Interview with Tessa VanVuuren, salon manager
How did you get involved in this business?
I am a third-generation salon owner, so I grew up in the salon. Rita (my mother) began working here and became the owner a few years after that. We love our location and being an Aveda salon.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
Aveda is a very specific salon brand and it is a huge draw. We are a small, family-owned salon that offers an amazing high-end salon experience while still making you feel as welcome as family. All of our staff are “master” technicians and we guarantee our services. Our location is centrally located to just about anywhere in the metro area and Front Range, and we offer full salon services – hair, massage, skin care, makeup, waxing, natural nail manicures and pedicures and a full line of beauty products, all Aveda.
What do you like best about your line of work?
Making our customers happy and putting a smile on their faces. Also, knowing that, as they go through their day, they look and feel their best because we helped them be as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Convincing our clients that they will be satisfied with any of our stylists. Many people have had bad experiences at other salons and are terrified to try a new stylist. Also, we are not highly visible from the exterior of our building, so we need to get the word out that we are here.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
All of our staff must regularly meet our high standards of technical skill and customer service. We regularly give back to our community and absolutely love our jobs.
Business: Rita J’s Aveda Salon
Address: 14799 W. Sixth Ave., Golden
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Founded: 1990
Contact: 303-278-1386; rjsalondenverwest.com; rjsalonaveda
Employees: 6
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail soelrich@denverpost.com.
