A New Approach to the Salon Industry

It’s said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. It can also leave someone curious about where the object of their interest has gone. Such may be the case with a group of beauty industry professionals who worked on Marco until just a few months ago. 

While the six women may no longer be a presence in the island’s salons, they can still be easily found. They’re now practicing their trades nearby at SalonPLEX Suites, located at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Collier Boulevard, in the Freedom Square shopping center.  

SalonPLEX operates in a condominium fashion, providing multiple private suites where hairdressers, estheticians, massage therapists, nails and other personal care and wellness providers can serve clients. Common areas like the lobby and hallway are shared. Suites can be rented and rent is all-inclusive 

“Condo-suites” provide practitioners with a lower cost option, compared to the expense of opening or buying a salon.  

Based in Cape Coral, it has nine locations, each housing 20-to-29 beauty professionals. All are found in Lee and Collier counties. Freedom Square is the newest, having opened in November. 

“It is a one-stop shop and it is a fabulous idea,” in the opinion of Bridget Davis-Williams, the owner of “South Naples Hair by Bridget,” who formerly worked at a salon on Marco. “Every girl here is her own business. It's all aspects of the beauty industry: hair, nails, facials, hydro-facials, massage, scalp therapy.” 

She said that while “condo-salons” aren’t a new concept, they are new to Southwest Florida, which has led to some confusion among the general public. 

“When people see the name, they automatically think it's a walk-in hair salon,” Williams explained. “They don't realize that it's individual businesses. We have had a lot of people coming in because Freedom Square is very busy and we get a lot of foot traffic. So, there are a lot of people that have walked in and they're like, ‘Oh, what is this?’” 

The list of beauty professionals who were formerly based on Marco also includes hairstylist Abriana Rivera, of AR Beauty; Miliana Todorovic, of Millie’s Glossy Nails; Betsy Catudal, of The Salon Naples; Maria Elana Pujol, of Sasha’s Salon; and Hailey Dally, Salty Hair Co. 

Appointments can be made on-site, by using an iPad in the salon lobby, where the providers’ names are listed. Another option is to visit salonplexsuites.com/salonplex-suites/freedom-square, select a provider and then call 919-7539 to set the appointment. SalonPLEX Suites - Freedom Square is located at 12703 Tamiami Trail East, near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Collier Boulevard.