Twenty-something stylist invests $35K, opens streetfront salon in Heartside

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

Nicholas Cole knew he wanted to be part of the cosmetology industry, even while he was earning a degree in graphic design from Kendall College of Art and Design. After trying his hand at a graphic design job and not liking it, he attended Empire Beauty School and became a licensed cosmetologist.

Last Monday, Cole, 23, opened Écouter Salon, a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, at 15 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids. It seems like a natural spinoff for a guy who worked his way through college as a makeup artist for bridal parties and fashion shows.

“I wanted to change the industry and the expectations of the industry by setting our customer service bar extremely high, so the experience is more than you expected,” Cole says.

Écouter, French for to listen, is listening to the needs of the downtown community, offering late hours and style packages designed for downtown workers: pop in on your lunch hour for a cut and color (the color process takes just 20 minutes), or stop in after work for a quick style and make-up touch-up before meeting friends for drinks.

“Our packages include Glam n’ Dash, a shampoo, style and makeup application to get ready for the night and go out for cocktails,” Cole says. “Night on the Town is a cut, color and Diamond Shines. We have a service for men, Ball and Change, which includes a cut, color or highlight and Diamond Shines.”

Tuesday night Happy Hours from 4 to 8 p.m. include goodies from local restaurants and BYOB (Bring Your Own Blow-dryer) for a free hair styling lesson.

The storefront, which was formerly a salon, took Cole about $35,000 to reopen. The salon is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 to 4 Saturdays.

Source: Nicholas Cole, Écouter Salon

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.