M Salon LLC

Arkansas Business, August 13, 2007 by Jamie Walden

Owner: Monica Craig

Address: 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite 103-A, Little Rock 72205

Phone: (501) 663-6643; cell (501) 944-3932

Fax: (501) 603-9997

Hours: Tues.-Sat.: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; walk-ins welcome

Start-up: July 17

Web site: Coming soon

After designing hair for 19 years, Monica Craig decided to design her own salon as well.

"It's been a dream of mine for several years," she said.

Craig created M Salon LLC with "a contemporary, warm, classy yet comfortable feel" fused with a "friendly atmosphere," she said.

M Salon offers hair styling, facials, waxing, manicures, pedicures and micro-dermabrasion at the 1,000-SF location on Kavanaugh Boulevard. Craig's staff consists of five other hair designers. She is still searching for a sixth to make the cut.

With about $40,000 in start-up costs, the next step is increasing clientele. Craig intends to do so by staying "ahead of the game" and providing "first class" customer service, she said, adding "we like to make clients feel like family."

Craig has been recognized nationally and internationally in magazines such as Sophisticate's Hair Style Guide and Passion Magazine.

Craig always knew she wanted to be in the fashion industry. After working for Salon Nouveau for seven years, "it was my turn to do my own thing," she said.

With about a 38 percent response rate to the mail-out invitations to the grand opening in July, Craig hopes to reach her market through a good buzz (word-of-mouth, not the hair style). She does, however, intend to do some advertising.