The hottest hair trend: salon suites! We chatted with Jamie Millmather of Parlour Salon Suites (and Love Culture Salon) about her next adventure with business partner Ana Gomes into downtown Providence, Rhode Island.
Tell me how Parlour Salon Suites came to be, from concept to construction.
Even before COVID, we were always brainstorming different ideas and avenues for the hair industry. This concept was an idea that we continually talked about wanting to bring to life. The space just kind of found us and we felt it was a perfect place to lay roots down for this project. Downtown Providence needed this new innovation in the beauty industry.
How did you and Ana meet?
We were in classes together in New York at the Wella Studio, but we didn’t really connect until we found ourselves in Japan on a creative hair retreat called Aubrey’s Hair Adventures. From there, the rest was history. Some people you are just meant to walk through life with, to dream with, it’s a friendship that has roots and wings.
What is the concept of Parlour? What sets it apart from other salons?
Our concept is simple: Parlour Salon Suites are open air salon suites, by hairstylists for hairstylists. A creative concept where hair professionals can thrive as entrepreneurs while also having the support and resources they want to pave their future in the industry the way they see it.
Open air salon suites mean our stylists have their own private suite they can decorate in the way they want to express themselves and build their own brand. There is a main floor where you will find the shampoo sinks, multiple waiting areas for guests, a 1,000-square-foot breakroom with storage space for each suite and a photo area. We kept these areas as “community” spaces to ensure that the stylists, even though they work in their own private suite, don’t miss out on the creative collaboration that happens in a typical salon setting.
How many stylists do you have lined up? What kind of culture are you creating with them?
As of right now we have five stylists renting suites. We are creating a culture of beauty innovation and entrepreneurship. We both have been lucky enough to have a lot of different experiences in our careers and we want to give back to our stylists. We have events lined up at New York Fashion Week, Rhode Island Fashion Week, photo shoots, global creative retreats and continuing education classes — all resources we are sharing with stylists who want to take part in growing professionally and personally.
What does it mean to be a part of Downcity?
It means everything. Downtown is the heartbeat of the city where there is a blend of historic architecture with a flow of creative energy. It’s unique and inspiring. To be a part of a new generation that is breathing life into the creative footprint of Downcity is truly amazing. Being able to help drive change not only in our industry but in our city is something we are very proud of.
The studio retains its original creaky slanted floors, although sanded and refinished, tall ceilings and exposed brick from the original build. It has been given a modern city style with crisp white and black details, midcentury modern wall-mounted mirrors and paned sliding doors that allows artists to remain a part of the space while with their clients. The salon features three double suites, five single suites, six washing stations and ample room and lighting to get all the right angles for photos of your new ‘do.
P.S. They were part of the team that made our 2023 Engaged in Southern New England style shoot come to life! The romantic swoops and draping curls were their finishing touches.
Appointments can be made through confirmed stylists at Parlour. For stylists looking to lease the space, call 401-639-7592.
204 Westminster St., Providence, 401-639-7592, suitesbyparlour.com