Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Edwards.
Hi Alana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Accolades Salon and Spa was founded in 2000 by my father, Bradley Schlaeger, a passionate hairdresser who wanted to create something of his own. His dedication to the industry was evident from the start, and it inspired me to begin working at Accolades when I was 15 years old, around 2008. I started at the front desk and worked my way up to manager, all while pursuing my education in esthetics and makeup. I also had the opportunity to work on bridal makeup and photoshoots. My father, a firm believer in hard work, made sure I earned every step of the way in the company—it was never handed to me.
In 2013, when I was 18, my father purchased a men’s salon downtown, which we still own today as MEN’S SPA SALON MINNEAPOLIS. This experience gave me invaluable insight into the ins and outs of starting and running a salon. Fast forward to 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, my father took over a blowout bar next door to MEN’S SPA and transformed it into a full-service salon. Along with myself, Alana Edwards, and Josy Thole—a top stylist from Accolades—my father entrusted us to co-own and operate WOMEN’S SPA, which we continue to grow.
Despite battling numerous health issues throughout his life, including kidney problems, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis (MS), my father was deeply connected to the salons. The MS, which he was diagnosed with when I was 16, eventually affected his ability to work as a stylist, leaving him devastated. In 2018, I decided to return to school to pursue my passion for hair, a decision that brought him so much joy. That same year, I also launched my own bridal hair and makeup business, The Beauty Painters, in 2021.
Our businesses were built on my father’s unwavering passion and dedication, and our mission remains to honor his legacy. In 2023, we tragically lost Bradley to cancer. His passing left a void in all of our lives, but his final thoughts were with the salons he built. In his honor, we will be renaming our downtown Minneapolis locations Bradley Douglas.
We are a team of passionate, kind, and talented artists who strive to bring beauty and love to the world, continuing my father’s work and keeping his spirit alive in everything we do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has certainly not been smooth. My father wasn’t the easiest on me, but I’m incredibly grateful for that. I often joke that I’ve been stressed out since I was 15. Work was always our top priority—it was the one thing we talked about constantly, and it truly reflected his passion for the industry. Although it’s been tough, the beauty industry has more pros than cons. Every day, we get the privilege of making people feel good inside and out, which is incredibly rewarding. That said, the hardest period for us has been since COVID hit. Since 2020, so much has changed in both the industry and in people. It’s been a real challenge. As a business owner, one of my biggest struggles has been maintaining a work-life balance, something that honestly hasn’t existed for me. It’s something I’m actively working on. Additionally, working in an industry filled with creatives comes with its own set of unique challenges. Often, those in creative fields wrestle with inner struggles, which can make managing a team more complex than in other industries. However, I believe my purpose is to help people by creating a positive work environment where they can escape their heads and thrive. While it may sound cliché, I truly see everyone who works with us as family, and that’s something I value deeply.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about WOMENS SPA SALON, MENS SPA SALON, ACCOLADES SALON SPA ?
We are where beauty, self-care, and empowerment come together in a one-of-a-kind experience for all. We offer a wide range of services for both women and men, including haircuts, color, extensions, waxing, makeup, massage, facials, bridal services, all customized to meet everyone’s unique needs and preferences. We are a team full of passionate artists that are all about providing personalized, high-quality services in a welcoming, inclusive environment. We also take pride in using sustainable, low-tox brands like our own – Clean Enhanced Organics (soon going to also be renamed after my father, Bradley Douglas), Aveda, Davines, All Nutrient, reflecting our commitment to wellness, eco-consciousness, and offering the best for our clients. Our mission is to help all of our clients feel beautiful, confident, and empowered, inside and out. As small, woman-owned businesses, we are deeply committed to kindness, inclusivity, work-life balance, ensuring that both our team and guests always feel valued and appreciated. What sets us apart from others is that our salons are more than just about beauty – its about our community, care, and creating lasting experiences.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that kindness and respect truly go a long way. Whether it’s in business or life in general, treating others with genuine care and understanding has been one of the key factors in building lasting relationships and a positive work environment. I’ve also realized that life is short, and it’s so important to do what you love. When you’re passionate about something, it doesn’t feel like work—it becomes a part of who you are, and that energy and dedication radiates out into everything you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://accoladessalonspa.com/ | https://womensspasalon.com/ | https://www.mensspasalon.com/ | https://thebeautypaintersmn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womensspasalonmn/ | https://www.instagram.com/mensspasalonminneapolis/ | https://www.instagram.com/accoladessalonspa/ | https://www.instagram.com/thebeautypaintersmn/
