Business Spotlight: Antioch hair salon strives to be a cut above

Name of Business: Wild Orchids The Salon

Type of Business: Hair salon

Owner: Lori and Steve Lopez

Founded: 1999

Address: 1328 Sunset Drive, Antioch

Phone number: 925-756-0666

Web site: www.wildorchidsthesalon.com

Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Number of Employees: 23

Products: and Services: Wild Orchids offers advance haircutting and hair coloring in a variety of designer styles. Haircutting stylists also specialize in straightening, waving, hair repair and Great Length hair extensions. They are available for weddings, proms and special occasions, specializing in Up-dos and makeup.

How did you get into the business: Owner Lori Lopez started in the business 32 years ago, at the age of 23, with her first salon "Final Touch."

"We were supposed to move away so we decided to close (Final Touch) down and move, but we ended up staying here in Antioch," Lopez said. "In 1999, I made the best choice of my life by creating a place that I could hire people with the same beliefs that I have."

At the same time she became an international platform artist for Tigi-Bedhead, an international professional salon products and design company. Lopez said that through Tigi-Bedhead she was able to travel and train for 15 years. She traveled extensively through the United States and Canada.

"I do believe that's what brought us to the level that we are today," she said.

Best Part about the Business: Lopez said that Wild Orchid's has assembled one of the most talented and exciting teams available. "We believe not only in education but continued education," Lopez said. "We recognize that our industry is ever changing, and we believe that it is imperative not only to keep with the latest trends, but to remain ahead of the latest in styles, color, cuts and other industry trends."

Worst part about the business: Lopez said she couldn't think of any. She loves the works she does.

Key to Success: "Education and customer service," Lopez said. "Our front desk receptionist is what really helps our clients get in and be happy."
She also said that while having a group filled with team players is important, the biggest key to their continued success is loving what they do and being the most creative they can be.

Biggest misperception about the business: "Biggest misperception is that young hairstylists don't know what they are doing," Lopez said.
She explains that is not true. Some of the best members of her team she has hired right out of beauty school. She then has them work in her own extensive training program, where they work with either her or her daughter, Tami Clark, whom she believes is the best colorist available.

It will take these stylists between four and five years before they become senior stylists. "So, yes, they are young, but they take classes every week and go to Santa Monica to advance their education," Lopez said.

Future Plans: "Go Green," she said. She also wants to maintain the salon's success and start a haircutting and hair color academy where young and old stylists can learn the current trends.
— Roni Gehlke