Foiled

New salon offers glamour photos

Jan. 6, 2013

For one hair or wax appointment, clients at the Hair Lounge in downtown Traverse City are transported, for a moment, to the urban feel of a city landscape. With just the tops of buildings–including nearby businesses and churches–in view, the hair studio gives the impression of a city loft.

With the grand opening just a couple weeks prior, Foiled is just introducing its services to the public, one of which includes a photography studio.

Foiled owner, Audrey Cole, says a photographer will be available to bring out the "˜best’ in her clientele. Her salon area includes a 15-foot-wide seamless white wall for taking photos.

"It’s going to be used for fashion for girls who want to do Vogue type shoots or before and afters. Anything a woman would want for a photo, she can do here. You can’t beat this natural light," said Cole, gesturing to the six large windows that reach the 13-foot ceiling.

Groups such as bridal parties can rent out the space for such activities as pre-wedding prep, bachelorette fun or makeovers.

"We’ll also be bringing in clothing that will be available for under $50," said Cole. "You can clothes, hair and a picture all in one spot."

Sounds a bit like Glamour Shots. "But with way more class," Cole laughed. "It’s also a space for events and women to get ready for weddings, parties, special occasions, or just a night on the town," she adds.

YOUNG AND IN-CHARGE

Clients aren’t the only ones going through makeovers. What used to be a haven for kids and teens to play video games is slowly turning into its own revitalized business nook. "They’re re-doing the whole old arcade," Cole said about the two-story space. "There are new businesses coming in and I’m really excited to be part of this group of up-andcoming entrepreneurs."

At just 26-years-old, Cole was inspired by her mother (who owns the French Bulldog in Charlevoix, along with a photography business).

"It’s a lot of work but its no comparison when it comes to deciding what you want and how you want to do things," said Cole, a Traverse City West graduate who started working at Valerio’s before managing the salon at Macy’s.

Cole was originally going to open her own salon at the space above Hannah Bistro (now Bistro Foufou), before a fire started in the kitchen. The damage and repair meant raising the rental rate for Cole’s salon space.

"I decided I was going to find a normal job," she said. "I wasn’t giving up on my dream but instead I worked at Macy’s. It was just too corporate. Not for me."

Cole purchased her current space, formerly the home of Collective Ink, this past August where she spent months pulling layers of tile and drywall to reveal the building’s wood floors and brick walls.

The end result is a classic, yet modern looking salon. There are three stations available for other stylists but for now, Cole said it’s just her working the scissors.

"I just want to get the stuff figured out before bringing others on board," she said.

Foiled Hair Lounge is located at 140 E. Front St. (upper level) in Traverse City. Visit foiledhairlounge.com or call 231-633-6140.