By Marlena Schugt | BLOOM Program Manager
Before launching Luxe and Mane in 2015, Founder & CEO Michelle Wright began in the cosmetology industry searching for her place at a salon that felt just right. “I always knew I wanted to be in the business of taking care of people,” she said.
Over a decade later, Michelle Wright unveiled the second location of her growing beauty empire in Downtown York earlier this year. The newest location at 101 East Market Street features full salon services, a novel amenity in the city, and indulgent head spa experiences designed to detoxify and nourish from root to tip. The original 342 West Market Street location has developed the brand to distinguish itself as a premier braiding salon.
“I wanted something that was just for me. But I didn’t know that this was going to be a door to open up opportunities for many other people along the way,” said Michelle. “And now I’m so happy that I have these spaces to be able to open the door and be a blessing to them so they can flow freely in their gifts.”
Michelle’s committed stylists, incredibly supportive friends and family, and an unwavering community in Downtown York are credited with seeing her through the launch of the second location. “I’m grateful I truly have people who rally behind me to push me because they know this is my purpose.”
When discussing her expansion plans with her team of stylists, they shared a resonating, “I’m going where you’re going” that guided her decision to keep the original Luxe and Mane location as well, now led by expert braider & stylist, Krislyn.
With Krislyn managing the braiding salon on West Market Street, Michelle has been able to focus her time a few blocks down on East Market Street curating a space with an aura so serene, you feel the luxuriousness before you even step through the door. And by leveraging resources from YCEA’s BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, such as capital opportunities, small business education classes, and connections to the local entrepreneurial support network, Michelle has been able to follow her passion in a place that quite literally came to her in a dream.
Luxe and Mane’s growth has continued as they have enhanced their special occasion services, made in demand by the salon’s proximity to The Yorktowne Hotel. “The Downtown area is blooming,” Michelle stated. “We have people coming in from all different states, and there’s a perfect opportunity for me to fill the need in a prime location for people looking to get a good service away from home.”
And while attracting new clients is certainly part of Michelle’s growth strategy, she is incredibly grateful for the clients she has met over the years who return to Michelle’s chairs again and again. “Honestly, this is great for me, but this is something I wanted to do for (my clients) as well. Connecting with so many beautiful people has really kept me going,” she said. “They deserve to come to a place to sit back, relax, unwind, and just feel at home.”
Ready for your own luxury experience? Visit LuxeAndMane.com to schedule an appointment or become a Luxe member for monthly rejuvenating head spa treatments.
