Get to Know Fringe Salon Experience in Lombard and Wheaton, IL

Michelle M. Potvin and her salon Fringe Salon Experience
Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest, sponsored by Wella Professionals. Here, Michelle M. Potvin welcomes us to Fringe Salon Experience in Lombard and Wheaton, IL.
Courtesy of Fringe Salon Experience

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, Michelle M. Potvin welcomes us to Fringe Salon Experience in Lombard and Wheaton, IL, established in March 2012 and February 2023, respectively. 

Q&A with Salon Owner 

Fringe Salon Experience interiorFringe Salon Experience interiorCourtesy of Fringe Salon ExperienceBeauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?

Michelle M. Potvin (MMP): The need for an elevated salon experience in our area and a downtown area that was struggling to thrive. IT was time in my career for a change, and I took the leap!

BLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing the space?

MMP: Trendy, warm and inviting. We wanted a space that felt relaxing.

BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?

MMP: We provide an outstanding customer experience. Our shampoo lounge is second to none at our Lombard location. From the scent diffused inside it to the lighting and warm blankets, you are sure to be taken away to a relaxing spot in your mind. We provide all hair services. Fringe Salon Experience shampoo bowl areaFringe Salon Experience shampoo bowl areaCourtesy of Fringe Salon Experience

BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?

MMP: We are a Goldwell Salon, featuring Goldwell, KMS, Kerasilk and VARIS. My personal favorite is the Goldwell StyleSign Root Boost.

BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?

MMP: As mentioned before, our customer experience is second to none. We also are proud to have won the KAO’s North American Sustainability Award for 2023. We recycle nearly 98% of all items used. In addition, our staff each has their own specialty behind the chair. This way we can service our customers fully.

BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?

MMP: A clean, well-run and organized business with happy staff and patrons. They should feel heard, educated and relaxed.

Fringe Salon Experience teamFringe Salon Experience teamCourtesy of Fringe Salon ExperienceBLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?

MMP: There will be many bumps in the road, but learn from each. Look inward to make your business better!

BLP: What changes do you want to see in the industry to help salon owners and hairstylists working in salons grow and thrive?

MMP: I’d love to see the major brands go back to supporting the stylists and not just trying to make money. KAO is amazing at that. It’s not all about the bottom dollar but in supporting our stylists working daily behind the chair. Larger companies are more worried about the actual bottom line and have “sold-out” our industry.

BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for 2025? Fringe Salon Experience exteriorFringe Salon Experience exteriorCourtesy of Fringe Salon Experience

MMP: Our salon is growing and scaling. 2024 we are on par for $1.3 million in sales and we strive to meet $2million all the while growing our team to be better behind the chair, enhance their lives and be good humans all around. Our team works and thinks with a team mentality.

Follow the Salon 

Website: www.fringesalonexperience.com 

Instagram: @fringesalonexperience

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