Evangelene Brown is a born and raised Medina County resident and owner of Salon Evangelene, a full service salon that offers hair cuts and colors, hair styling, massages, nail services, facials and more. With over 20 years in business, Salon Evangelene has become a staple in Northeast Ohio. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Evangelene to learn a little more about her background and passion for her field.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you became a stylist.
I was someone who was born with a natural talent to do hair. I started cutting my families' and neighbors' hair when I was about 12. I also did really fun punk rock styles and colors on my own hair before I even went to hair school. I was known at Buckeye High School as the “girl with weird hair."
I signed up for Cosmetology at the Medina County Career Center when I was 15. I spent my junior and senior years of high school there and graduated at 17 with my cosmetology license, high school diploma and a full-time job in a salon. I’m still just as passionate about my career 33 years later.
In addition to owning the salon, I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart since 1993. We have one son who is 21 and a spoiled rescue dog named Mabel Rose.
When did you open Salon Evangelene?
After being a stylist for 13 years, I decided I was ready to lead my own team. I opened Salon Evangelene on August 7, 2001, so this marks our 20th year in business!
6. What do you think sets Salon Evangelene apart from other hair salons in the area?
Our coffee machine is like a mini Starbucks! It even grinds the coffee beans fresh for each cup, and there are seven different coffee drinks to choose from.
Also, our salon layout. When I designed the salon 20 years ago, I did a very different layout than traditional salons. Our styling chairs are six feet apart, we have our mirrors as dividers, so we're perfectly set up dealing with social distancing.
Also, I think our team’s experience is what truly sets us apart. All of our current service providers have at least 10 years of experience, with most of us having over 20. Almost everyone on our team is a master of their vocation. But we also love training and developing new talent as well. Passing on our extensive knowledge to the next generation of stylists, estheticians, massage therapists and nail technicians is a passion of ours as well.
Oh, and I can't forget that we're also the first and only certified Green Circle Salon in Medina County, which means we have partnered with Green Circle Salons to recycle 97% of our salon waste. All of our hair clippings, used foils, plastic product bottles, paper, metals, glass and leftover hair color are recycled. The only thing we throw away is food waste.
What are three words that you would use to describe Salon Evangelene?
Upscale, comfortable and knowledgeable.
What is the culture like at Salon Evangelene?
We are blessed to have an amazing culture with no drama! I’m so grateful to work with wonderful ladies who work hard but have fun too. We are super busy ladies, but we all pitch in to help each other and we really get along well.
What do you love about being a hairstylist?
The connection with our clients. I love being their trusted beauty advisor.
What values do you live by?
Loyalty is everything to me. I am fiercely loyal. Also, treat others how you like to be treated. And finally, work hard but enjoy the work and those you work with.
For more information about Salon Evangelene and to book an appointment, visit SalonEvangelene.com. Salon Evangelene is located at 4018 Medina Road, Suite B, Medina, OH 44256.
