KINGSTON — Lynn Hammond of Harbor Hair Design recently changed business locations for the third time in her career as a hairdresser — but for the better.
When she started out with her first salon in 1986 in a 286-square foot space in the building that now houses the Kitsap County Sheriff’s satellite office, life was a bit cramped, Hammond said.
In 1989, the business then moved to the Harborview Place business complex in downtown Kingston until May 2002. That’s when Hammond had to do some quick thinking when an 1,100-square foot space opened up in the Bradley Center on Highway 104.
“When I heard that it was available, I made a 15-minute life decision,” she said.
Hammond consulted her long-time co-worker Sue Newman, who said the business could stay in the same spot or expand by moving to the larger location. Following the decision to move to the Bradley Center, she discovered what else her customers wanted — nail services and tanning beds.
Laura Miller was brought on deck with two years of experience as a nail technician. She used to work in her customers’ homes. While educated and certified, Miller was looking to find something more permanent.
She found exactly that when she applied for the job at the salon.
One aspect about Miller’s services that Hammond finds desirable is the fact that Miller uses gel nails as opposed to acrylic and therefore prevents the smelly chemicals that go hand in hand with the latter.
“It’s gentle hand and foot care,” Miller added, noting she uses all natural products.
Another recent addition to the business is Kimberly Woodson, a 20-year veteran of hair styling in Seattle, who retired to raise twin boys. But after six years, she came back to the industry with Harbor Hair.
“Oh, these gals are so great, they really are, they are so fun,” Woodson said after her first week.
“It’s because we’re nuts,” Hammond joked.
“That’s why you are so fun,” Woodson replied.
Hammond, who has been cutting hair since she was 17, is thrilled to be “doing it right” by offering more services to their clientele.
“I love it — it’s all I’ve ever known how to do,” she said. “I’ve wanted to do this ever since I was 5.. This is where we finally did it right.”
Her customers are enjoying the new space as well.
“They like being on the strip and seeing all the traffic,” Hammond said.
“It’s just more visible and they like
that.”
With all the new changes and the additions to her team, Hammond said she is happy with the direction the salon is headed.
“They are good at what they do and this area is growing. There is not a reason why people should have to go to Poulsbo/Silverdale area,” Hammond explained. “It’s nice to have people who care about quality work.”
