
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, Lauren Peters (@theweavewitch_) welcomes us to Fringe and Ink Creative Company in Michigan City, IN, established in March 2021.
Q&A with Salon Owner
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?
Lauren Peters (LP): In 2020, COVID hit and I left a corporate salon. Life got wild. I met my husband, and I ended up moving from Wisconsin to Indiana. I got super discouraged applying to local salons that had awful commission levels and questionable vibes. I wanted to work in a space that felt safe and laid back, yet still cool as heck that allowed me to both do hair and microblade. My husband encouraged me to open a suite, so I did. By November 2021, I had out grown my suite and did some number crunching. It turns out a whole building was a better business idea than remaining in a suite. I moved into my store front with no intention of having employees, but by chance, I started bringing on "lost artists" who believed in the same things I did and trusted my vision. We now have grown be a team of six, with hopes to expand in the future.
Fringe and Ink Creative Company teamCourtesy of Fringe and Ink Creative Company
LP: Our vibe is high-class, bad ass. It’s edgy, sparkly and laid back. Because our team is so diverse, the decor is very eclectic and unique. I wanted the salon to be approachable and comfortable for people of all walks of life. We swear in our branding, so people get the idea that this is not a space for children and we are, without a doubt, alternative. Our guests love that they can come in, be themselves and not worry about judgment. We have a ton of blue collar clients that want a high end experience, without the typical high end salon judgement.
BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?
LP: We specialize in color, hair extensions and tattoos. We are the first salon in Indiana to roll out a full tattoo shop in our space, which is where our slogan, ‘The collaboration of beauty is art’ comes from. We call all team members artists, and we implore each artist to choose their canvas (skin or hair) carefully and collaborate on a living art piece. It’s a new outlook on the industry that is usually very service based. We want to see a shift from service to art in regards to hair, and we have successfully done just that.
BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite? Lauren Peters and her salon staff wearing paint splattered clothes and posing in front of a paint splattered background.Courtesy of Fringe and Ink Creative Company
LP: We proudly used Aqua Hair Extensions, AlterEgo Italy, Amika and Leaf and Flower. The team adores all the brands we use, and we make product recommendations based on the guests needs. I will say Leaf and Flower and Aqua are crowd favorites.
BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?
LP: We are the first hybrid hair salon/tattoo shop in Indiana. We are also by appointment only, and we pride ourselves on being boutique style, having only three chairs. This ensures all of our guests maintain their privacy, with every guest signing an NDA stating that what is said here stays here. We are also the first salon in Michigan City to be an LGBTQ+ safe space.
BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?
LP: Our team's wish is that guests leave with the hair or tattoo of their dreams at a fair price. We truly want everyone feel included, cared about and heard. Our salon is based on community. We are honest and open. In doing so, we created a space where guests don't feel bad saying they don't like something or showing up for their appointment in sweatpants and a hoodie.
BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
LP: Find a code of morals and ethics behind the chair and in business. Start small, work your way up and ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS. Find a mentor, and use them. I promise they want to help you and see you grow
Fringe and Ink Creative Company salon staff inside of the salon.Courtesy of Fringe and Ink Creative Company
LP: COLLABORATION not competition! There are only so many hairstylists in the world, and millions of guests to go around. We need to normalize recommending guests to other stylists if they don't match our vibe or are asking for a service/BTC method that differs from our specialties.
BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for 2025?
LP: Ideally, we are wanting to do more community events, expand our space and continue to work at changing the industry.
Follow the Salon
Website: https://fringeandink.glossgenius.com/
Instagram: @fringeandink