Business Focus: Salon Chic

Courtney Woods

Photos by Libby Rogers

Courtney Woods, owner of Salon Chic and Boutique, knew she wanted to do hair since the spry age of 14. While in high school, her father recognized her creative side and suggested she pursue cosmetology. Courtney got her cosmetology license in 2001, before graduating from high school in 2002. She started working in a salon while still in high school, and went full-time the weekend after graduation. For as long as she can remember, Courtney has also had a love for fashion; so, it came naturally to combine her love for hair and fashion into one place by opening her own salon in 2011. Although the business venture was at first nerve-wracking, within a year, all the positions had been filled and the salon took off. Woods, a graduate of both Huntsville High School and Sam Houston State University, is a true native of Huntsville. Courtney is married to Adam Woods, and together they have three children: Kynlynn (10), Kord (7), and Kash (4). Aside from being a full-time mom and wife, Courtney shows up early and has a book full of appointments all day long starting at 8 am.

Salon Chic is both a full-service hair salon and boutique, with a range of hair products, women’s clothes, and accessories. A unique feature of this salon is the option to make an early or late appointment. As a busy mother of three, Courtney knows how essential early and late appointments are for those with hectic schedules who do good to squeeze in a hair appointment!

The salon staff includes 6 other women from ages 18 to 38. Courtney’s team consists of Ondria Collins, Brittany Barnard, Chelsie Cuccerre, Melisa Dehnert, Leighanne Wells, and Monica Twardeski. Ondria is the youngest at the salon, a Huntsville native, and graduate of Huntsville High School. She started working at Salon Chic this past summer and fun fact—her job interview was held in Courtney’s car, paying tribute to her crazy schedule. Brittany, who commutes from Centerville where she lives with her husband, will celebrate one year at the salon in February and has been a hairdresser for four years. Her favorite aspects of the salon are setting her own hours and Courtney’s encouraging, constructive criticism. The rest of their answers were similar when asked what their favorite part of Salon Chic is. They all agree that the laid back, home-like atmosphere of the salon sets it apart from others.

Chelsie Cuccerre, born and raised in Conroe, is the newest addition to the salon. She and Courtney are cousins, and she has been doing hair for 3 ½ years. Melisa Dehnert, wife and mother of four, is a Huntsville native who just recently attended her 20-year Huntsville High School reunion. Melisa has worked alongside Courtney at three different salons. She has enjoyed being by Courtney’s side at Salon Chic since its beginning in 2011. Leighanne Wells, an employee of three years, is the salon’s receptionist and, in her own words, “The salon’s personal assistant.” She has a plate full of responsibilities and works hard to assist the team however she can, and they love her for it. Having been family friends for a while, Leighanne attended Courtney’s wedding when she was only eight years old.

Monica Twardeski, mother to two boys, has been friends with Courtney since their teenage years and a hairdresser since 2004. She loves to travel to racetracks on the weekends, where her kids and husband both race cars. Her favorite part of working at Salon Chic is the salon’s drive to provide a wonderful experience every time a client walks through the door. She loves her co-workers, clients, and the salon’s number one priority to provide the best in comfort and satisfaction. Monica is currently recovering from hand surgery, but will hopefully be back in the salon within a few months.

Courtney’s personal favorite aspect of being a hairdresser is providing the joy and excitement behind change. She enjoys the anticipation of transforming someone’s appearance, which can sometimes make them feel like a new person. Aside from this, she especially loves selecting items for the boutique that have a hint of her personal taste. The boutique offers a wide variety of women’s clothes, lots of jewelry, some shoes, hats, bags, and lots of accessories. The salon sells a variety of professional hair products, all handpicked and trusted by Courtney. Her offered product lines consist of brands like Pravana, Pureology, Redken, Matrix, Big Sexy Hair, Kenra, and Kevin Murphy. In addition to this, Courtney sells Rodan and Fields skincare products, and she would be thrilled to provide you with a tried and trusted skincare line she believes in. Just mention it when you make a hair appointment, and she’ll do the rest!

The day after Postcards visited with Salon Chic, I went back for a hair appointment with Courtney that I had made a few weeks prior. This was a big hair appointment for me, going from blonde to brown, and I trusted her with this great responsibility. My hair’s fate was in her hands, and she did not disappoint. It turned out even better than I expected, so from personal experience, Courtney and her team are guaranteed to provide excellent service and results. I will be returning for my next hair appointment. I’m hooked, and you can be, too!

Stop in as a walk-in, shop the boutique, or call ahead and make an appointment with one of the 6 talented hairdressers at Salon Chic and Boutique! For questions or appointments, the salon can be reached at 936-291-7100. They are located at 1370 Highway 75 North in Huntsville. Salon Chic is extremely grateful for their loyal clientele and returning customers who come on a weekly basis. Courtney is especially grateful to her husband of 13 years, and to her family. She wants to thank them for their part in making her dream a reality.

Mark your calendars for Salon Chic’s upcoming event, the One Stop Christmas Shop! Shop a wide array of local vendors with boutique jewelry and clothes, Scentsy, décor signs, custom products, and much more! Everything you need to put a major dent in your holiday shopping for family and friends will be available. Come eat, drink, and win items in a $200 hair product giveaway on Friday December 1, from 4-8 pm.