By: Emmy Jenson
In a time where pay cuts and layoffs are an everyday occurrence, one industry is growing bigger by the minute.
Partially because the individual is often defined by their outward appearance and partially because vanity is inevitable in today’s world, the beauty industry has grown even in a serious downturn.
Spas, salons and other beauty outlets have popped up all over the world where many other businesses have been closing down.
Alyse Starley, a 21-year-old from Lehi, has been a receptionist in the spa industry for more than three years. She has seen various spas open and close their doors, but for the most part she has seen a lot of successes.
“Clients still showed up to the spa every month even when profits were slim,” Starley said. “People need to look good especially when they aren’t feeling too great inside.”
In 2008, one of the toughest years for the recession, Starley said she watched the spa she worked for close its doors. With sadness but excitement she then moved on to a new spa. Amara Day Spa was facing the recession with no fear and about to expand and open in a new location, branching out as a complete day spa, salon and boutique.
“It was exciting to see Amara expand so much right as I started working there,” Starley said. “They had grown out of their old location and were ready for a bigger and better situation.”
Since opening its doors in July 2009, Amara has seen immense growth. According Utah Valley Business Magazine Amara has seen a 202 percent growth in the past three years.
Not only did the opening of the salon provide more room for new beauty services but also more than 50 jobs for beauty professionals in Utah.
“I was so happy to get a job at Amara when they opened the salon,” said Tracy Marben, hairstylist. “When most of my hair school friends struggled to get jobs, Amara was welcoming 20 new stylists.”
Amara isn’t the only salon in Utah that has seen growth. According to an article on strategies.com, Lunatic Fringe, a salon chain founded in Salt Lake, has grown a great deal in the past 10 years.
Since 2000, the owners of the salon have opened six locations and two hair schools across Utah with plans of more growth throughout the year. Co-owner Angie Katsanevas attributes their success partially to a great environment.
“People will still spend money if they feel they’re spending it in the right place,” she said in the article.
Katsanevas and her husband and co-owner Shawn Trujillo said the troubling times in a recession lead to a push for creativity.
“Really use the economy as a springboard to better days,” Trujillo said. “Right now, you have to put the microscope on your business and you have to look for opportunities.”
Even HR World online lists the beauty industry as one of the “Top 25 Careers to Pursue in a Recession.”
“Regardless of a recession, people who enjoy being pampered will seldom give up the simple pleasures in life,” said the editors in their article.
They also note the inevitability of growth in the human body ensures success in the beauty industry.
“Hair will always grow, and drains will always clog, so you can expect steady work in skilled services like plumbing and hairstyling,” said HR World editors.
A study done by feelingunique.com uncovered a truth that women would rather spend less on food than let go of their favorite beauty items.
“While 67 per cent would switch to less expensive brands for eggs and milk, only 30 per cent said they would be willing to turn to cheaper cosmetics,” representatives for the study said.
Clients of these salons explain why beauty is often at the top of their spending list.
“Spending a couple hours at the spa makes your whole week better,” said Angie Ivancich, a 22-year-old in retail sales. “Not only do you come out of there more beautiful than before but also relaxed and ready for what comes next.”
With an increased amount of services, people are willing to spend money on the things that make their every day routine a little easier.
“I got permanent eyeliner and eyelash extensions because that is less time I have to spend in front of the mirror every day,” said Laura Gillings, a 26-year-old mother from Springville. “That luxury is worth every penny.”
Even further, because of the need for annual visits, spas and salons create strong client relationships.
“Every time I go the spa I get to see all my friends,” said Rachel Holt, a 23-year-old history student at UVU. “I spend more time chatting with the girls than I do in my appointment.”
Evidence shows the beauty industry will continue to grow despite the challenges the world will see. Many people find hope in this fact.
“At least we can still see some success during struggling times,” said Kara Gagon, a hairstylist from Provo. “Watching an industry grow even during a serious economic downturn is really inspiring.”
