Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest for 2024.
Here, April Wetzel introduces us to Sunbeam Studio in Louisville, CO, founded in June 2022.
WEBSITE: sunbeamhairstudio.com
INSTAGRAM: @sunbeamhairstudio
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?
April Wetzel (AW): Sunbeam Studio was created on two fronts. First, I wanted to offer our community a salon where the quality of service could be trusted, valued and exceed expectations, a space where modern techniques are used on everyday hairstyles, bringing cutting edge techniques to the state of Colorado. The standard of work coming out of Sunbeam Studio is extremely high, and I wanted to establish a name people can trust for great hair. Secondly, I wanted to create a space where stylists could excel in their careers by nurturing their passion behind the chair, feel supported, respected and motivated through collaboration and advanced education while celebrating work-life balance and achieving financial freedom.
BLP: What was the most challenging thing that happened while opening your salon?
AW: The most challenging thing while opening Sunbeam Studio was navigating being a new mother to my beautiful daughter, Juniper. Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the joys and demands of motherhood requires a delicate juggling act, which I still to this day am learning to navigate.
BLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing the space? 
April Wetzel is the owner of Sunbeam Studio in Louisville, CO.Courtesy of April Wetzel
AW: Sunbeam Studio was inspired by the natural elements. The building was originally an old auto garage, so I wanted to use warm, neutral colors brought in by clay, cement, wood, plants, glass and leather to warm things up. The tall ceilings and garage door bring in bright, natural light creating a cozy, calm atmosphere with a boho vibe. The intentional fusion of serenity and vibrancy transforms the space into more than just a salon; it becomes a destination where the calm beauty of nature harmonizes with the joyful rhythm of music and conversation, creating a truly immersive and delightful experience for our clients.
BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?
AW: We are a lived-in color salon specializing in dimensional brunettes, blondes, reds, color corrections and modern gray blending. We pride ourselves in providing high-end hair that is low maintenance.
BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?
AW: At Sunbeam Studio we carry clean and sustainable products. All of our products are made of PCR, glass or aluminum. Botanical blends with organic essential oils, organic clean beauty with low carbon footprints. We use OWay, Cult + King, Mr. Smith and Hairstory. One of my favorite products is Tonik by Cult + King. It is liquid magic, rebalancing the pH of the hair and scalp. It naturally blocks the DHT hormone which causes hair thinning and helps heal any dry, itchy flaky scalp issues - it's perfect for everyone!
BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?
AW: What sets Sunbeam Studio apart is our ability to deliver a truly unique experience that seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability. Our emphasis on eco-friendly practices, from product selection to waste management, sets us apart in an industry where responsibility and indulgence often seem at odds. Sunbeam Studio isn't just a salon; it's a haven where clients can enjoy the epitome of luxury while knowing that every aspect of their experience aligns with a broader commitment to environmental consciousness.
BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?
AW: There's a magic in the art of lived-in color, a combination of dimension, sparkle and depth that harmoniously celebrates the beauty of the client's natural root hues. It is my hope that each of our clients leave our salon not only in love with their hair color but also with a deeper understanding of how to wear it, style it and home care. We pride ourselves with our in-depth consultations and are committed to ensuring our clients feel genuinely seen and heard. It's more than just about aesthetics; we aspire to leave your hair not only looking great but also feeling inspired, fresh and beautiful. In every visit, my aim is to create an atmosphere where our clients feel both safe and excited, establishing a bond built on trust and a shared investment in their unique hair journey.
BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
AW: My advice to a new salon owner is to view the salon industry as a community rather than a competition. Fostering a culture of respect among fellow stylists, salon owners, representatives and all industry professionals creates a collaborative environment where mutual learning and benefits thrive. Embracing this mindset not only enhances professional relationships but also contributes to the collective growth and success of the salon industry as a whole.
BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for the year?
AW: I am excited to lean into offering more advanced education in 2024 and beyond. Sunbeam Studio offers the best of the best when it comes to education, and I can't wait to share it with the hair industry. We're enthusiastic about providing the very best in education, equipping stylists with cutting-edge techniques and knowledge.
