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Escape Salon aims to be respite from bustle
Escape Salon owner Jasmine Metz works on client Pat Strong of Northbrook Tuesday at the business in Northbrook. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times
Quick Facts
WHAT: Escape Salon
WHERE: 1249 Shermer Road
OPEN: Tuesday through Saturday, appointment only
CONTACT: (847) 753-9000
Article Extras
Updated: July 22, 2012 7:57PM
People passing Northbrook’s Escape Salon might wonder why a sculpture of a woman in perpetual motion seems to running toward the 1249 Shermer Road site.
That’s because the business offers temporary respite from the world’s daily woes by the careful design of its owner, Jasmine Metz.
She started the commercial enterprise in the historical home, because she believed she could conduct business better by stepping back in time.
“Being a child of the ‘60s, I remember what businesses were like then. Now, people are looking for more of a holistic lifestyle,” Metz said. “So I found a 100 percent certified organic hair line and created an atmosphere almost like the ‘60s with sound, smell and vision, so peoples’ senses subconsciously determine that they are welcome here.”
Metz noted that she had been working for salons for many years, but she wanted to try something different than every other salon in every way.
“A lot of salons that I’ve worked at are almost impersonal. It is a business, but they treated people like they were a business. We treat people like they are our friends, which they are.”
Metz set out to create a business environment that is pleasing, as well as soothing.
“You may think this is weird, but I got a parrot one year. I was doing research on parrots, because they aren’t like cats or dogs. I learned that I had to create an atmosphere that is natural to their habitat, or they have behavioral disorders,” Metz said.
“So, I thought I could transfer this to people. I thought I could create an atmosphere where people are comfortable and want to tell their friends about.”
So Metz placed five wind chimes around the building to pick up every breeze possible. She planted colorful flowers outside to draw people inside. Even the smell of the shop is welcoming, because Metz has added scented air sticks to its interior. Metz also plays soft music instead of the boom box favorites that keep the beauticians energized at other businesses.
“For however long customers are here, I want them to be away from that, especially now the way the world is. I want them to go back in time with me when life had a different pace.”
Metz also feeds her customers and staff everything from coffee and bagels to holiday feasts.
“No salon I worked at in my 41 years ever did that. I go all out to make sure my customers are happy when they leave.”
The clientele seems to appreciate it.
“I come here because my hairdresser does a lovely job on my hair — the color and the cut. I’ve been coming here about 10 years and I recommend her to lots of people,” said Judy O’Brien of Northbrook. “I also love the atmosphere. It’s not the typical North Shore shop. It’s very homey.”
Rabbi Shlomo Shuster of Northbrook said he and his wife, Elana, also have been patronizing the salon for years.
“The reason we come here is that the service is outstanding and very professional, and we meet old friends here,” Shuster said.
“There is something lacking in the larger places. You meet the community here, the people you live around.
We not only visit back and forth, but have our hairstyles and nails done properly.”
Shuster noted that he also enjoys the coffee, as well as the food.
“It’s like coming to somebody’s home,” he added.
The shop offers all the typical services, such as color, relaxers, smoothers, pedicures and no-tip manicures.
Service is by appointment Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (847) 753-9000.
