Hidden Gems: Meet Kristin Riddick of Ellebee Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Riddick.

Hi Kristin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Started out in the hair industry close to 20 years ago! I have held many hats, from a commission stylist to managing a salon to renting my own independent studio, and now owning my own salon with a crew of 15 amazing stylists! I started my journey in my home state, Iowa.

From there, I met my husband of 12 years and moved to North Carolina. Over the past 17 years in NC, I have steadily built a very loyal clientele. Always taking 1 step at a time to have full control of my growth. Life is very busy with running a salon and raising our 2 daughters but I would not change a thing!

Having a husband who is always pushing me out of my comfort zone and showing me it’s okay to take risks has been a blessing. I can humbly say my road growing up “statistically” was a far reach to have this outcome. But with prayer, goals, and hope anything is possible for anyone!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In 2019, we purchased an old house and thought, let’s renovate this into a salon, how fun! I mean Joanna Gaines makes it look so easy and fun, right? Construction started in January of 2020. It was exciting to see this dingy house come to life and then 2 months in, the pandemic hit, and all salons were forced to close.

We were renting another location at the time of this renovation. Not only was the road rough to get to the construction phase but then to shut down. Luckily construction workers were essential and they sure were in my eyes! It was truly scary to think how is this all going to pan out, financially?

Those 2 months were actually a blessing, I was able to focus on all details of the remodel and visit the site with my family as we watched this house transform! Fast forward 2 years, we have a fully staffed salon and the business is thriving!

We’ve been impressed with Ellebee Salon, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a beauty salon that caters to both commission stylists and booth renters. We have 5 total private studios that were rooms in the existing house and then added a large open concept space with 7 stations. Each stylist has its own specialties so we can cater to any client.

Services range from extensions, hair coloring, highlighting, balayage, waxing, keratin treatments, natural hair, perms, and of course haircuts. We also currently carry Kevin Murphy and Bokka Botanika hair products along with styling tools to send our clients home well equipped to recreate their style.

Independent stylists book their own appointments. Although we have a direct line into the salon it’s always best to check out our website to choose a stylist that best fits your needs and book directly with them! I believe our atmosphere is unique and we can offer services to a wide range of people, and that is what sets us apart from your traditional salon.

How do you define success?
Success is accomplishing goals. Having a day where everything runs smoothly.

Conquering a new technique. Success to me is measured by the little milestones. It doesn’t always have to be tied to what figure you earn or what materials you may possess.

Contact Info:

• Website: ellebeesalon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellebeesalon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellebeesalon