The Northwest Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Fund, Inc. (NWREDF) awarded funding to help Studio 1 Salon & Day Spa expand its product offerings and redevelop an invigorating studio space at its flagship studio in Phillips.
Ashley Raskie is the owner of Studio 1 Salon & Day Spa, Inc. in Phillips, WI. Ashley has owned Studio 1 since 2006 and has over 17 years of experience in the salon industry. She attended the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis and earned her cosmetology degree in 11 months. She has worked at the top salons in Fargo, ND and Minneapolis, MN, which enabled the establishment of her own salon in 2006 in Phillips.
Growing her salon from a 300 square foot, rented store front operation in 2006, to a 1,500 square foot, custom built, full service salon and day spa in 2008, Raskie has been the pinnacle of success and even expanded her salon footprint by opening a Park Falls location.
Currently, she employs 13 FTE stylists, estheticians and massage therapists. Most salon owners will rent chairs or space and the stylists are their own boss; however, Raskie does not follow this model, as she is the actual employer with payroll employees.
“This model creates a stronger environment of unity and salon culture as we set the expectation as a team and tie performance into a management plan,” Raskie stated.
With this history of success, Raskie wanted to renovate her flagship store in Phillips by adding a standalone retail space, a photo studio (for internal marketing purposes), a dedicated makeup studio, and two pedicure stations. She would also enhance the customer experience with an upgraded computer system and the décor in the guest waiting area.
“The renovation will help enhance the guest experience by taking advantage of the natural layout of the salon,” Raskie explained. “The loan money will be used to create a space where my guests feel at home, and where my stylists will have an environment to explore their creative genius to help all our clients look their best.”
NWREDF revolving loan funding provided the critical financing to help Studio 1 Salon & Day Spa renovate the flagship salon for optimum creativity. This project helped retain 13 full time jobs in Phillips, Wisconsin. To see if your business would qualify for a startup, transition or expansion loan product at NWRPC, contact loan fund manager Ken Pearson at (715) 635-2197.