Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Lowe and Jessica Wassgren.
Hi Jennifer and Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
We both are graduates of the Aveda Institute of Minneapolis. After working together for 14 years at a different salon, we decided that we were ready to start a new journey and take the risk of opening up our own salon during a global pandemic. The fact that we are best friends and are both Finnish made coming up with the concept of our salon easy. We wanted the vibe to follow more of the traditional Finnish lifestyle, such as, having a balanced work and social life. We are open 4 days a week because we want our staff to not get burnt out, enjoy coming to work, and to work hard while here. The name SISU is a Finnish word that felt like home. We grew up hearing this term and have continued to live by its meaning of strength and spirit to continue in difficult times – a combination of perseverance, courage and determination.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We had a 6 week notice that the salon we worked at was closing. That meant it was time for us to come up with the vision for our salon and to create it in less than 2 months. We toured different locations and once we found the perfect spot, it was time to flip a space previously used as school offices into a salon. We tore up carpet to replace the flooring with concrete, knocked down walls to have a more open feel to the space, and completely redid the plumbing so that we could have shampoo bowls in a space that wasn’t designed for them. It was not an easy 2 months, but with the support of everyone who helped us flip the space into the salon we envisioned we were able to open on time. Since opening, everything has been smooth sailing.
We’ve been impressed with SISU Beauty & Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a small, female owned hair salon. We specialize in hair services, such as color, cuts, and hair extensions. We are also really proud of the wedding side of our business. Most Friday’s and Saturday’s we are traveling around the city to different wedding venues to do hair and makeup. We are featured in the Minnesota Bride Magazine, which is a huge honor for us.
Some aspect of our salon that sets us apart is our salon aesthetics, quality of the services provided, and the community outreach we participate in. We wanted our salon to have a Finnish, but modern feel to it. We shopped local for almost all of the decor to help support other small businesses. We are confident in the skills of all of our stylists, since the work of our stylists reflect back on our business. We also do as much community outreach as we can. We host an annual cut-a-thon where all the proceeds go to First Witness Child Advocacy Center, which is a local, non-profit organization.
We are most proud of how our business is a happy and healthy work environment. Our employees come first, then our clients, and lastly us. We want to make sure we are taking care of our employees and that they feel comfortable to come to us with any concerns.
What makes you happy?
When our clients and employees are happy. That means we did our job as hair stylists and as employers.
Outside of work we love being on Lake Superior, picking sea glass, and spending time with our families and pets.
Contact Info:
- Email: sisubeautyco@gmail.com
- Website: sisubeautyduluth.com
- Instagram: sisubeautyco
- Facebook: SISU Beauty & Co
Image Credits
Angela Jo Photography
