LIVING HER DREAM—Becky Johnson dreamed of owning her own salon someday. Five years after graduating from high school, she is a successful salon business owner in downtown Rockford.
Bangz is an example of a business that is doing it right. The salon is thriving in downtown Rockford and since opening in May, 2006 has had to move to a larger location. Becky Johnson, owner and stylist, couldn’t be happier or more appreciative. “Nearly all residents I talk to try to support our local businesses,” Johnson said. “I truly am so privileged to have the staff that I do. Everyone is extremely talented and I look forward to going to work every day.”
Johnson believes Bangz success is because the salon is a family-friendly and affordable. The salon offers Redken, Paul Mitchell, Tea Tree and new, just for kids, a line called Fairy Tales. Fairy Tales is an all-natural, organic hair care line featuring Rosemary Repel hair care products which repel lice and other insects. It is perfect for those inevitable school break-outs.
The staff at Bangz focus on hair care-cuts for men, women and children, highlights, lowlights, all-over color, corrective color, perms and up-dos. Facial waxing is available as well as conditioning treatments and eyebrow arching.
“Occasionally we have promotions that Redken and Paul Mitchell extend to us and we sometimes send out discounts to our clients,” Johnson said. She is proud that the salon offers the services of more expensive places but keep prices affordable. Each staff member graduated from cosmetology school and continually attend training for cuts and coloring. Going to shows and classes keep everyone up on the latest styles and trends.
On staff Johnson is joined at Bangz by Sarah Bredow, Amy Snellink, Lisa Williamson, Whitnie Snodgrass, Shanna Smallegan, Anne Galganski and Brooke McCurdy.
“I never in a million years thought I would own a salon so soon after high school,” said Johnson. “Last year after I received a letter written by myself in my senior year while I was in Mrs. Avrams senior composition class. The project asked students to write where they thought they might be in five years. “I opened the letter and could not believe what I was reading,” Johnson said. “The letter said how I wanted to own a successful salon in downtown Rockford. God has truly blessed me and allowed all my dreams to come true.”
Bangz Hair Salon is located at 17 Squires Street, downtown Rockford. The business is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is closed Sunday. The website is Bangzonline.com, email is Bangz110@aol.com or phone (616) 863-9339.
Ms. Johnson that is great! I actually just graduated from high school and im goin to college to major in buisness management and then after i graduate I wanted to go to paul mitchell hair school. I really want to own a chain of my own hair salons here in florida, but I know if its God’s will it will happen for me,Is there any advice you could give me?