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Omaha’s Family-Friendly Salon and Spa!

We pride ourselves on creating an environment that offers something for the entire family! Whether you’re in need of a basic haircut or a team to do your hair & makeup on your big day, our Garbo’s family is here for you for every occasion! We love building relationships with our clients and it has been an honor to see so many families walk through our doors year after year. It is our goal to make you and your family feel your best for any event, no matter how big or small. 

Women of the Family

Ladies – We want you to be able to feel relaxed and treated every time you visit our salon. 

Our salon services menu includes haircuts & styling, color services, extensions, texture treatments, and more. These services are a great way to update your current hair color or change up your look when you’re feeling like you need a change! We also offer microblading and lash extensions. This is a great way to feel an extra boost of confidence. 

Our spa offers several different services that allow you to escape from busy day-to-day activities. Whether you’re interested in an hour massage and signature facial or need a manicure and pedicure, our spa has every service you need. View all of our spa offerings by clicking here.

Men of the Family

Guys – self-care for men is just as important as it is for women! We even offer an entire men’s line to encourage you to look and feel your best. 

Our stylists would love to give you a fabulous haircut, beard trim, neck clean-up, or color when you need it! No matter if you need a basic trim or want to branch out to a new hairstyle, our stylists are here to help. 

We also offer the best spa services for you to relax from the extra stress that life can throw at you. Our hot-stone massages and classic massages are two great options.

Kids

Bring your little one in for a fresh new haircut or for a fun mom & daughter pedicure! Our stylists love getting to help your child’s hair dreams come to life. Whether this means rocking bangs or adding a little piece of temporary color to their hair, we want to make sure they feel their absolute best.

Special Occasions

We offer multiple special occasion packages here at Garbo’s Salon and Spa. Our variety of spa packages lets you enjoy several different services in one spa experience. This is a perfect idea if you are looking for something to do for a birthday or anniversary celebration! We will make sure every member of your group feels special. 

 

We also have a talented wedding team that would love to be a part of your wedding day. We offer hair and makeup services to make sure you and your entire bridal party feel pampered throughout the experience! 

Come See Us!

Even if you are coming to see us for routine maintenance, we want you to feel treated every time you visit one of our locations. Our goal is to ensure that you love your look, so always let us know if there is anything we can improve. Everyone in your family deserves to feel their best, no matter what age!  Schedule an appointment for you, your kids, or any of your loved ones by clicking here. We can’t wait to see you!

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Here Comes the Bride… with perfect makeup and hair of course!

For more than thirty years, Garbo’s Salon and Spa has provided exceptional bridal services in the Omaha area.  We would love to assist you in feeling your best – whether that be achieving your dream hair color or prepping your skin for that wedding day glow. We understand all that comes along with making your wedding day perfect which is why we offer 15% off all spa, massage, and nail services leading up to your day.

Our Wedding Concierge

From the days leading up to the big day to your actual wedding day, our staff wants to make you feel as pampered and special as possible. You will work directly with our wedding team to ensure you pick the package that best suits you and your wedding party’s needs. With 4 Garbo’s locations, we are able to put together a talented team of stylists and estheticians to accommodate your party size.

wedding

Schedule with us ahead of time!

We highly recommend scheduling with us as soon as you can! It may seem crazy to book so far in advance but planning early is always the way to go. Once you have contacted us to book your bridal package, you will hear from one of our team members shortly after! 


Once your wedding day hair and makeup is booked, we suggest that you schedule a trial run! A trial run is super important as it gives the bride a chance to define and help her dream wedding look come to life.

Our Packages

We offer a variety of hair and makeup packages so you can pick the one that checks all of your boxes! You can view our list of packages and pricing below.

In Salon Menu
Offsite Menu

We would feel honored to help you get ready for your special day! Click here to book your bridal package today. Congratulations!

Photography Credits: Lauren Elizabeth Photography
From Nebraska Wedding Day

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Working at the Top Salon & Spa in Omaha, Nebraska

We are so thankful and appreciative of our employee’s passion and hard work every day. We are committed to providing support for our employee’s continued personal and professional growth! 

  • up to 60% commission
  • up to 20% retail commission
  • generous hourly pay guaranteed
  • flexible schedule
  • vacation pay 
  • 401k savings
  • health and dental insurance coverage
  • disability insurance

We also offer a variety of educational opportunities for our stylists’ mastery of industry trends as well as coaching and mentoring opportunities for personal and professional growth.  We customize our approach to fit what each person needs including one on one sessions, small group workshops and classroom instruction.  The majority of all education classes at Garbo’s are free for our team members.  If we’re not learning we’re not growing! 

We asked a few of our employees why they love working at Garbo’s and why they decide to stay year after year!

Why did you choose to work at Garbos?

“I was looking to work at a salon that would improve my skills and would offer me continuing education. Darcy gave me the chance to grow as a person and stylist.”

Sandra G. | Over 3 years at Garbo’s

“I loved the vibe and salon as soon as I walked in, and it was the perfect location I wanted to work at. Also loved how they gave me so much additional training/classes to make me feel more comfortable since I had just graduated from hair school!”

Hannah C. | Over 4 years at Garbo’s 

What do you love about working at Garbo’s?

“I love that I get to come to work where everyone treats each other so kindly and if someone needs help, someone steps up and helps. I also love that Garbos is education focused and goal oriented!”

Cheyenne | Over 1 year at Garbo’s

“I get to work with so many different stylists, some who specialize in cutting, some in extensions, some in fashion color. I get to watch and learn from these people and bounce ideas off of such a diverse group of stylists that I feel like my creativity never runs out.”

Jackie | Over 1 year at Garbo’s

How would you describe the work environment at Garbo’s?

“Supportive. Supportive in the direction their staff would like to grow and supportive of them where they currently are.”

Adam

“Working for Garbo's is working with a great team. There is freedom to run my business how I want and be myself.”

Erin | Over 5 years at Garbo’s

Do you believe that you have an advantage as a Garbo’s employee?

“Absolutely! When I'm asked where I do hair and I reply with Garbo's at Regency, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE is impressed. They say, ‘ooh wow, that place is nice!’. I BEAM when they say that. It's an honor to be part of one of the longest standing salons in the state. Our growth is impressive and it's only up from here!”

Rachel | Over 5 years at Garbo’s

“Working for Garbo's has really been like working for no other organization. The support from our owners and the leadership teams they have in place is second to none. Garbo's treats their people right.”

Adam

Why are you thankful for being a Garbo’s employee?

“It's an Amazing place to work where I have always felt at home and encouraged by the staff and management. It has always been a beautiful salon with a stellar reputation and has always worked with me through life's changes/ups and downs!”

Amie | Over 12 years at Garbo’s

“Garbos, especially the Midtown location, has shaped who I am as a person in the last 5 years. On my worst days I can show up and immediately feel a sense of relief because I’m surrounded by a group of amazing people doing what they truly love. I went from losing all passion about this industry to a top performer and manager in less than 5 years and that’s all due to the support Garbos provides.”

Allison | Over 5 years at Garbo’s

 

Garbo’s is always looking to hire passionate people who are excited about the industry. We are a growing salon and spa and would love to help you build your business. If you or anyone you know may be interested in working at Garbo’s, please send a resume and portfolio to info@garbossalons.com. 


Learn more about working at Garbo’s here.

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Top Performers 2020

No doubt, last year was hard.  But even with that challenge, our stylists and estheticians continued to perform at their highest levels each day. Their dedication, hard work, and excellence shone through every aspect of their work.

Each year we enjoy recognizing and celebrating those who take their commitment to their stylists to the next level.  While we truly value and appreciate everyone who calls Garbo’s home, it is important to honor those who go above and beyond.  While we normally throw a large party and take lots of pictures, this year we had to celebrate differently.

With over 100 service providers working for Garbo’s Salon and Spa, these stylists and estheticians have excelled in their performance. These fantastic men and women worked hard all year – taking great care of each client, and constantly working to improve their skills.  

The Top Performers of 2020 are out and we wanted to take the time to recognize each winner individually below. If you see your stylist/esthetician listed, please tell them congratulations. They have definitely earned it!

Black Diamond/ Diamond Level

Lindsey Balkovec Black Diamond Level

Sherri Mahoney Diamond Level

Amber Meier Diamond Level

Gold Level

Katherine Bower

Thomas Sena - Omaha Hairstylist

Tom Sena

Shannon Carsey

Ken Chapman, Hair Stylist Omaha NE

Ken Chapman

Silver Level

Denise Hilson - Stylist

Denise Hilson

Clair Wight

Eileen Staley - Stylist

Eileen Staley

Rachel Miller

Denise Pittman - Stylist

Denise Pittman

Mikaela Bana

Marcia Harper - Omaha Hairstylist at Garbo's Midtown Crossing

Marcia Harper

Dinet Peña

Emily Reinhardt

Bronze Level

Kara Kowalski - Omaha Hairstylist at Garbo's Midtown Crossing

Kara Kowalski

Erin Lewandowski - Stylist

Erin Lewandowski

Kathleen Traxinger - Stylist/Men's Cutting Specialist

Kathleen Traxinger

Ashley Renee Kotil

Sheryl Balfour

Emily Hilker

Hayli Winans- Stylist

Hayli Winans

Audrey Reinhardt - Omaha Hairstylist at Garbo's Midtown Crossing

Audrey Reinhardt

Torrie Vaught

Marie Mertz

Courtney Shipp - Stylist

Courtney Luetkenhaus

John Bernal

We are so proud of all these amazing individuals who went above and beyond this past year!  While we try to show our appreciation through the Top Performers event, words and actions can’t express how thankful we are to have such an amazing group of people who call Garbo’s home.

Remember, if you see your service provider listed make sure to tell them congratulations!  With over 100 stylists throughout of five locations, earning the award of Top Performer is not easy and they deserve to be recognized for their amazing accomplishment!

 Again, congratulations one more time to all our 2020 Top Performers! 

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A Note From Home

As I write this from my home office, Garbo’s has been closed for twenty long days.  Thankfully, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting a Facebook live event for our team on Friday just to reconnect and share some thoughts.  Nothing formal, but it was good for me because I’m really bad at the digital stuff.

I wore my favorite Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt thinking it would help me channel my inner coach… it was wonderful but very emotional for me – I think I only cried twice which is actually pretty good lately!  While I prepared for what I was going to say, I thought of our talented staff who is working hard to take care of themselves and their families while navigating unemployment, homeschooling, and all of the other challenges we’re all facing.  They inspire me more than I can ever tell you. 

So many of you, our wonderful clients, have reached out with positive encouragement and understanding.  You have stayed so patient with us as we wait to see when we will be allowed to reopen.  Thank you so much for that.  Until we are certain about the date we will reopen, we have decided to stop trying to reschedule appointments.  Once we know when we’ll be able to open back up we will bring our reception staff back to begin the rescheduling process which should take only a few days.

Please know that you waiting for your stylists, estheticians and nail techs while we are closed means the world to us.  This week we are launching our #ownyouroutgrowth campaign .  I myself will be sharing the gray hair and the un-manicured nails that will be waiting for my dear Garbo’s professionals.  We’ll have some fun with it and would love to encourage you to share your photos too.

If that’s not enough, to try and lighten this all up a bit, our team has challenged me to try a little styling of my own from home.  You’ll be able to watch my struggles on our social media channels and be able to try the challenge for yourself!  

What I think is important to share here is that I have absolutely no talent when it comes to this and I really don’t like doing it either!  My favorite thing is leaving all things beauty to our pros because all I do is struggle.  No one looks forward to their weekly blowout more than I do!  Our team can tell you when they get stuck with me they get some DIRTY hair to work with.  They are so kind when they say “I think we’ll shampoo one more time”… We all know what that means – I waited WAY too long between washes!

Our online store remains open and we are working hard to get you all your orders as soon as we can.  I’ll let you in on a little secret,  I am the pick, pack, and ship department for our online store and all orders are prepared in my dining room.  Your patience regarding my turnaround time is so appreciated!  We can’t say thank you enough for your support and kindness through all of this.  There are so many good people out there making this hard time so much easier for everyone. 

So, from my home to yours, I pray for your good health and God’s grace to see us quickly back to any kind of normal that has us taking good care of you in our salons and spas again.  Our team is so excited and so ready to get back to work so when we are allowed to reopen just know we can’t wait to see you!

God Bless,

Darcy

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How We Styled Our Winter Shoot

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

Girls Night In Hair and Makeup Looks

(Left) Mackenzie Freed styled Kelsey Bloom’s hair using Aveda Air Control and Garbo’s Texturizing Spray.  Mackenzie curled different sized sections of Kelsey’s hair to achieve her lived in look.  Sara O’Neill applied her makeup and kept her look a little more natural using Aveda’s Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisture in Beechwood.  Kelsey is wearing the Cheetah Print Pajama Set from Ann Taylor.

(Right) Audrey Reinhardt styled Christina’s hair using Garbo’s Stay Spray and Garbo’s Finishing Spray.  Ashley Beutler used Aveda’s Feed my lips™ pure nourish-mint™ lipstick in Sutra, and Aveda’s petal essence™ face accents in Plum Touch and Bronze Glow to create a natural and care-free makeup look.  Christina is wearing the Cheetah Print Robe from Ann Taylor.

We’ve partnered with other businesses, got all glammed up and posed for the camera before; however, this time was different.  Instead of inviting other models to join us, this time we decided to keep it all in-house.  We have so many amazingly beautiful women (both inside and out) at our locations so it was a no brainer to include them in last month’s photoshoot!

With the goal of showing off a few holiday styles for both a Girls Night In and a Girls Night Out we started planning out the hairstyles and the makeup looks we wanted to do.  When it came to the clothes, we decided to partner with Ann Taylor – Regency Court and we are so happy we did!

The holidays may be behind us but there is always something to celebrate.  No matter what you have coming up – birthday parties, office parties, night out with your gals – we hope you love this peek inside the looks we put together for you!

Kelsey Bloom styled Dani Jo’s hair in an undone updo.  This simple look would be perfect for any girls night in!  The hair was prepped with Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep and finished with Aveda Air Control.  Dani Jo is applying Aveda Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Rich Creme.

These Garbo’s girls unwrap their new Image Skincare presents!  Image Skincare is Garbo’s brand new line of professional skincare products.

(Left) Shannon Norwood’s hair was done by Mikaela Kellogg and was styled using Garbo’s Extra Hold Hairspray.  Her makeup was styled by Sara O’Neil.  Shannon is wearing the Cheetah Print Robe from Ann Taylor.

(Second from Right) Ashley Beutler’s hair was styled by Mikaela Kellogg using the Garbo’s Extra Hold Hairspray.  Ashley’s makeup was done by Shannon Norwood using Aveda Feed My Lips Pure Nourish-Mint Lipstick in Sutra, and Aveda’s Brow Definer in Dark Brown.  Ashely is wearing the Animal Print PJ Set from Ann Taylor.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Rich Creme

Perfect for an at-home spa night, this hydrating creme instantly moisturizes the skin helping to recharge your skin cells.  This creme can be purchased at any Garbo’s Salon and Spa location and is ideal for dry to very dry skin.

Image Skincare

New to Garbo’s Salon and Spa, Image Skincare is a professional, clinical brand designed with skincare professionals at top of mind. Image Skincare’s products are physician-formulated and uses active ingredients and cutting edge science to create treatments that works for your specific condition and situation.

Our estheticians are already LOVING these products and have seen spectacular results using them!

Other Products We Used
Image Skincare Clear Cell Medicated Acne Masque
Cheetah Print PJ Set from Ann Taylor
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Masque
Garbo's Stay Extra Hold Finishing Spray – 10 oz

Garbo's Stay Extra Hold Finishing Spray

Garbo’s best hairspray is fast drying and long lasting.  Used in the majority of looks from our November photoshoot, this spray is versatile and heavy duty enough to be our go-to spray for all our looks!

Garbo's Marula and Grapeseed Shampoo

From our newest collection, the Marula and Grapeseed Shampoo provides moisture without weight and targets dry and damaged hair.  It is the perfect first step in re-hydrating and prepping your winter hair for your night in with the girls!

Marula and Grapeseed Shampoo
Other Products We Used
Keratin Therapy Replenisher
Garbo's Keratin Therapy Replenisher
Cheetah Print Robe from Ann Taylor
Marula and Hemp Nourishing Oil
Garbo's Marula and Hemp Oil

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(Second from Left) Karine’s hair was styled by Erin Lewandowski using the Aquage Beyond Body Thermal Spray.   Sara O’Neill used Aveda’s Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisture in Beechwood and Aveda’s Feed My Lips Pure Nourish-mint lip liner in Currant.  Karine is wearing the Sequined Dot Shell, the Diamond Stitch Faux Fur Stole in Black and the Hammered Satin Full Skirt in Vibrant Plum.

(Send from Right) Suzanna’s long, flowy curls were styled by Mackenzie Freed using Garbo’s Grapeseed Fast Dry Accelerator and Garbo’s Dry Texturizing Spray.  Her makeup was done by Sara O’Neill using Aveda’s Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisture in Beechwood and Aveda’s Feed My Lips Pure Nourish-mint lip liner in Spiced Peach.  Suzanna is wearing the Cheetah Velvet Mock Neck Sheath Dress and the Cheetah Print Faux Fur Stole from Ann Taylor.

(Left) Mikaela’s hair was styled by Audrey Reinhardt using Garbo’s Stay Spray and Garbo’s Finishing Spray.  Her makeup was styled by Shannon Norwood using Aveda’s Brow Definer in Light Blonde and Aveda Feed My Lips Pure Nourish-Mint Lipstick in Jujube.  Mikaela is wearing the Dot Essential Shirt in Candy Red,  the Funnel Neck Coat in Creamy Cloud, the Piped Side Stripe Skinny Jeans in Ink Blue, and the Tear Drop Crystal and Pearl Earrings and Statement Necklace.

(Right) Audrey’s holiday glam look is inspired from left over curls from the night before.  Using a 1 inch curler, Audrey prepped her own hair using the Garbo’s Stay Spritz and Shine.   For her makeup, Ashley Beutler used Aveda’s Feed My Lips Pure Nourish-Mint Lipstick in Morello for her lips, Aveda’s Petal Essence Face Accents in Plum Touch (Blush) and Aveda’s Petal Essence Face Accent’s in Bronze Glow (Bronzer).  Audrey is wearing the Shimmer Balloon Sleeve Sweater in Dark Rust, Black Jeans and the Pearlized Cluster Statement Necklace.  All by Ann Taylor.

Aveda Feed My Lips Pure Nourish-Mint Lipstick

Used in almost every style during our November shoot, Aveda’s Feed My Lips collection is by far our favorite lipstick this season.  With the perfect tones of pinks and reds, you’ll be sure to find a shade that works for you!

Garbo's Stay Spritz and Shine

Garbo’s Stay Spritz and Shine is the perfect prepping tool.  This spray is humidity resistant and has thermal protection.  Use it to keep your hair damage free and to help your style stay all day!

Garbo's Stay Spritz And Shine – 6 oz
Other Products We Used
Garbo's Designer Shaping Finishing Spray – 10 oz
Garbo's Designer Shaping Finishing Spray
Velvet Dot Tulle Skirt

Dominique’s gorgeous look started with her hair – styled by Erin Lewandowski.  Erin prepped Dominique’s blown out curls using Aveda’s Split End Repair before twisting them.  She finished the elegant twists with Aquage Finishing Spray.  Dominque’s makeup was applied by Ashley Beutler.  Ashley kept things simple using Aveda Feed My Lips Pure Nourish-Mint Lipstick in Jujube and Aveda’s Brow Definer in Dark Brown.  Dominique is wearing the Pleated Ruffle V-Neck Shell in Soft Pink, the Velvet Dot Tulle Skirt in Black and the Pave Teardrop Earrings.

Aquage Finishing Spray – 12.5 oz

Aquage Finishing Spray

We love Aquage here at Garbo’s.  This hairspray is one of their best-sellers.  The ultra-fine mist builds hold and shine ideal for forming your style and locks in your final look so you don’t have to worry about it all night long!

Aveda Damage Remedy Split End Repair

Your split ends are no match for Aveda’s Damage Remedy Split End Repair.  We love using it to prep styles as it both repairs and helps prevent future split ends from forming.

Aveda Damage Remedy Split End Repair
Aveda Brow Definer
Aveda Feed My Lips Lipstick
Garbo's Brilliance Blow Dry Accelerator and Flat Iron Sealer – 4.4 oz
Garbo's Brilliance Blow Dry Accelerator and Flat Iron Sealer
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Top Performers 2019

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

Garbo’s “Top Performer” is an award that recognizes those in our company who have dedicated themselves to performing at the highest levels of excellence in our industry.  One night a year we celebrate those who choose to go above and beyond to build their business and hone their craft each and every day.

Earning the title of Top Performer isn’t an easy task.  With over 100 stylists working for Garbo’s Salon and Spa, it takes more than just showing up each day with a smile on your face to win this award.  It can take years for a stylist or esthetician to build their business to the level of “Top Performer”.  

To qualify as a Garbo’s Salon and Spa Top Performer, a stylist or esthetician must hit certain numbers in both services provided and product sales. Those numbers are not easy to hit.  These fantastic men and women work hard all year – taking great care of each new client, recommending only the best products to their clients and constantly working to improve their skills.  If, by the end of the year, their numbers qualify them as a Top Performer they are invited to celebrate with the rest of the members who make up this elite group.

The Top Performer award is the most coveted award that Garbo’s gives. While we truly value and appreciate everyone who calls Garbo’s home, it is important to honor those who go above and beyond. 

The Top Performers event of 2019 was one for the books and we wanted to take the time to recognize each winner individually below.  If you see your stylist listed please tell them congratulations.  They have definitely earned it!

Lindsey Balkovec - Master Stylist/Marketing Dir.

Lindsey Balkovec

Lindsey Balkovec works at our Village Pointe location. In addition to being a master stylist, Lindsey is also a National Aquage Educator. Lindsey is a fierce advocate of Garbo's and is beyond talented. Her work has been featured in national editorials and can be seen on her new Instagram page: @lindsey_balkovec_aquage

Omaha Hairstylist Erica Bang

Erica Hord (Bang)

Erica Hord works at our Village Pointe location. Erica has worked tremendously hard to grow her extension business over the past year. Erica embraces social media to promote her beautiful work (@ebang4 on Instagram). Erica is extremely talented, energetic and an amazing asset to our team!

John Bernal, Omaha Hair Stylist

John Bernal

John Bernal works at our Midtown Crossing location. John is one of our best educators - we refer to him as the cutting specialist! John is extremely detail oriented and his work is meticulous. John is extremely dedicated to his craft and we are lucky to have him on our team!

2019 Garbo's Top Performers

Katherine Bower

Katherine Bower is the lead spa educator and an esthetician at our Village Pointe location. We can always count on Katherine when it comes to the spa side of Garbo's - she makes sure the team has everything they need and is always willing to step in and answer questions / help out when needed. In addition, Katherine is also an extremely talented makeup artist!

Lindsey Carraher

Lindsey Carraher can be found behind the chair at our Village Pointe location in addition to her work behind the camera! Lindsey is also the director of education and shoots all the content you see on our website and social media feeds. Lindsey is beyond creative and can make anything look amazing. Last but not least, she is downright the nicest person you will ever meet!

Shannon Carsey

Shannon Carsey calls our Village Pointe location home. This past year Shannon has dedicated herself to her craft and saw great success! While Shannon excels at all types of haircuts, she is a master at short cuts. This is the first year Shannon has won the Top Performers award and we couldn't be more proud of her!

Ken Chapman, Hair Stylist Omaha NE

Ken Chapman

Ken Chapman works at our Regency location and is a consistent top performer. Ken has won the award year after year and the folks at our Regency location have come to count on him and look up to him as a role model!

Marcia Harper - Omaha Hairstylist at Garbo's Midtown Crossing

Marcia Harper

Marcia can also be found at our Regency location. In addition to her fabulous work behind the chair, Marcia is the head of the Garbo's health and wellness program and works hard to keep our salons fit and healthy. Marcia is a wonderful teammate and is always looking for ways to help her teammates!

Emily Hilker - Stylist

Emily Hilker

Emily Hilker joined the Garbo's family a few years ago and quickly became a top performer. Emily works at the Village Pointe location and specializes in curly hair clients. She is also amazing at men's cuts!

Sherri and Tom at the Top Performers Event
Girls at the Top Performers Event
Denise Hilson - Stylist

Denise Hilson

Denise Hilson works at our Village Pointe location and is the ultimate professional. Denise always brings her "A" game and is extremely talented and super consistent in her work. Denise has been with the Garbo's family for a long time and we love watching her continually grow her business!

Leslie Johnson - Stylist

Leslie Johnson

Leslie Johnson has worked hard this year to build her extension clients. All in all, Leslie is one of the hardest working stylists we have on our team. Her ability to build rapport with her clients is amazing and speaks to her kind personality! Leslie was also highlighted in our Stylist Spotlight blog post not too long ago. You can find Leslie at our Village Pointe location.

Kaitlyn Johnson - Stylist

Kaitlyn Johnson

Kaitlyn Johnson joined Garbo's only a few years ago but was an instant top performer! Kaitlyn is the energizer bunny of the salon - she is such a wonderful teammate and is always helping out around the salon! We couldn't ask for a better person to work with!

Aynsley Kalahar - Hair Stylist and Garbo's Midtown Crossing

Aynsley Kalahar

Aynsley Kalahar can be found behind the chair at our Midtown Crossing location. In addition to being a Top Performer, Aynsley is also one of our coaches. She is always willing to help the team in any way she can. Aynsley specializes in fashion colors and was recently highlighted in last month's Stylist Spotlight blog post!

Kara Kowalski - Omaha Hairstylist at Garbo's Midtown Crossing

Kara Kowalski

Kara Kowalski has only been with Garbo's a few years but was quick to earn the title of Top Performer. Kara also specializes in fashion colors and has excellent hair cutting skills. You can find Kara at our Midtown Crossing Location!

Joilynn Larsen - Stylist

Joilynn Larsen

Joilynn Larsen is both a stylist and esthetician at our Village Pointe location. Joilynn is constantly looking for ways to grow her businesses and expertise. This year she added dermaplaning to her list of services and also specializes in extensions!

2019 Top Performer Celebration
Erin Lewandowski - Stylist

Erin Lewandowski

Erin Lewandowski works at our Regency location and is both a stylist and an educator. She excels at educating her clients on the best way to maintain the styles she's created and that has lead to her becoming a top performer so quickly.!

Sherri Mahoney

Sherri is our manager at the Village Pointe location and is an exemplary leader in every possible way. In addition to her work as a manager, she also maintains a strong book of business. She is an incredible person and boss!

Heather Marchio

Heather Marchio can be found behind the chair at our Midtown Crossing location. In addition, Heather also acts as our Wella color coach. Heather is a fantastic team member and is extremely talented in everything she does. Heather was also highlighted in our Stylist Spotlight a few months back!

Amber Meier - Omaha Nebraska Master Hairstylist

Amber Meier

Amber Meier is the manager at our Oak View Mall location and is a fantastic mentor and leader to her team. This is Amber's first year as a Top Performer! In addition to her duties as manager and stylist, she is also an extension specialist.

Rachel Miller - Stylist/ PK Edu

Rachel Miller

Rachel Miller is a stylist, business coach, and product educator at our Regency location. Rachel is extremely knowledgeable about our industry and stays on top of the latest trends and products. She also runs a great social media account (@rachel_scissor_hands)!

Omaha Hair Stylist Crystal Millerd

Crystal Millerd

Crystal Millerd is the assistant manager at our Village Pointe location and the lead educator there as well. Crystal is Garbo's #1 Top Performer!!! Crystal was highlighted in our Stylist Spotlight a few months back and is one of the sweetest people you will every meet!

Top Performers Event 2019
Erica and Katherine at the Top Performers Event
Molly Ohern - Stylist

Molly Ohern

Molly Ohern works at our Village Pointe location and is known as one of the kindest people you will meet. She is extremely consistent and is always helping out in any way she can - we sometimes even see her behind the front desk when things get busy!

Headshot of Dinet Pena

Dinet Pena

Dinet Pena works at our Oak View Mall location and is both a lash specialist and a stylist. She can make anybody's eyelashes look amazing! Dinet is always looking for ways to grow her business so it is no wonder she is a Top Performer!

Denise Pittman - Stylist

Denise Pittman

Denise Pittman works at our Regency location and is both a Great Lengths extension specialist and an Aveda specialist. Denise is the ultimate professional and is all around incredible at her job!

Julia Elliott - Stylist

Julia Elliott

Julia Elliott can be found behind the chair at our Village Pointe location. This is Julia's first year as a Top Performer! She has worked extremely hard to build her business. She is a long hair specialist and loves giving her clients highlights and balayage.

Audrey Reinhardt - Omaha Hairstylist at Garbo's Midtown Crossing

Audrey Reinhardt

Audrey is our manager at the Midtown Crossing location and is an amazing team leader. She has built a fabulous team at Midtown while maintaining a terrific business behind the chair!

Emily Reinhardt - Stylist

Emily Reinhardt

Emily Reinhardt (not related to Audrey!) works at our Village Pointe location. Emily works very hard and is amazing at mens cutting. In addition, she is always helping out around the salon which is so appreciated!

Antonia Rogers - Stylist at Garbo's Salon and Spa, Village Pointe

Antonia Rogers

Antonia Rogers calls our Village Pointe location home. Antonia is a professional in every regard - she is an excellent educator, meticulous hair cutting specialist and is always consistent and patient with her clients!

Thomas Sena - Omaha Hairstylist

Tom Sena

Tom Sena is our manager at the Regency location and is one of the coolest guys we know. This is Tom's first year as a top performer! Tom is a master stylist and can do just about anything. No challenge is too big for Tom!

Eileen Staley - Stylist

Eileen Staley

Eileen works at our Regency location and is a business coach in addition to her work as a stylist. She is one of the most fun and enthusiastic people we know and is beyond talented! If you have problem hair, you need to see Eileen - she can fix anything!

Gals Enjoying Drinks at the Top Performer Event
Celebrating the Top Performers

Jules Steinwart

Jules Steinwart works at our Village Pointe location and has won the Top Performer award multiple years in a row! Jules is the ultimate professional when it comes to her business and works hard to keep her clients happy!

Kathleen Traxinger - Stylist/Men's Cutting Specialist

Kathleen Traxinger

Kathleen works at our Regency location and is one of our best educators when it comes to sharing her knowledge with her clients and her team members. Kathleen always comes in early and stays late and is the best at helping out around the salon!

Omaha Stylist Clair Wight

Clair Wight

Clair Wight also works at our Regency location and extremely talented. Clair is a wizard at color corrections and one of the kindest and nicest people you will ever meet!

Don't Miss Our Next Blog Post!

Make sure you don’t miss a single blog post by signing up for our reminder emails!  Each time we post something new to the blog we’ll send you a quick email letting you know.

We are so proud of all these amazing individuals who went above and beyond this past year.  While we try to show our appreciation through the Top Performers event, words and actions can’t express how thankful we are to have such an amazing group of people who call Garbo’s home.

As we mentioned above, if you see your stylists listed make sure to tell them congratulations the next time you see them.  Earning the award of Top Performer is not easy and they deserve to be recognized for their amazing accomplishment!

🎉 Congratulations one more time to all our 2019 Top Performers! 🎉

 

Sending Love,

Maddie

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Owning a Salon – What is it really like?

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

Behind the scenes of owning a salon and spa

I would wager a healthy sum that the majority of you reading this blog post know what it’s like to sit in a salon chair.  However, I predict that the majority of you can only imagine what it’s like to actually own a salon and spa.  With more than 10 years in the business of running salons and spas, Darcy Michalek, the owner of Garbo’s Salon and Spa, lets us have a peek at the ins and outs of salon ownership and management.

Take us back...

More than fifteen years ago Darcy and her family found themselves in Omaha, Nebraska after having recently moved from Longmeadow, Massachusetts.  With an impressive resume filled with C-level leadership roles and a handful of different industries, Darcy found herself contemplating an interesting offer – the opportunity to purchase a salon.  Fast forward a few years, Darcy managed to take the purchase of Garbo’s Salon and Spa at the Oak View Mall and turn it into four successful locations that employ more than 140 talented people.

Now with four salons to her name, Darcy and her team of managers are busy making sure they’re providing best-in-class services to their clients and helping their stylists, makeup artists, nail technicians and estheticians learn and grow all while balancing all the other tasks of running a business.  It is in fact those other tasks that we, as the people in the chair and not behind it, tend to overlook or forget when we think of what it takes to own a salon.

Owning a Salon and Spa - Darcy Michalek

Why did you want to own a salon?

“After having worked for a handful of large companies I started looking for great business opportunities that would allow me to own my own business.  My desire to own my own company and my love for having my hair and nails done made idea of owning a salon and spa very appealing.”

To be clear, you don't do hair?

“Correct!  Most people think it’s strange when I tell them I am not a stylists but I think having the business background that I do benefits me.  To be a business woman first allows me to be more strategic in my day to day.  I can draw upon my past experiences and find new ways to apply what I have learned from them in this market.  However, I can’t stress enough how important it is to me that all of our managers are stylists themselves.  Having that knowledge really helps bridge the gap and pick up where I leave off.”

We can imagine running four salons is a lot of work - what does your day to day look like?

“I can’t say I have a typical day-to-day schedule but I try my best to complete all my administrative tasks and paperwork in the mornings and then schedule my meetings in each of the locations in the afternoons and evenings.  I’m constantly running supplies to each of the locations as well.  Somedays I’ll need to visit all four salons in one afternoon while others days its only two or three… With that being said, I try to take advantage of the time I have in my car when traveling to one salon or the other.  I utilize that time to check in with members of my team who I haven’t heard from in a while or to make other business related phone calls (all hands-free of course!).  

Since I do travel often between the salons, my team always teases me because most days it looks like I’m living out of my car!  I have boxes piled up in the trunk and the back seat, paperwork in the front seat and, if I’ve had time to stop for lunch that day, a takeout bag somewhere near me! 

Since our salons are open seven days a week I am typically also working seven days a week.  I want to be available to my team whenever I’m needed so they know they can call or text me at anytime.

Recently we have been doing more interviewing than normal.  Our guest services team is growing and we are always on the hunt for amazing team members so interviewing has become a day-to-day agenda item as well.  I personally love interviewing and do my best to be the first person from Garbo’s a potential team member meets.  It gives me a chance to really get to know the person before welcoming them into our family.”

Do you manage the salons yourself or do you have help?

“Thankfully, I have help!  Each salon has a Salon Manager who is also a behind the chair stylist.  In addition, each salon has an assistant manager or desk coordinator that manages the front of the house.  I am truly blessed to have such an amazing team and do my best to say thank you to them as much as possible.  Our readers should definitely know who they are: 

Village Pointe: Sherri Mahoney (Manager), Susie Knezovich (Assistant Manager, Head of Guest Relations), Crystal Millerd (Assistant Manager) 

Regency: Tom Sena (Manager), Juliana Montane (Assistant Manager, Head of Guest Relations)

Midtown: Audrey Reinhardt (Manager), Adam Podraza (Head of Guest Relations)

Oak View: Amber Meir (Manager), Melissa Losole (Assistant Manager), Ricki Rockwell (Head of Guest Relations)”

What is the biggest challenge you face as the owner of Garbo's Salon and Spa?

“The biggest challenge I face is staying personally connected to all of our team members.  As we’ve grown and added additional locations, it has become more and more difficult to spend quality time with everyone.  I don’t have time to hang and chat about the more personal things like I used to and I really wish I did.  We are now at 140 employees!  With so many amazing, talented people working for us it makes me cherish the time I have with each new person we add during the interview process.  I enjoy getting to know them on a personal level before they ever set foot in the salon.”

What is something our readers don't know about you?

“Hmmm… Before I became the owner of my first Garbo’s location I used to work for a division of Jones Wear in the fashion jewelry industry.  I worked in Sales, Marketing and Inventory control for more than 15 years – five years in Phoenix, five years in San Antonio and five years in New York City.  Once my kids were a little older we decided to move back to Nebraska so we could be closer to family.”

What about Garbo's Salon and Spa excites you most?

“I am most excited about the growth we have seen with the company and the opportunities that lie ahead.  Because our brand has grown so large I envision us leveraging our size and starting to have more of a national reach in many areas of our business.  Did you know we currently ship our Garbo’s Professional product all over the country?

I’m also excited about the opportunity to develop new products for different markets and creating new partnerships and collaborations with other business owners.  I personally love being a small business and love working with other small businesses as well.

I also love how personal our business is and how transformational it can be.  It always excites me that we have the opportunity to transform people’s lives on a daily basis.”

We hear there are some big and exciting things coming down the line for Garbo's this year - can you give us a little sneek peak?

“We have so many new things coming your way!  Last year around this time we launched our new social media accounts and I personally love what our team has created.  Looking forward to the rest of this year we are setting our sights on developing a few new products for a market we’ve never worked with before.

We are also working to partner with another local business in Omaha to bring new services to the salons.  We should be announcing that partnership soon!

Next month we will be introducing 12 new products to our Garbo’s Professional line and we are working to re-vamp our loyalty program.  We sent out a survey last month asking our clients where we can improve and that was one of the most asked for items.

Other than that we have two BIG announcements coming in 2020 but I am going to keep my lips sealed on those for the time being :)”

Ooo!  So much good stuff coming your way!!  To make sure you stay up to date on everything happening at Garbo’s please follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign up for our newsletter!

We always love hearing from our owner, Darcy!  I was lucky enough to snag a few minutes while she drove from one salon to the other to get her thoughts on the questions above.  If you have other questions for Darcy regarding salon ownership or being an entrepreneur please let us know in the comments.  

Thanks as always for reading!

Sending love,

Maddie

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The Academy

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie

What is it?

As you have probably seen in our social media posts throughout the past weeks, we have been spending a lot of time in “The Academy“.  We created this space a few years ago after realizing we needed a dedicated space to teach, learn and continue to improve our craft.  Setting up an educational class in our back room just wasn’t cutting it anymore (pun intended)!  So, after our next door neighbor left we took over the space and made it the educational center for all four salons.  Thus, The Academy was born. 

Instructor teaching a class in the academy

Tell me more…

The Garbo’s Academy takes up more than 2,000 square feet of space and is located directly next to our salon in the Oak View Mall.  The space is outfitted with movable tables and chairs which allow us to set up any type of configuration we need. 

Just like in any business, the moment we stop innovating and improving we cease to exist.  The best way to keep moving forward is to learn from the best and to be given the chance to push the boundaries of our creativity.  The Academy provides us that opportunity and we take full advantage of it!

Stylist learning in the Academy

Previous classes and instructors

Because we believe so strongly in education we have our very own education leaders who are responsible for setting up classes and bringing in top talent from all over the country to teach us their ways.  We use these classes to learn more about every portion of the salon industry – hair cutting, coloring, styling, hot and upcoming  trends and even how to grow our books of business.  We don’t limit the type of education that can be taught in the Academy – if we can grow from learning it then we will!

Over the years we have been very blessed to have learned and be inspired from some of the best in the industry.  These are just a few who have recently helped us grow!

Luis Alvarez – Co-founder of Aquage

Luca Boccia – Aveda Business College

Dominique Barnes – Textured Hair

Stevi Trevino – Aveda Color

Geno Chapman – Aveda Artist

Retail Sales Class

Illumina Color Class

Lyndsay Von Dietrich – Wella

Sonya Dove – Wella Global Artist

Nick Arrojo – Business Jam

Will Harries – Wella

David Conners – Barberology

Keratherapy

Aveda Color Talk

Teresa Champion – Wella Blondes

Dayna Gamba – Barberology

Lindsey Balkovec – Aquage Stage Artist

Phytodess Class

Aveda Fashion Colors

Aveda Merging Color

CPR Certification

Microblading Certification

Tippi Shorter – Textured Hair

Stylist learning in the Academy

 

 

 

Do you love learning?

We love learning and we love giving our team members the opportunity to learn.  The Academy gives us a place to do both!  If you are currently in the industry keep your eye out for educational opportunities that we offer that are open to the public.  If you are still in school and care about continuing education – please keep Garbo’s in mind!

Follow us on our social media channels ( Midtown FB, Oak View FB, Regency FB, Village Pointe FB, Instagram) to stay up to date with everything we are learning!

Sending Love,

Maddie

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