Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons Contest for 2024.
Here, Malinda O’Dell introduces us to Grassroots Salon and Spa in Layton, Utah, founded in 1998 and purchased by O’Dell in 2022.
WEBSITE: www.grassrootssalonandspa.com
INSTAGRAM: @grassrootsaveda
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?
Malinda O’Dell (MO): I have been with Grassroots since the beginning and have watched it grow over the years. When the previous owner decided to retire, I knew I wanted to stay and help take it to the next level. My team is my motivation. I have worked alongside some of my colleagues for over 15 years, others I trained and helped them get their licenses. Together we have been through so much and came out stronger.
BLP: What was the most challenging thing that happened while opening your salon?
MO: I would say the most challenging thing was creating procedures and policies that worked best for where we wanted our salon to go. Change is always difficult; however, our team took it with grace and really made it easy.
BLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing the space?
MO: Our aesthetic would be cozy industrial. Our salon is bright and open but still has a cozy feel. As for the designing process, I was extremely lucky to have some amazing team members who have an amazing eye, were willing to jump in and help make our vision come true.
BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?
MO: We offer a wide variety of services. We are a full-service salon that offers children’s cuts to chemical services and everything in between. We also are a spa that includes both traditional spa services as well as medical grade services. We do offer a Grassroots Signature facial, but we strive to offer every guest a personalized and unique experience. 
Malinda O'Dell is the owner of Grassroots Salon and Spa.Courtesy of Malinda O'Dell
BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?
MO: We are an Aveda Lifestyle Salon. That means we solely use Aveda products as well as color.
BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?
MO: I believe what makes our salon unique is our family approach. We as a team see each other as family and want our guests to feel a part of our family as well. We want our guests to feel at home and comfortable from their first phone call.
BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?
MO: We want them to feel beautiful, confident, valued and appreciated. We hope they have a relaxing visit that leaves them feeling recharged and refreshed.
BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
MO: Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. Things will be difficult, and they won't happen overnight. Just learn as you go and keep moving forward.
BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for the year?
MO: We have so many plans for the future. Our leadership team participates in strategic planning sessions to continually keep the salon moving forward. Our next step is the launch of our Medi Spa and Men’s menu. These services will be launched in January 2024, and we cannot wait to add another facet to our menu.
