15 Years Later. The Stories Behind the Chair.
Fifteen years ago, we unlocked the doors to a brand new salon with a big dream, a small team, and absolutely no idea how many lives would eventually become part of our own.
Heather Cohen on the first day of securing her new studio space in 2019
Looking back, we've learned something that has very little to do with hair.
People rarely walk through our doors because they simply need a haircut, a color appointment, or a facial.
They come because something in life is changing.
Maybe it's a first date. A wedding. A new job. Senior pictures. A vacation they've been counting down to for months. Sometimes it's after having a baby. Sometimes it's after losing someone they love. Sometimes it's because they've spent months taking care of everyone else and finally decide it's time to do something for themselves.
“I still can’t believe what we’ve built here, together.”
And sometimes, they simply want to feel like themselves again.
For fifteen years, we've had the privilege of being part of those moments.
People often ask owner Heather Cohen what she's most proud of after fifteen years. Her answer is always the same.
"It isn't the renovations or the awards. It's hearing someone walk out the door saying, 'I feel like myself again.' The smile on their face is the best compliment of all."
Of course, the salon has changed too. Quite a bit, actually.
The original “bLUXE Hair and Makeup Studio” with just four hair and two makeup stations
“I honestly don’t know how we all fit in that space! But we did, and my tiny team made it work!””
bLUXE’s first employee, Nicole with a young customer.
“I’ve been working with Heather since the very beginning and it has been such a blessing. As one of her first employee, I’ve seen firsthand how she’s built this salon with passion and heart. She’s the best boss anyone could ask for: supportive, fair, and truly cares about her team. ”
“Nicole has been with me through thick and thin.” - Heather Cohen
We've renovated multiple times over the years. First we doubled our space, and after the pandemic we took the biggest leap yet, expanding into the 4,000 square foot studio we call home today. Every time we grew, it wasn't because we wanted a bigger salon. It was because we wanted to create a better experience for the people who trusted us.
Looking back, we never sat down with a master plan that said, "One day we'll be a full-service beauty studio."
Most of what we've become happened because our guests kept asking for more, and we kept listening.
“Emily has been part of bLUXE since the very beginning. We first worked together at another local day spa, and when I opened bLUXE Hair and Makeup Studio, Emily joined me for the next chapter.
Today, Emily is a Senior Stylist and Curl Specialist known for her talent, warmth, and years of dedication to her clients. Her story is woven into the history of bLUXE and the team it has become.” - Heather Cohen
NOTE: Emily is also our resident translator when we travel to Mexico to visit our sister school, Martello Institute of Beauty in Cancun! She has been a life-savor!
Senior Stylist and curl specialist, Emily Mateo, our employee from the very beginning
When I look at bLUXE today, I see so many people who have helped shape it. Our newer stylists bring fresh ideas and energy. Our seasoned stylists share their experience and guide the next generation. Our estheticians, support staff, and every person working behind the scenes help keep this place moving, often in ways our guests may never see.
That support reaches beyond our own walls. Our neighbors here at the Mill show up for one another, share resources, lend a hand, and genuinely want to see each other succeed. No one builds something like this alone. bLUXE is what it is because of the people who care about it, care for one another, and keep showing up every day.
“Do you know I had the name bLUXE Hair and Makeup Studio as far back as when I first went to hair school? Little blue “b” and LUXE all in capitals. It’s as if I could see the studio I wanted even then.”
Someone wanted expert skincare in the same place they already trusted for their hair. Someone else was looking for a makeup artist for a wedding. Curly-haired guests wanted specialists who truly understood their hair texture. Others were looking for extensions, lashes, waxing, smoothing treatments, or a little more time to relax and take care of themselves.
Instead of sending people somewhere else, we kept asking ourselves one simple question.
"Why not offer it here?"
Somewhere along the way, skincare became a big part of our story too. We realized pretty quickly that caring for someone's skin isn't all that different from caring for their hair. It's personal. It's confidence. Sometimes it's simply giving someone permission to slow down for an hour.
The Original Makeup Station at bLUXE Hair and Makeup Studio
Heather in her private wig studio at the Medway Mills
One of the most meaningful chapters has been creating our private wig and topper studio.
For women experiencing hair loss from medical treatment, alopecia, hormonal changes, or thinning hair, this work is about so much more than finding the right piece.
It's about restoring confidence during a season when confidence can feel hard to find.
Every consultation is private. Every solution is customized. Every guest is welcomed with kindness because we know these conversations matter.
“Looking back, it’s funny. We spent fifteen years growing, but not always in the ways we expected.
Yes, the salon got bigger…
But the best kind of growth has been watching people grow alongside us.”
Heather with a group of then apprentices and junior stylist. Many who have moved up to stylists and senior stylists
Our apprenticeship program has become one of the things we're proudest of. Every experienced stylist once stood at the beginning of their career, and helping new artists build confidence, learn their craft, and eventually welcome guests of their own has become one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. (See below for an important announcement about our two newest apprentice stylists!)
There were moments over the years when we had to stop and pinch ourselves.
Editorial photo shoots. National advertising campaigns. Television appearances. Creative projects that challenged us and reminded us there's always something new to learn.
The best part?
Every bit of that experience came right back into the salon, making us better for the guests sitting in our chairs every day.
The sunny end of the salon with it’s tall industrial windows is a happy place to process
Some of our favorite memories haven't happened inside the salon at all.
They've happened throughout our community.
Over the years we've been lucky enough to support local charities, schools, sports teams, community organizations, and businesses that make this area such a special place to live.
We're also honored to continue funding two annual scholarships for students at our sister school, the Martello Beauty Institute in Cancun, Mexico.
Helping future beauty professionals begin careers of their own feels like one of the best ways we can give back to an industry that has given us so much.
The bLUXE Studio upstairs at the Mill in Medway after its second renovation
When we think about the last fifteen years, we don't think first about growing larger or even the milestones.
We think about the bride who trusted us on her wedding day and still comes in for her color every six weeks.
The teenager who nervously sat in one of our chairs before her first school dance and now brings in her own children.
The guest who looked in the mirror after experiencing hair loss and smiled because she finally saw herself again.
Heather enjoying a consultation with one of our many fun clients
The friendships.
The conversations.
The laughs.
The trust you've placed in us.
Those are the things that built b.LUXE.
As Heather likes to say,
"People think we've spent fifteen years building a salon. Honestly, we've spent fifteen years building relationships. The salon just kept getting bigger along the way."
Our beautiful waiting area with its signature teal sofas
The walls have changed.
The mirrors have changed.
The heart behind them never has.
To every guest who has trusted us, celebrated life's milestones with us, laughed with us, cried with us, recommended us to a friend, or simply walked through our doors, thank you.
You are the reason we've never stood still.
Here's to the next chapter...and to the countless stories still waiting to walk through our doors.
