The barbering and salon industry is steeped in tradition, and few families embody that legacy more authentically than the Phillips family. Now entering its fourth generation of stylists, the family’s journey began when John Phillips, founder of Hair Technologies & Co., started working alongside his father and uncles at just 15 years old.
John’s father was a prominent figure in the local barbers’ union and operated several barbershops across Summit County. Surrounded by talented mentors, John quickly earned recognition for his cutting and styling skills, winning awards that fueled a lifelong passion for hair artistry. Over the years, he operated several salons in the Akron area, but it was hair restoration that truly captured his heart. Helping clients regain their confidence through personalized hair solutions became his calling.
Now, that legacy is being passed to the next generation.
A Daughter’s Journey Back to Her Roots
Today, John’s daughter Lesley Anderson carries on the family tradition. Alongside her father, she co-founded Hair Technologies & Co., a salon, spa, and hair restoration center that blends innovation, artistry, and heartfelt service. Their shared mission is simple yet powerful: to offer exceptional beauty and wellness experiences while building lasting relationships with clients, empowering each one to feel confident and celebrated.
The path to ownership wasn’t always straight for Lesley. With both of her parents having run successful salons, the pressure of continuing the family tradition weighed heavily on her. At one point, she stepped away from the beauty industry, earning a realtor’s license and working in special education. Though the work was fulfilling, Lesley couldn’t ignore the deep pull back to the salon world.
It wasn’t until she immersed herself fully in hair restoration that she rediscovered her passion and purpose. “Helping someone reclaim their confidence, especially after they’ve experienced hair loss, is one of the most powerful feelings in the world,” Lesley says.
She recalls working with a high school senior undergoing chemotherapy. After being fitted with a custom human hair wig, the young client’s transformation was profound. “The color returned to her face. There was light in her eyes again. Everything changed for her in that moment. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Building a New Chapter—Together
When the Phillips family took over the former Connyx salon in The Shops of Green, they reimagined the space as Hair Technologies & Co., a destination that reflects both their legacy and their forward-looking vision. Lesley brought in a team of stylists who share a commitment to growth, education, and excellence in the beauty industry.
Soon after the transition, Lesley’s daughter Lauren Nagle became licensed, marking the fourth generation of Phillips stylists. Lauren now specializes in services that expand the spa’s offerings, including extensions, esthetics, and even delicate tiny tattoos.
To guide the business into a new era, Lesley also partnered with High Performance Salon Academy. The coaching and business strategies she gained through the program helped shape the salon’s culture and direction, equipping her with tools to thrive in a changing industry.
More Than a Salon—A Sanctuary
Lesley has expanded Hair Technologies & Co. beyond hair restoration to include a full-service salon and spa. This evolution was a natural next step. “We had already built trust with our clients through hair restoration,” Lesley explains. “So we wanted to offer a space where they could indulge in self-care, feel renewed, and be supported in every aspect of their beauty journey.”
Taking over a family business is both daunting and exhilarating. Lesley feels the weight of generations before her, each of whom built successful careers in this industry, but also sees her work as a chance to leave her own mark. “Being in this space, with this team, and with my daughter by my side, it means everything,” she says.
With unwavering determination and a deep love for the industry, Lesley continues to shape Hair Technologies & Co. into more than just a salon. It’s a place where legacy meets innovation, where confidence is restored, and where beauty is celebrated in every form.