Q: How long have you been involved in the beauty industry, and how did your career journey begin?

A: I've been behind the chair for 26 years and a salon owner for 23. My journey started unexpectedly when I helped my cousin color her hair using a box color from the grocery store. I had so much fun doing it that the very next day I visited beauty schools and enrolled. What started as a simple experience quickly became a lifelong passion and career

Q: How long has your salon been in business?

A: I founded Shea Madison Luxury Salon & Spa in 2009. What began as a small salon has grown significantly over the years, eventually moving into our current location, which we've proudly called home for more than six years.

Q: What is the story behind your salon’s name? Does it have any special meaning or story?

A: The salon is named after my daughter, Madison Shay. When I was choosing a name, I wanted something meaningful and personal rather than just a name that sounded nice. By flipping her first and middle names, Shea Madison was born. Family has always been at the center of my life, and it's special that my daughter now works alongside me as our salon director, carrying that story forward every day.

Q: If you had to describe your salon in three words, what would they be and why?

A: Elevate. Luxury. Education.Everything we do is centered around elevating the experience of our guests and the lives of our team members. We believe in creating a luxury salon environment where guests can slow down, feel cared for, and enjoy a truly exceptional experience. Education is equally important—we continually invest in learning while helping both our team and our guests better understand their hair and how to care for it.

Q: What is one Milbon product you can't live without, and why?

A: If I had to choose one product, it would be the Reawaken Renewing Primer. It works beautifully across so many hair types by providing hydration, improving manageability, helping detangle, and creating the perfect foundation for styling. It's one of those rare products that consistently delivers incredible results for both stylists and guests.

Q: What do you love about Milbon?

A: What I love most about Milbon is its commitment to innovation, education, and performance. The brand is constantly evolving and developing solutions based on what stylists actually need behind the chair. I also appreciate the extensive research and technology behind every product, which allows me to confidently recommend solutions that truly work for my clients.

Q: Why did you decide to become a Milbon Concept Salon?

A: After introducing Milbon retail products into the salon, we gradually realized we were reaching for them more than anything else. When I eventually explored the color line and received education on the technology behind it, I was completely impressed. As someone who has been a color educator for multiple brands throughout my career, I recognized the difference immediately. Becoming a Concept Salon allowed us to simplify our offerings, strengthen our expertise, and provide a more consistent experience for both our team and our guests.

Q: Which Milbon products are the stylists’ favorites in your salon?

A: Our stylists consistently reach for the Reawaken Renewing Primer because it delivers hydration, manageability, and styling support for a wide range of hair types. Other favorites include the Moisture Mist and Smooth Modifying Oil, especially for clients with finer hair who need softness and shine without heaviness. The Monochromatic Froth is also extremely popular because it provides multiple benefits, including smoothing, shine, heat protection, and body.

Q: Which SOPHISTONE shades or products are the stylist favorites in your salon?

A: The New Sophistone Demi Color Copper C(/4) shades and Copper Copper CC(Copper Copper /44) shade and the new Permanent Color Blue B(/1) shades and Blue Blue BB (/11) shades are definite standouts. These shades have been a hit with our stylists, and they love working with their versatility and vibrancy.

Q: Which Milbon products are the guests’ favorites at your salon?

A: Guests love the Reawaken Renewing Primer because they notice immediate improvements in hydration, softness, and manageability. The Monochromatic Froth is another standout favorite thanks to its versatility and ability to smooth, protect, and enhance styling results. Many guests also return for the Moisture Mist and Smooth Modifying Oil, which help create healthy, shiny, easy-to-manage hair at home.

Q: What would you say to a salon that's on the fence about becoming a Milbon Concept Salon?

A: I would say, take the leap. Becoming a Milbon Concept Salon helped us simplify our offerings, strengthen our expertise, and create a more consistent experience for both our team and our guests. Most importantly, it allows us to confidently recommend products we genuinely believe in because we know they deliver results.