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Largo Works: Midori Salon and Spa

By CHRISTINA K. COSDON, Times Staff Writer
Published January 20, 2008

After working five years as a business analyst, Amber Holland realized she wasn't happy in that line of work.

When a close friend asked what she wanted to do with her life, her quick reply was "to own a hair salon." With that, she quit her job and went to cosmetology school. She worked a couple of years with other cosmetologists and during that time was trained in the use of natural products.

Five months ago, the 28-year-old Largo native opened Midori Salon and Spa, a business specializing in nontoxic, organic or botanical products for hair and skin.

How did you select the salon's name?

My grandmother, who is Japanese, named it Midori, which means 'green' in Japanese. She also gave me the orchids I have around the salon; she grows them. I used orchid and bamboo colors - light greens and shades of lavender - throughout the salon.

What motivated you to use only nontoxic and natural products?

I was watching an MSNBC program about hair color causing lymphoma and wondered how that could impact my business. I went online to search for an alternative hair color and found Organic Color Systems that is manufactured in the U.K. The products are ammonia-free and nontoxic.

The U.S. distributor is in Clearwater and I trained here and started using the product. I have really sensitive skin and with this line I don't have to wear gloves. The color can be used on pregnant women and post cancer patients, as well as those who have skin allergies and scalp issues.

What other natural products do you carry?

I found a line of shampoos, conditioners, styling and scalp treatments made in Taiwan. The products are all plant-derived extracts from olives, jojoba, aloe, rosemary and others.

What investment did it take to start the business?

My total investment was $45,000. This space was for rent and the equipment inside was for sale. It had been set up as a salon but never opened.

How is the salon arranged?

I have six styling stations, two therapy stations for conditioning and scalp treatment, a pedicure couch that seats two, two manicure tables and two spa rooms - one for massage and one for skin care. I have four employees, two cosmetologists that do pedicures and manicures, a massage therapist and a skin-care specialist. There also is an outside patio with a table and chairs.

Are you happy with your new career?

I love it. It's very relaxing and tranquil here. I work a lot of hours seven days a week. If I have to be somewhere for a lot of hours, I want to be here.

Christina K. Cosdon can be reached at cosdon@sptimes.com or 727 445-4154.

IF YOU GO:

Midori Salon and Spa

Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Call (727) 581-8791.

Prices: Women's haircut and style, $35. Men's haircut and style, $25. Child's haircut, $15.

[Last modified January 20, 2008, 01:55:15]