How We Built Our Brand Vibe... *& Why It Matters to Your Experience in the Chair*

By Tara Gowen

The Vision for Coastal Glo & Co. didn't just appear one day--it's been in the making since cosmetology school. My school was very focused on making us successful salon owners--not just stylists. They were also really good at giving practical advice. I was headstrong on becoming the best hairstylist I could be. I had just been to Indiana University for business, and I was sure that hair was my only calling. "Tara, your body will eventually give out, and you will need a plan for that. You won't be in your 20s forever," was a quote from one of my instructors that has resonated in my mind for 16 years now. I listened, but I didn't REALLY listen.

For my final project, we were asked to create a full business plan and model of a salon, and from that moment on, I carried that with me. Originally I named it Shear Madness, but over the years, as I changed, so too the business model and brand vibe. I kept refining my ideas--making mental notes of what I loved in salons, what I didn't, and how I would one day create a space where both stylists and clients could truly thrive.

When I moved to the Bluffton/Hilton Head area, it wasn't about abandoning that dream. I had lived in Georgia for most of my adult life, and this southern coastal region always felt like home. I had friends here, a prior connection to the coast, and a solid reputation in the industry already. Choosing this area was natural--I wanted to be close to Savannah without living in Savannah, and Bluffton/HHI felt like the perfect fit.

At that time, I still thought owning my own salon was something for "five or more years down the road." It was my retirement plan--the way I knew I could continue my love for this industry even when the physical toll of standing behind the chair became too much. But as time went on, I saw the need for change in the industry. I wanted to create the kind of space I wished had existed when I was starting out. When the opportunity presented itself sooner than I expected, I realized it wasn't just a coincidence--it felt meant to be. The pieces fell together in a way that made it clear it was time to bring Coastal Glo & Co. to life.

And yet--even as this dream comes true--it isn't the end of the story. Coastal Glo & Co. is a stepping stone in a much larger vision I hold for the future. It's the beginning of something bigger, something I'll share more about in time. For now, what matters most is that this space reflects the values and the energy that have always driven me: integrity, beauty, and creating a space where both clients and stylists can truly thrive.

The Heart Behind the Aesthetic

When I began shaping the brand vibe, I knew I wanted Coastal Glo & Co. to FEEL different from the moment you walked through the door. Our aesthetic is coastal luxury: soft dusty pinks, muted olive greens, creamy neutrals, seashell accents, and subtle floral overlays that are indigenous to this area. These details weren't chosen because they are "pretty"--they were chosen because of how they FEEL.

The coast has always been a place of peace and renewal for me, and I wanted to bring that same sense of calm into the salon. When you walk into Coastal Glo, I want you to exhale.... I want the space itself to tell you: you can relax here, you're in good hands.

Why Does It Matter to Your Experience in the Chair?

A salon's vibe isn't just decoration--it shapes the entire guest experience.

*Your comfort matters. From the moment you sit down, your environment either puts you at ease or leaves you tense. A calm, intentional space lowers stress and lets you fully enjoy your appointment.

*Your stylist's energy matters. When a stylist feels valued, supported, and inspired by their surroundings, it shows in their artistry. A positive environment behind the chair directly translates into better results in the chair.

*The details matter. The playlist we choose, the lighting that flatters your reflection, the way you are greeted--all of these subtle cues add up to something much bigger: the way you feel while you are here.

*Trust matters most. You are not just booking a color service or haircut--you're trusting someone with how you show up in the world. The vibe we have built is designed to honor that trust, so that you always feel cared for, never rushed, and never like "just another client".

When you leave, I don't want you to feel like you simply got your hair done. I want you to feel aligned--that outer glow now matches the inner glow you've always had. That's the power of a brand vibe that was created with intention.

More Than Just a Salon

Coastal Glo & Co. is not just a salon--it's an entire movement within the beauty industry. Our mission is bigger than hair. We're focused on creating a safe space for stylists to thrive, building a true sense of community, and making sure every client who walks through our doors finds a place to breathe, recharge, and feel cared for.

We're also committed to giving back to the community that has embraced us. Just this past weekend, I visited local businesses with goodie bags as a simple way to spread cheer and kindness--and that's just the beginning. We have many more initiatives planned to ensure Coastal Glo & Co. is a positive, uplifting presence in Bluffton and Hilton Head.

This salon is the realization of a long-time dream, but it's not the final chapter. Coastal Glo & Co. goes beyond being "just a salon." It's a stepping stone toward a larger vision--one I'll share more about in the future. For now, what I can say is this: every detail of this space was built with purpose, passion, and people at the center.

Because when you combine artistry with integrity, community, and care--you don't just create beautiful hair. You create an experience that truly makes people glow from the inside out.

Next week in our series: "The Hidden Side of Luxury Hair--What Goes Into Your Service Beyond What You See in the Mirror."

Thought to marinate on: "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -- Anaïs Nin