Anna Saner-Ott has recently stepped down from her chair at Embellish Multispace Salon and started cutting hair in the south wing of her house. She calls this cozy room “The Parlor” and nearly every one of her 200 or so regular clients has followed her to her new local. There are no bad feelings at Embellish, owner Patricia Lecy-Davis makes it a point to educate her stylists in all aspects of the trade, including the huge job of running a small business. In fact, it has been said that Embellish is the most successful small business incubator in the city. “Trish taught me everything about this business,” Saner-Ott told me sincerely, “There is a maddening amount of things to keep track of. I respect her a little more now that I’m trying to do it all on my own.” 

Hair is just about the most important thing to some people. My hair is very important to me, but I don’t like to spend a lot of time on it. I’m what you might consider a do-it-yourselfer. I want a haircut that is what it is supposed to be when I get out of the shower. The only tool I want to use on it is a towel, but I still need to look good for everyone who talks s*** about me at least, a player has to have some pride. Sound impossible? Not to any stylist worth her merit, definitely not for Saner-Ott. 

I’ve been going to Saner-Ott more than three years now. I actually remember when she got the job at Embellish. I shop around, don’t get me wrong, but Saner-Ott knows something about the trade that some stylists forget. Getting your hair done is the perfect time for girl talk, even if you are a guy. 

 

“Hair is like beer,” she says. “I only say that because the only other professional I can think of that has to hear as many personal stories is a bartender.” 

Its so true, sitting there looking at yourself, having your head ruffled, one can’t help but relax and begin to digest the problems that plague. At The Parlor, by the time I’ve confessed most of my sins, I look up into the mirror and find that I have been reformed. Who’s that good looking fellow? Why that’s me, with a weight off my chest and my fresh presto-towelo haircut, I bound from the steps of her back door to face the city with an easy mind.

[The Parlor, 812 S. 15th St., Tacoma, 253.292.0747]