By McKenzie Fischer
August Spotlight: EnvyUs Salon
For the month of August, the Wabasso EDA, Commercial Club, and Redwood Area Development Corporation are highlighting EnvyUs, a locally owned hair salon located right on Main Street in Wabasso.
Tiffany Eichten, owner of EnvyUs, is living out her dream of becoming a business owner and hair stylist. “Growing up I always loved going to my mom’s friend, Mary Walter’s salon in Clements, MN.” Said Tiffany. “When I was in high school I shadowed at a salon and that’s when I really knew that’s what I wanted to do. However, I was highly encouraged to get a 4-year degree first.” After high school Tiffany attended SMSU in Marshall, MN and pursued a degree in sports management and business administration. Tiffany stated that owning her own business was always something she had in the back of her mind and after going to school for business and having great mentors at the salon in Marshall she had worked at previously, it made it easier for her to chase after her dream. After Tiffany completed her schooling at SMSU, she attended cosmetology school at Avalon in Worthington.
Tiffany officially opened as EnvyUs in November of 2012 which was previously known as Main Street Hairstylist owned by Lori Arends. Tiffany is overwhelmed with the support she has received in the past ten years. Tiffany expressed how much of a great mentor her mom was to her throughout her life and that all of her advice was essential to owning her own business. Tiffany’s strongest advocate in this momentous decision in her life was Vicky Jenniges. “I still remember the phone call I received from Vicky telling me that the salon was going to be open for rent in Wabasso. She didn’t want to pressure me, but she really thought I should open my own salon.” After talking with her husband Christopher about where they wanted to live and raise a family someday and of course after consulting her parents and praying on it, they decided together that it would be an amazing opportunity. “My parents and Christopher’s family have made owning a salon in Wabasso a reality and I will always cherish my memories of Vicky, because she was my biggest advertiser/cheerleader and I know this community misses her deeply,” stated Tiffany.
When asked how EnvyUs has changed since Tiffany first opened over ten years ago she replied that she has added a stylist, Miranda Hadley, who has been a great addition to the salon. She also stated that the salon now houses White Lily Boutique owned by Tina Eis, and has been a great way to offer her clients the opportunity to do a little local shopping for clothes, purses, and jewelry, which has been a great addition to downtown Wabasso. EnvyUs Salon offers all services related to hair and facial waxing, as well as products for shopping such as jewelry, candles, devotionals, lotions, Chapstick’s, and hair products of course!
Tiffany’s favorite thing as a salon owner is the people, “I have made so many great friendships and I really enjoy catching up with all of my clients when they come in.” Tiffany’s favorite service to perform for her clients is color/highlights because she loves how she is able to help change someone’s whole look—and she especially loves the extra time she gets to chat with her clients. On the other side, some of the challenges that come with being a business owner is trying to juggle the work/life balance. “As a business owner there is always something that I could be doing related to the business. However, I would say in the last couple of years I have done a much better job at learning and realizing the importance of balance. I couldn’t be more thankful for my clients and a community that is family oriented as well and understands the need to put my family first,” stated Tiffany.
Tiffany’s advice for others who are looking in pursuing owning their own business is to make sure that you have a strong support system along the way and to remember that it is very rewarding but takes a lot of time and energy. Although Tiffany doesn’t know what exactly the future holds for her business, we can safely assume that she’ll be around for years to come as she mentioned that she is extremely grateful for the support from the community in Wabasso. “I am so blessed to be a part of this community, not only as a business owner, but also in raising our family. The support I’ve received from the beginning to now has been amazing. It is a great place to own a business and raise a family. I am thankful that God led me here.”
If you’re looking to do some shopping, or thinking about trying out a new hairstyle, or just want to stop in and say hi, contact Tiffany Eichten at EnvyUs Salon in downtown Wabasso at 507-342-3689.