Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest for 2024.
Here, Sherette Rochelle Fabi-Parker introduces us to SalonTREND in Vestal, New York, established in May 2014.
WEBSITE: www.salontrendnewyork.com
INSTAGRAM: @salontrendnewyork
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What benefits do you provide to employees?
Sherette Fabi-Parker (SFB): SalonTREND stylists have many benefits working here! They have been exposed to many once in a lifetime opportunities, such as working at NYFW and Miami Swim Week. This opened my stylists up to incredible connections and opportunities that only 1% of stylists are able to partake in. Traveling alongside me to work on stage across the country, exposing them to all forms of education and techniques. Incredible mentorship from myself, SalonTREND owner, Sherette. The culture of SalonTREND is nothing short of remarkable and uplifting! We have very much of a family environment here at TREND. My stylists are encouraged to express themselves in every way they can! They also are able to get their hair done at no charge, hair care products at no charge, they are also given paid vacation every year. At the end of each year, they are awarded with a bonus.
BLP: What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?
SFP: SalonTREND rose from true difficulty, a testament to the resilience forged through unwavering determination and unyielding spirit. In 2013, my salon was engulfed in flames in a senseless act of arson, leaving me with nothing – not even a pair of shears. Amidst the ruins, I faced betrayal from someone I once considered a dear friend, who later attempted to sue me when I chose to embark on the journey of opening SalonTREND. During this extremely hard period in my life, I also experienced the heart-wrenching loss of my mother to cancer and the sudden, tragic departure of my sister. Additionally, within a span of six weeks, I had to say goodbye to three beloved dogs. Despite the overwhelming challenges, I emerged victorious. What initially seemed like the end marked the genesis of a remarkable new chapter. I built SalonTREND from the ground up, starting at rock bottom. The profound depth of my struggles only serves to amplify the incredible significance of this recognition, a triumph that transcends words. My story is not just one of overcoming adversity; it is a beacon of inspiration for individuals facing hardships in any profession. I aspire to be a living example of the transformative power that perseverance and inner strength can wield, illuminating the path to a brighter, more resilient life.
BLP: What is the most challenging thing that happened while opening your salon? 
Sherette Rochelle Fabi-Parker is the owner of SalonTREND in Vestal, NY.Courtesy of Sherette Rochelle Fabi-Parker
SFP: Staying motivated while fighting the severe depression and anxiety that came after the tragedies I faced. I struggled to uphold what I set out to create and felt as though I wasn’t giving my clients the energy they deserved and the energy that I wanted to provide. I struggled to find my spark again, but I prevailed! I survived rock bottom, and now I am giving my TRENDmodels and my team exactly the version of me they deserve and more!
BLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing your space?
SFP: A contemporary, clean and modern feel, we want our space to represent the work we produce! How you do one thing is how you do everything. We wanted a space that brought a big city feel to anyone that comes in!
BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of your services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?
SFP: We provide customized modern coloring, balayage, extensions, haircutting and a variety of conditioning treatments!
BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?
SFP: SalonTREND proudly uses and sells TRUSS and Eufora products! My personal favorite are the TRUSS products. They are really second to none and our TRENDmodels are loving it as well!
BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?
SFP: SalonTREND is a salon and styling company that focuses on bringing luxury into the everyday. We believe in setting the bar high and exceeding expectations. What started almost 10 years ago as a small salon and some ambition has now become an award-winning enterprise. We have done work for NYFW, Miami Swim Week, editorial shoots and many more events. We believe in changing, creating and inspiring through elegance. By inspiring boundless creativity and focusing on encouraging inner beauty, the team at SalonTREND continues to make its mark on the industry.
BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?
SFP: Our goal is to make sure everyone that comes into SalonTREND leaves feeling like their best self. We hope to help people bring their inner beauty outward with a new confidence to take on the world.
BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
SFP: Stay the course, and do not settle. Take your time when finding a like-minded team, and be the leader that you wish you once had.
BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for the year?
SFP: Big goals and plans are in progress, SalonTREND will continue to be seen all over the country. Exciting things are on the horizon. You might even expect to see a second SalonTREND location somewhere in the US!
