Celebrity hairdresser: ‘I want to change the way our industry is viewed’

Kelly Cardenas Salon, a beauty salon offering haircuts, color, blowouts and makeup application, among other services, opened in November at the Hard Rock Hotel. VEGAS INC got to know Cardenas and co-owner Marc Jay.

You have salons in Chicago, Salt Lake and other cities. Why did you bring your business to Las Vegas?

Cardenas: I opened my flagship salon in Las Vegas on Fort Apache Road 10 years ago, and then expanded to Chicago, Salt Lake City and Carlsbad, Calif. Vegas is a place where companies are instantly put on a global stage because everyone in the world travels to this city.

What can people expect from your second salon, at the Hard Rock?

Cardenas: The resort’s luxurious rock vibe is a great complement to my salon’s upscale and edgy attitude. We’ve created a culture of hairdressers that deliver a five-star experience without the ego. That positive environment is something you can feel, and we want to transfer that positivity to our guests.

How do you make the business an escape for customers?

Cardenas: We want to make each and every guest who steps foot into the salon our primary focus and allow them to drop their life’s problems at the door. For that hour or two they’re with us, the whole experience is about them, from the smallest details. The color bar is an open-air area with no mirrors, so guests can chat with each other or take the time to reflect within.

During shampooing, guests are treated to an extensive head, neck and shoulder massage. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural lighting, which reduces stress and anxiety and improves mood; so when you leave, you look beautiful and feel refreshed and energized.

What is the hardest part about doing business in Las Vegas?

Cardenas: There are so many positives about doing business in Las Vegas, but because there are so many choices and options for consumers, companies have to constantly look for different ways to add gasoline to the fire and promote themselves. There have been opportunities presented to me that would have made me a lot of money in a short period of time, but I’m seeking long-lasting success, not temporary. I have made the conscious decision to stick to my and our company’s core values and do things for the right reason, which can be difficult at times.

Marc, you’ve been working in the nightlife industry for several years. Why did you make this transition?

Jay: I originally came to Las Vegas from London on vacation in 2000, and after two weeks of staying at Mandalay Bay, found myself working with the hotel on bringing special events from Europe. So I moved into Mandalay, expecting to stay for a few months and work on this project, and ended up living there for four years. That’s where I first met Kelly, as he was running the salon there, and I would go in at least two or three times a week, as it was a meeting place of the who’s who of Las Vegas. That’s when I fell in love with this industry; there’s something special when you create an amazing experience for clients and they leave your business feeling on top of the world.

And how do you think your experience will assist you in building this new business venture with Kelly?

Jay: For the past 20 years, I have been creating over-the-top events around the world with my events company, One Global Events. Anybody can open a salon, but creating an amazing and unique experience is what I have done for most of my life. Joining forces with Kelly and Paul Mitchell is a dream come true. I can’t wait to program some amazing promotions and expand this unique culture.

What obstacles have your business overcome?

Jay: You name it, we’ve experienced it: the stigma of the salon industry, building people from the ground up, and wanting to do things the right way. There were opportunities we could have done to promote our business but they weren’t in line with our core values, and to me, it’s far more worth it to stick to our principles and have integrity-based success.

You’ve said you want to revolutionize and change the view of the hair industry. What view are you trying to change and how do you plan to do so?

Cardenas: I want to change the way our industry is viewed in the public arena and the stigma that is associated with it. People weren’t cheering me on to go to hair school; I want people to be excited when their kids say they want to become a hairdresser, as they are when they want to be a doctor or lawyer. We will accomplish this by modifying the behavior of hairdressers and continue perpetuating the positives and prosperity the industry can offer.