her way into being a true expert specializing in short women's cuts. She knows the industry inside and out and is passionate about her craft with a dedicated following to show for it. 

Shay likely seems familiar as she's worked for reputable salons in the area for years such as Peter Coppola in Westport and Hopscotch in Greenwich. She's also owned her own salons like The Backroom in Westport and Jet Set in Norwalk. And most recently she owned her own salon Chez Shay in Fairfield. 
 
But for a while now Shay has been craving the chance to focus soley on what she does best - cut hair! Managing the business along with haircutting was taking a toll. She was at a crossroads. 
 
A few months ago, Shay was scrolling through social media and came across a posting by an old colleague she used to work with in Westport years ago. It said "Whip Salon Now Opening in Westport - seeking top talent." Shay knew instantly it was time for a change and simply chimed in "I'm in!"
 
The Hair Colorist Expert
Suzanne Baumann has been a hairstylist spanning 20 years as well but she focuses on color. She has also bounced around between salons in Westport, Wilton and Greenwich, yet was always able to maintain a fiercely loyal clientele because she's THAT talented. She specializes in blondes but is a master in all color from highlights to balayage. Suzanne was feeling the same disenchantment when she came across a new salon concept in Ridgefield early last year, enter Whip Salon. 
 
Suzanne was so excited to reconnect with an old friend and colleague and the timing was perfect. Having worked for Whip Salon for the past year she was able tell her friend that this new concept is better and more progressive than any other salon environment she's worked for by first hand experience. Shay was convinced it was the right move for both herself and her clients.
 
Today the dynamic duo are now heading up the beautiful 2,000 square foot salon in Westport's Bedford Square doing what they love, together again! Shay has taken on the General Manager role and brings her vision and experience to the team and Suzanne is her right hand as Head Colorist. 
 
The Entrepreneur
What makes Whip Salon (www.whipsalon.com) different is that the concept was developed by an entrepreneur and not a stylist. The owner Amy Pal has opened and sold other businesses successfully in Fairfield County and this is her latest endeavor.  She approaches the hair salon business from the client perspective. She made sure that bookings are easy implementing on-line booking through the website and providing an app. Plus she's hyper-focused on the customer experience making sure the little things go a long way such as a hip environment stylized by professional interior designers Rome + Baglio, fast free wifi, Sonos speakers and music throughout the salon and treatment rooms, free beverages from Prosecco, to wine to beer with any service, and phone charging made available at each and every station.
 
Her first salon Whip Salon Ridgefield has only been open just over a year and even in a crowded market got noticed winning the Ridgefield Magazine readers choice awards for Best Hair Cutting, Best Eyelash Extensions, Best Microblading and Best Medi Spa services. Amy only hires the best and most passionate people because she likes to work with like-minded, driven and professional individuals that come together to make a team that is unsurpassed. 
 
Pal says she wanted to bring Whip Salon to Westport because of convenience as Suzanne and Shay both have such a loyal following built in already from the area, and she fell in love with the Bedford Square development for her concept. The salon was already selected to partner with their neighbors Anthrolopologie creating all  the hair and makeup looks for 20 local models Thursday, March 8th for their Spring Fashion Show.
 
To learn more about Whip Salon check them out online at whipsalon.com, or follow them on instagram and Facebook at @whipsalon
 
To book an appointment call 203.433.7334, download the app or book through the website www.whipsalon.com.

 

 
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Submitted by Westport, CT

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