Daily Inspiration: Meet Libby Anderson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Libby Anderson.

Hi Libby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Colorado Native, who grew up in the smaller town of Longmont but I always had big dreams. I discovered my love and passion for hair at the age of 17 while still in high school. During my senior year, I pursued a degree at The Academy of Cosmetology and Arts. By 2003, I had graduated from beauty school and received my Longmont High School diploma.  In 2004 the opportunity to apprentice in Denver was waiting for me and I let my artistic care for people guide me into the unknown.  Here I was a small-town girl landing her first gig in a prestigious Cherry Creek Salon. Just the beginning of a lifelong career…

As I finished my first year and learned so much in hair, I decided to continue my education and complete an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute. Returning to the salon after completing college I started at one of the best Salons in Denver – Blondies The Beauty Shop – where I worked part-time. The other half of my time was consumed opening a partnership Salon in Longmont Co. I juggled both sides for ten years, building a clientele in Denver and Longmont. After a decade I decided Denver was my final focus and I stepped away from My Longmont salon.

Focusing on my Denver base of business, I worked part-time at Blondies and the rest of my time was focused on building my home business. I remodeled my laundry room into a salon. I was so thankful to have such a supportive boss’ and mentors in my entrepreneurial journey.

Then I met my greatest blessing of starting my family. Getting married to my incredibly supportive husband in 2013, and having our 1st son born in 2014. The Family and the business grew. The gift of our 2nd son came in 2016. Within one week of giving birth, we moved from our house on “Willow Street” to our new upgrade of a home to support this growth. At the new home, we had a detached carriage home, about 1,000 sq ft. (Big upgrade from the Laundry room). We turned this space into a full-functioning salon, four chairs, two shampoo bowls, and one skin room. It was a magical transformation and the beginning of Roots Hair Salon! In 2018 we had our third son…Yes, three boys!!! At that point, we had been open for two years, and we decided to remodel the space adding more chairs for a total of seven! What an amazing team we had created!

Around year four we realized the growth was still happening! In February of 2020, we signed a lease for our first storefront location. It was time to expand even more. Then one month later the Pandemic hit, I was so scared for what this would bring to my business. The universe has a way of having your back if you listen and breathe. Here we are 2.5 years later working so hard towards our Grand opening at Willow Street Beauty Lounge “Back to my Roots” (the laundry room on Willow Street, where it all began). A fresh new salon build from the ground up with a fresh new name! We are hopeful to begin the journey at Willow in August 2022. There has been many delays and setbacks due to COVID and Arapahoe County. I have always believed life will happen exactly as its supposed to. Trust the journey and keep a smile on your face! Throughout this journey, I have had so many people to be thankful for. Not a day goes by I don’t represent all these people in gratitude and love.

Libby Anderson
Willow Street Beauty Lounge
“Good Vibes and Great Hair”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, I would say most of my growth has thankfully been organic. I have always felt like a leader. I trust the process and try to stay calm. I would say COVID was when things became a bit more of a challenge. All the waiting and planning and more waiting and replanning has definitely been discouraging and exhausting. It took us 11 months just to get a permit to be ready to build out our new space!! COVID also brought me a new perspective in how to manage people. It has showed me so much about people’s behavior when they are living in fear. It can get a little wild!

All in all… my journey has always lead me to the top. Success comes from hard work and experience.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always been a right-brainer… loving the arts! Hairstyling became my canvas and passion that will never die. I own a salon in Denver, CO and see about 30 clients a week. Catering to the same clientele for close to 20 years. I specials in color and extensions with color matching. I also run an appraise program in training new up-and-coming talent. I love to teach and watch the success of others. I believe what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and no lack of love for my team and their success. It makes my day to see them properly and watch their business grow.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Denver has a great opportunity for our citizens, a thriving upbeat market. I think about where I would move to but really nothing compares. The mountains energy not too far and great food all-around.

Unfortunately, Denver has grown too much too fast. I know this is the way of life, but Denver is losing its secret greatness. The word got out. And I truly wish we could come up with a program/plan for the homeless problem. It is getting out of hand.

Contact Info:

• Email: libby.roots@gmail.com
• Website: www.willowstreetdenver.com
• Other: www.vagaro.com/rootshairsalon104