Get to Know Salon Midori in Brea and Yorba Linda, CA

Lei Cicero and Salon Midori
Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest, sponsored by Wella Professionals. Here, Lei Cicero welcomes us to Salon Midori in Brea and Yorba Linda, CA.
Courtesy of Salon Midori

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, Lei Cicero (@hairleidy) welcomes us to Salon Midori in Brea and Yorba Linda, CA, established in March 2005. 

Q&A with Salon Owner 

Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?

Lei Cicero (LC): Thirty years ago, I started my journey in the beauty industry as a customer service rep to front desk manager, and what a journey it's been! Driven by a passion for the industry, I went back to school to get my cosmetology license and worked my way up: from assistant to commission stylist to renter. In 2005, I faced a major turning point. The salon where I worked was struggling and on the verge of closing. With only 7 stylists left, I couldn’t bear to see the doors close on them. I took a leap of faith and bought the salon, determined to rebuild and rebrand it as a place we could all be proud of. Today, I’m so grateful to be part of an amazing team and to see our salon thrive as one of the top spots in the area.

Salon Midori interiorSalon Midori interiorCourtesy of Salon MidoriBLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing the space?

LC: Our current location was designed around four stunning skylights that flood the space with natural light, giving it a warm, green house-like atmosphere. This design not only minimizes the need for artificial lighting, reducing energy consumption, but also provides an ideal environment for the lush greenery that fills the salon.

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

LC: We’re a full service salon. Head to toe. Nothing signature.

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

LC: Davines, Eleven and R+Co. My personal favorite is Davines. I love what the company stands for and their commitment to sustainability. It's family owned, the product delivers and performs the way it should and the in-house support for my salon and staff is undeniably top tier.

BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?Salon Midori teamSalon Midori teamCourtesy of Salon Midori

LC: I think we have a good ecosystem. We genuinely support each other. We believe that when a team gets along well, it creates an atmosphere that's warm and inviting for everyone who walks in. Despite our diverse personalities, our commitment to friendliness and team work means you’ll always feel welcome, relaxed and taken care of.

BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?

LC: Establish boundaries. Business is business — Separate your personal feelings from professional decisions. Challenges are part of growth. What works for me is that hair comes second and running my business comes first. So, I’m only behind the chair 1 to 2 days a week.

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

LC: Maybe more salon-exclusive products — lines that aren’t available on Amazon or in retail chains. By offering unique products, it would help salons and stylists have a more competitive edge.

BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for 2025?

LC: My goals are to always keep thriving, learning and growing. As with anything in life, if you don’t evolve, you will die out.

Follow the Salon 

Website: www.salonmidori.com

Instagram: @salon_midori

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