Daily Inspiration: Meet Denise Boylan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Boylan.  

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My parents met at a Jacobson’s hair salon downtown Ann Arbor. In 1969 they opened their own 3-chair salon, Avanti Hair Fashions. They came up with the name because they wanted to be in the front of the phonebook. This was before computers and the internet. In 1976 they moved to the Plymouth Green Mall. A bigger space and free parking. I was eight years old when I went to my first hair show. After I graduated High School, I went to Cosmetology School and got my license. My first job was in a spa downtown Ann Arbor; I worked there for about 6 months before I asked my parents if I could work for them. I started working at Avanti in 1988 and took over as owner in 2019. I re-branded the salon naming it Infinity because it means the business still goes on and there are infinite possibilities; I made it my own. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I took over and re-branded the salon in 2019, shortly before the COVID pandemic started. Although business has been in my blood, the pandemic changed everything. It’s been a learning curve both. Technology moving so fast, and keeping up with hair trends is a full-time job. Staffing issues in the skilled trade business have been challenging. I have made my focus of the business to provide high customer service and satisfaction. Customer service really seems to be lacking in society, and we want to give people a safe and relaxing environment to connect and feel pampered. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are a hair salon that specializes not only in creating a look that fits the individual’s lifestyle but we also try to make a personal connection to everyone that walks in the door. We are there in the important moments. When you go on your first date, when you get married, that new job, but also the hard times, when you lose a loved one, lose the job, and even when you start cancer treatment and need someone one to shave your head and hold your hand. The connections we make with our clients is what sets us apart from every other salon. You are not just the hair you wear; you are family. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We are always looking for stylist that are looking for a team/family workplace. We love to support other stylist in the area and collaborate with stylist to learn new skills and lift and support each other in these crazy times. 

Pricing:

• Haircuts $35 ^
• Blowouts $35^
• Color $70^

Contact Info:

• Website: www.infinityhairsalonannarbor.com
• Instagram: @infinitysalonannarbor
• Facebook: infinityhairsalonannarbor