You might say that time spent in the Robert Markley Salon and Spa is like taking a few days holiday and coming back refreshed and feeling transformed and energerized.
Owner Robert Markley is not new to Tucson but his salon at the Williams Centre has only been open two months. Markley started working at a salon in 1988 in the very same space he currently has his business.
  
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"I always loved this space and when I decided to reopen in Tucson after several years in Chicago and the space was available, I took it right away," said Markley.
In 1992, Markley and two partners owned and operated a successful salon and spa on Fourth Avenue. He decided to move to Chicago but after a few years Tucson called him home. One of the first connections he made when he returned home was to donate hairstyles and make-up for the senior graduating class of the Tucson Institute of Fashion Senior Fashion Show.
Most new business owners would be thrilled to have several service providers who are booked two years out. After only two months, 70 percent of time is already booked.
Markley, not inclined to hyperbole, takes it all in stride and when asked the secret to his success said, "It is all about connection."
Even the space is designed to create intimacy and connection. The mezzanine floats over the main floor appointed with white and chrome motif.
The design is not cozy – it is sleek and the white provides sophistication and at first glance perhaps coolness.
Markley’s choice of small intimate spaces throughout and the warmth that greets the client combines with chic sophistication to create a delicious atmosphere.
The well-designed ambience does create a lot but it is the staff attention to detail and personal service Markley believes creates the entire experience.
"We like to help clients to go in the right direction so that when they leave they feel like a million bucks," said Markley. "It’s all in the consultation. We sit face to face and discover career, fashion and the overall style of the person. We want to create with them the services so that when they walk out they feel transformed."
In a time of little or no personal service Markley is passionate about connecting with his clients and providing them with excellent individual service.
"You never know what someone is feeling inside. We want to give that person an experience that is personal and helps them create a more connected satisfying lifestyle," Markley said. "We use Aveda products because they share our philosophy and create their environmentally friendly nurturing products with a conscience. That is important to us."
Markley’s best practices include:
1. Love what you do
2. Create an environment that you love
3. Manage from the heart
4. Make your goals clear and move toward them
5. Be conscious and connect with your clients and coworkers
6. As an owner be willing to work right along side employees
Contact Sharon Youngblood at say@youngbloodconsulting.com or (520) 795-7498. Youngblood is a certified management consultant, executive coach and speaker who works with companies and individual to improve performance and profitability. Her website is www.youngbloodconsulting.com. Best Practices appears the first Monday of each month in
Inside Tucson Business.
Comments
Sharon McDowell wrote on Nov 30, 2007 8:46 PM:
Jan Ennis wrote on Nov 22, 2007 6:11 PM:
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Debra wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:31 AM: