Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest for 2025! Sponsored by Wella Professionals, this contest spotlights innovative and unique salons that go above and beyond to provide stellar experiences for their clients and opportunities for growth for their hair pros.
Here, Zoe Catherine Babb (@zoecatherinehair) welcomes us to her salon All About You Salon & Spa in Englewood, FL, established in October 2010.
Q&A with Salon Owner:
All About You Salon & Spa backbarCourtesy of All About You Salon & Spa
Zoe Catherine Babb (ZCB): This story is a bit long, but it’s truly special. The salon was originally a closed space after the previous owner passed away. At the time, I was a brand-new mom (just 17 years old), and my mom, who had been a barber for over 10 years, and I were looking to open a salon. We first considered an old, rundown gas station but found out it was scheduled for demolition. Then, by chance, we stumbled upon an old, empty salon just blocks away that was perfectly set up with everything we needed. We left a note in the mailbox, and hours later, we received a call from the family of the former owner. They welcomed us with open arms, allowing us to fulfill our dream. My mom ran the business for many years, but in 2016, I took over and transformed the space into the bright, bohemian-style, good-vibes sanctuary it is today.
Watching my mom create an environment where employees were happy and clients left feeling confident and uplifted was incredibly inspiring. It motivated me to not only continue the work she started but to infuse my own vision and creativity into the space.
BLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing the space?
ZCB: Our salon is light, airy and filled with natural light. I’ve incorporated a lot of greenery, with natural plants throughout the space, as well as leaf murals in areas where plants would typically struggle due to lower lighting, such as bathrooms and treatment rooms.
I was inspired by how I felt while designing the space. The vision evolved over time, starting with a fresh coat of white paint. Then, I added a stunning wooden spindle display in the center of our lobby to showcase our Davines retail products. Slowly but surely, the salon transformed into the bright, boho-inspired sanctuary I envisioned. 
"Our salon is light, airy and filled with natural light. I’ve incorporated a lot of greenery, with natural plants throughout the space."Courtesy of All About You Salon & Spa
BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?
ZCB: All About You Salon & Spa offers a full range of salon and spa services. I specialize in everything from highlights to extensions and occasionally offer spray tans.
I feel like all of our services are tailored to each individual to be special and unique! One of my proudest achievements has been expanding the team. In 2022, I began training 1-2 assistants each year, providing them with hands-on education and mentorship including personal one on one with a national educator Collin Martin from Hattori Hanzo Shears. Once they’ve completed the program and I feel confident in their skills, they have the opportunity to work behind the chair at our salon a with a set of Hanzo Shears in hand!
BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?
ZCB: We are a full Davines salon, which means we use and retail only the best products in the industry. For our massages, we use essential oils and pure organic coconut oil instead of traditional massage oils—a decision I strongly recommend for its skin benefits.
We absolutely love the Davines line. From their color products to every item in the retail line, we’re dedicated to using and recommending products that are both luxurious and effective. Plus, a little goes a long way, and the scent is clean and refreshing.
BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?
ZCB: Our salon stands out because of our commitment to a holistic approach to beauty, blending the best of nature with luxury. We prioritize using the healthiest, most natural products available, ensuring that each treatment nourishes both the body and the mind. While we specialize in creating natural, lived-in beauty looks, we also offer a wide range of rejuvenating services for those seeking more advanced treatments, including Botox, fillers and, this year, we are excited to introduce acupuncture to our offerings. Our focus is on providing a truly exceptional client experience, with an emphasis on luxury spa services that promote relaxation, well-being and self-care. We believe in balancing cutting-edge beauty treatments with a serene, welcoming atmosphere that leaves our clients feeling rejuvenated and beautiful, inside and out.
All About You Salon & Spa Staff with Collin Martin.Courtesy of All About You Salon & Spa
ZCB: Above all, I hope clients leave feeling rejuvenated—both emotionally and physically. My goal is for them to remember the experience long after they’ve left, feel 10x better than when they walked in and be excited to share their experience with friends and family.
BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
ZCB: Stay focused on your vision. Know exactly what you want your business to look like, set goals and work toward them every day. Build a team that shares your vision and encourage constant growth, whether through continuing education or fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere.
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to help salon owners and hairstylists grow and thrive?
ZCB: One of the most important changes I’d like to see is a stronger emphasis on communication and camaraderie within the industry. Building supportive networks can make all the difference. Additionally, hands-on education is crucial. Too often, stylists miss out on essential, practical training. I believe more immersive, real-world learning opportunities would help elevate the industry as a whole. Finally, I encourage artists to embrace their unique work and showcase it confidently, without blurring the lines or conforming to trends. Authenticity is key.
BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for 2025?
ZCB: I have big plans for 2025! I’m looking to expand the team by adding 4 more technicians to offer even more availability for our clients. We're also planning to introduce Microblading and several other exciting services. I can't reveal all of the surprises just yet, but there's a lot to look forward to!
Follow the Salon
Website: https://www.aayenglewood.com/
Instagram: @allaboutyouenglewood
Our content gives followers a behind-the-scenes look at daily activities in the salon—everything from hair transformations and lash extensions to Botox events. We love sharing the fun, energetic vibe of our space!
