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Inspiring Conversations with Sarah Simon of Merlan Salon Boutique & Spa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Simon.

Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey in the hair industry during high school to help pay for college. After starting as an assistant, I eventually had my own assistants and launched my own business. Remarkably, my business grew fivefold during COVID, as I learned to master organic marketing while sitting beside my mom, who was on a ventilator. I’ve also had the incredible opportunity to work at New York Fashion Week alongside celebrity hairdressers for several years, after being personally invited by Ted and Jason to join their team. Today, I own the building where my salon operates, and I lead a talented team that includes both a salon and a med spa.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped who I am today. In the first year, I faced the end of my marriage. By the second year, I took a leap of faith and opened a bigger space. In the third year, COVID forced us to shut down, and my mom suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. The fourth year was a crash course in navigating the complexities of at-home health care for my mom. In the fifth year, I faced the heartbreak of losing her.

Year six brought a major turning point—I bought a building as my lease ended and began building the systems and processes that would define my business. But it wasn’t without its trials; I hired a team that didn’t align with my vision. By the seventh year, I rebuilt from the ground up, hiring an entirely new team committed to maintaining a strong culture, solid systems, and continuous education. That year also tested my resilience—I faced a robbery, broke my arm, tore my ACL, and was temporarily out of work.

Through it all, I’ve learned that even in the darkest times, there is growth. Every obstacle is an opportunity to rise stronger, and every setback prepares us for the next triumph. My journey has taught me that perseverance, vision, and faith can turn trials into triumphs.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What truly sets us apart is the genuine connection we share with our community and the unparalleled care we invest in our clients. We believe beauty goes beyond the surface—it’s about empowering individuals to feel confident and radiant from the inside out. Every service we provide is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring they leave not only looking their best but also feeling uplifted and valued.

We’ve become a trusted name in both the beauty and event industries, not just for the quality of our work but for the authenticity and care we bring to every interaction. Our reputation is built on integrity—delivering on our promises, staying true to our values, and always putting people first.

Our culture is one of inclusivity, collaboration, and inspiration. We cultivate an environment where our team and clients feel like they’re part of something bigger—a place where creativity thrives, and relationships flourish. Education is at the heart of everything we do. We invest time and resources into continuous learning to ensure our techniques, tools, and services are always cutting-edge, giving our clients the very best.

Our dedication to these principles drives us to not only meet expectations but exceed them, creating an experience that is as transformative as it is personal. It’s this passion for connection, quality, and growth that makes us stand out and continues to fuel our success.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe finding a mentor is one of the most valuable steps you can take toward achieving your goals. A great mentor provides not just guidance but also lived experience. That’s why I make sure any mentor I choose has already accomplished what I aspire to do—they’ve walked the path, faced the challenges, and built the successes I’m striving for.

Networking is another cornerstone of growth and success. We pride ourselves on being the queens of networking, creating meaningful connections with passion and authenticity. For us, it’s about more than just exchanging business cards; it’s about building real, lasting relationships. We thrive on having fun, bringing energy to every interaction, and fostering trust with everyone we meet.

This approach extends to our clients, too. By cultivating genuine relationships and consistently showing up as our best selves, we create a space where clients feel seen, valued, and confident in placing their trust in us. It’s this blend of mentorship, networking, and relationship-building that helps us grow and empowers those around us to do the same.

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