Headwaves

40 YEARS! 40 wonderful years! Happy Anniversary to Headwaves and all the people who made it happen.
Groundhog Day - February 2, 1982
I opened Headwaves with my spouse and partner Michael Williamson. We just did it. I think if I had the knowledge I have now, I'm not sure I could have done it. At the time I just believed in myself and did it. We almost went under with the Christmas Blizzard of 1982. One week without wages and income could put us under. We just kept believing and we kept the business running. Marishka Lynch-Steineger came on at this time (30 years together). She has a special place in my heart, she understood the beginning. Money was flowing and we were making ends meet... until the Savings and Loan crash. Wow, what a ride. We closed the location in Aurora in December of 1986. Thank you to Chris Bearman for getting me out of the lease. That saved us. We had to walk away. But not a soul lost money who had invested in us. Bankruptcy would have been plausible, but it didn't even merit a moment's thought. These were people I knew and owed money too. Every single person was paid back.
My staff and I moved to two different locations over the next six months. Thank you to Susan Buck for finding me places to work. She was a god send. In the process we met Lynn and Evelyn (32 years now). Through my friend and client, Alice Marsh, I found a new home for Headwaves on South Pearl St. with just 535 sq feet. Five style chairs, washer and dryer bathroom/changing room, two shampoo bowls, three dryers, tiny commissary for all five of us with the hot water heater too, a full couch and reception station. Crowded was an understatement, but we didn't notice. We just kept on going.
During this time the AIDS epidemic was rampant. My partner Michael collapsed in the salon in September of 1990. I had to run a business, lose friends, take care of him and say goodbye to him in April of 1991. This space helped me stay stable and try to keep my sanity. All of us still working together cannot believe we did it for 18 years in that space! I lost that lease in 2005 due to the building's sale and needed to find a new space. I reached out to my dear friend Donna ( Michelle Przybyski Lalinde), who owned the Heating and AC business across the street and asked for ideas. I had known Donna since 1977, long before she owned this space with her husband Mike. Actually, before she met and married Mike. She gave up the front space of their business for me and kept the back to run the heating company. Many clients and friends helped to put this new place together in ONE month, painting moving furniture. I love every one of you and I am grateful every day for your support and help and love. Anyone who knows me understands, "It just had to be done" and it had to be done in 4 weeks. Late nights for me being the general contractor and having it ready every morning for the contractor. In 2009, Donna and Mike gave up the HVAC business space and leased it to me. I added a bigger facial space and massage area, as well as a laundry room and business office. I am so blessed to have Donna in my life.
We have now been working in this amazing space at 1306 So Pearl St for 17 years. There are so many of you who made this possible. Thank you, Lynn, Christina, Evelyn, Theresa, Janine, Mel, Teresa, Kim, Frankie, Tracey, and Becky and Sean. Thank you Andrea & Ron, Sal & Leeann, Mike, and Christian. Thank you Dennis, Marishka, Barbara Lewis, Karen. Thank you Sande, KC, Deborah, Paris, and Carl. Thank you Shelby, Samantha, Natasha, Julia, Chance, Brittany, and Mindi. Thank you to my Mom and Dad for giving me business skills by making me work in the family business. I didn't even know I was learning, but I thank you every day for what I learned.
To my clients that I have known since the late 70's on. To your children and grandchildren, Thank you. You believed in me. You trusted me and you gave me a business to grow with all of these years. You are my FAMILY. I would not have been able to do it without you. Using the word clients does not say enough. You are my family. We have grown up and experienced many of life's joy and tragedies, laughter and tears. We have shared so much. It is impossible to imagine Headwaves without all of the love I have received from you.
And I want to thank my dear partner and spouse Vince. He helped me stay mentally afloat for many years. He taught me new things about business to help me keep going and held my hand. We have grown into an incredible team and loving couple. Supporting each other, holding each other up at different times in our lives. Holding each other up together. He has been a rock. I am so blessed and grateful for him in my life.
Here's to more time at Headwaves. More Joy and Laughter. More life. Happy Anniversary to ALL of us.

Wonderful write up this week. Thank you Old South Pearl St Association ☺️

In business since 1982!

Until we meet again. My heart is broken💔 Please remember us when this settles. You are our family.

It’s with great sadness that I need to let all of our wonderful friends and client family, that Headwaves will be closed for at least a month starting today the 19th of March. The Governor has shut down all non essential businesses. You and our salon may feel beauty is essential but the Governor does not. We truly understand and respect this decision. It is the right decision for all of us. We must all come together for the good of the whole community. Please be safe. Please, please, please practice social distancing and non human contact. Stay in with your immediate family. Every person you touch is every person they touch and that group touched. We must protect ourselves. We can not see you because we don’t know who you’ve seen. Please protect us all. With gratitude, Frankie , owner of Headwaves. Please protect my incredible staff of wonderful people so we can be there for you again ❤️