Interview with Homer Prefontaine, owner. Salon Prefontaine and Academy, LLC.
About Salon Prefontaine
The idea of Salon Prefontaine is to create an unrivalled professionalism with a creative edge – all based on continuous education. Education is the backbone of our philosophy; image transformed by providing a total beauty support system. We have three service departments, style, color and make up, that work together to create an individual, full look and salon experience for each client.
What is your professional background?
I started in the industry at a young age. While still in cosmetology school, I took an apprenticeship at V-Avanti and was lucky enough to study under two platform artists who were Abba International educators. That's where I realized I had a skill for cutting and a passion for teaching others. My education includes V-Avanti International work and platform work with Vidal Sassoon, London; Changes, London; Alan Edwards, London; and Simon Forbes, London.
I was always looking at the industry from a continued education standpoint, and in the late 1990's I worked at La Costa Resort and Spa with Tony Ray, beauty director.
What is the history of Salon Prefontaine?
The one thing that I kept recognizing over and over again was that the industry overall lacked uniformity in training, and didn't really focus on strengthening the basics such as shapes, texture, working with client facial features and hair to enhance design.
From this, I developed the 5 Elements to Design: Shape, Color, Adaptability, Versatility and Fashion. Born of the culmination of 13 years of work, travel and education, it was a new, yet basic fundamental approach to customizing a personal look and balancing style with a client's lifestyle. In 2005, I opened Salon Prefontaine and Academy integrating all five elements into a single environment.
What is unique about your company?
I really want Salon Prefontaine to be known for our innovative approach to hair care, but also for it's overall environment and architectural design. The salon is set up and designed to operate more like a classroom. It is a very open layout that encourages clients to participate and get involved. Everyone can look fabulous when they leave the salon, but everyone should be able to re-create that look themselves in their own home.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
I've been surprised that my “5 Elements” fundamental philosophy has really shaken up the industry and introduced a new approach to design. And so it can be a challenge to get both clients and students to go back to the basics.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
While a lot of my time is spent educating stylists in the Academy and running the business side of the salon, my first love is still designing looks behind the chair. The ability to make contact with someone and work together to see them look fabulous and become that much more confidant is the most rewarding.
What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Building such a great, loyal clientele and having the support of the Artego brand behind our salon are all great accomplishments. In just our first year, we have also earned industry recognition and several awards, which is very exciting and flattering.
Where do you see the company in five or ten years?
I hope to open a main flagship training center. I designed the Carlsbad salon as a prototype, which will continue to be open for clients and perhaps open similar spaces in other cities across the country. But I would love to have a main educational facility to hold training workshops for seasoned stylists.
How many employees are at your Carlsbad location?
Seven working designers and two assistants.
What do you do in your time away from work?
In this industry your work becomes more of a lifestyle. So, even if I'm not in the salon I'm usually doing something that still contributes to my work. Researching new looks, staying on top of trends by attending lifestyle events. I also try to spend as much time as possible with my two boys.
About Salon Prefontaine
The idea of Salon Prefontaine is to create an unrivalled professionalism with a creative edge – all based on continuous education. Education is the backbone of our philosophy; image transformed by providing a total beauty support system. We have three service departments, style, color and make up, that work together to create an individual, full look and salon experience for each client.
What is your professional background?
I started in the industry at a young age. While still in cosmetology school, I took an apprenticeship at V-Avanti and was lucky enough to study under two platform artists who were Abba International educators. That's where I realized I had a skill for cutting and a passion for teaching others. My education includes V-Avanti International work and platform work with Vidal Sassoon, London; Changes, London; Alan Edwards, London; and Simon Forbes, London.
I was always looking at the industry from a continued education standpoint, and in the late 1990's I worked at La Costa Resort and Spa with Tony Ray, beauty director.
What is the history of Salon Prefontaine?
The one thing that I kept recognizing over and over again was that the industry overall lacked uniformity in training, and didn't really focus on strengthening the basics such as shapes, texture, working with client facial features and hair to enhance design.
From this, I developed the 5 Elements to Design: Shape, Color, Adaptability, Versatility and Fashion. Born of the culmination of 13 years of work, travel and education, it was a new, yet basic fundamental approach to customizing a personal look and balancing style with a client's lifestyle. In 2005, I opened Salon Prefontaine and Academy integrating all five elements into a single environment.
What is unique about your company?
I really want Salon Prefontaine to be known for our innovative approach to hair care, but also for it's overall environment and architectural design. The salon is set up and designed to operate more like a classroom. It is a very open layout that encourages clients to participate and get involved. Everyone can look fabulous when they leave the salon, but everyone should be able to re-create that look themselves in their own home.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
I've been surprised that my “5 Elements” fundamental philosophy has really shaken up the industry and introduced a new approach to design. And so it can be a challenge to get both clients and students to go back to the basics.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
While a lot of my time is spent educating stylists in the Academy and running the business side of the salon, my first love is still designing looks behind the chair. The ability to make contact with someone and work together to see them look fabulous and become that much more confidant is the most rewarding.
What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Building such a great, loyal clientele and having the support of the Artego brand behind our salon are all great accomplishments. In just our first year, we have also earned industry recognition and several awards, which is very exciting and flattering.
Where do you see the company in five or ten years?
I hope to open a main flagship training center. I designed the Carlsbad salon as a prototype, which will continue to be open for clients and perhaps open similar spaces in other cities across the country. But I would love to have a main educational facility to hold training workshops for seasoned stylists.
How many employees are at your Carlsbad location?
Seven working designers and two assistants.
What do you do in your time away from work?
In this industry your work becomes more of a lifestyle. So, even if I'm not in the salon I'm usually doing something that still contributes to my work. Researching new looks, staying on top of trends by attending lifestyle events. I also try to spend as much time as possible with my two boys.