Wanderlux Salon + Spa // Meet Erin + Lauren: The Brains Behind the Beauty
Erin and Lauren: Wanderlux Salon + Spa Owners
It Started with a Common Goal: Changing the Industry
Starting your own business is not for the faint of heart, to say the least, but doing so with a friend and keeping that friendship alive is even more difficult. For business partners Lauren DuCharme and Erin Dressander, owners of Wanderlux Salon + Spa located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, strong communication skills and a willingness to be vulnerable and honest with each other have been an integral part of their business partnership and friendship.
Their relationship now spans over ten years and includes the successful operation of the hair salon, formerly known as E+L Salon, the acquisition of Wanderlux Spa, the combining of both businesses, including changing the salon name to Wanderlux, weathering the pandemic, the growth of their families, and a continued commitment to their partnership.
“We are mindful of our differences + use them as strengths in our business. A business partnership is truly like a marriage. Being aware of your partner’s needs is essential for success + for our relationship to grow. We are committed to this for not only our personal relationship but to ensure our business continues to thrive.”
The two first met while working at another local salon together but due to opposite schedules and a sole focus on doing hair, they didn’t have the opportunity to connect beyond that. However, as luck would have it, they ended up at another local salon, where their friendship started to bloom.
The two realized they had a common goal in finding a place to work that embraced positivity, a growth mindset, and self-care.
The hair industry is known for grueling hours and atmospheres that often pit people against each other, on top of not emphasizing the importance of self-care and work-life balance. Erin and Lauren saw a significant need in the industry for this to change and set out to make it their mission.
“We felt that the industry lacked freedom + true reward. We wanted to create a safe, uplifting place to work + make money, all while still having quality time outside of work. Over the past five years we have worked hard at elevating our industry through continual personal + professional development,” says Erin.
The Launch of E+L Salon
After nearly a year of planning and preparing, Lauren and Erin opened E+L Salon at 1 Carlton Ave. on January 2, 2018. Their mission: To create + harbor an elevated + loving environment for the guest + the team.
The vision for the salon was to create a safe place for clients and staff and that has unfolded in many ways for Erin and Lauren. The past five years have been packed with numerous learning opportunities and obstacles.
“The hardest part was the unknown of it, the fear of failing. However, it didn’t take long to realize failure or setbacks just meant real opportunity for growth and perseverance,” says Erin.
One important thing they did right away was focus on professional development. Over the years they have attended countless classes and retreats and hosted many industry leaders in their salon to teach and grow themselves and their staff. Learning doesn’t stop after hair school, especially for an industry that is always changing to keep up with trends, and the two are committed to learning and growth. This is something that helps their salon stand out from the competition.
Two of the most impactful and risky decisions they made after a few years of running the salon were closing on the weekends and offering services Monday—Friday, something not typically done in the industry, and charging for services by the hour (including gratuity) instead of by the type of service.
These decisions came from a place of wanting to make the salon experience less confusing for guests as well as emphasizing work-life balance for their staff. Instead of a long list of services and pricing, you’ll find a short list of stylists and their hourly rates. It is an easier way to understand and know in advance what a service will cost.
“We are seeing a steady and positive impact on quality of life for our team, and we love watching them flourish personally and professionally,” says Lauren.
Another commitment they made early on at the salon was becoming a Green Circle Salon. Green Circle reviews all touchpoints of the waste journey for their partners (salons) to make sure it is managed sustainably.
They also take “creating a safe place” to heart and if you’ve set foot in the salon, or spa, or visited the Instagram page, you know they are huge advocates for inclusivity, as well as reproductive freedom rights.
“We love working with the community, it is an important part of what we stand for. Some of the work we do doesn’t make it to social media, mostly out of respect for the people we may be helping. This life is hard + I can’t imagine not helping someone else who may need it. Our team, as well, is always there to support the community. It is so humbling to be a part of it.”
All of this has not come without many challenges and stress but the two rely on each other and know they can make it through together.
“Sometimes we get to a point where we need to have a real conversation around personal and professional relationships + boundaries. Being honest and open, even when it’s hard, is why we are still in this together,” says Erin.
Next Step: Adding Wanderlux Spa
Erin and Lauren don’t shy away from a challenge and together set an intention for growth; the acquisition of Wanderlux came organically. The two felt adding the spa was a beautiful and natural addition to the salon and the next step in focusing on providing their guests with a well-rounded experience focused on self-care. The two learned quickly how important it is to effectively communicate changes in detail to staff and the public. Wanderlux Spa has become a destination and staple business in the wealthy street community, switching owners and making changes makes people curious.
“It amazes me how the community is so invested in these changes, and they want to know. I think that is cool, it means people truly care about what we stand for and what we offer,” says Erin.
Lauren notes, “We acknowledge we have made changes to the original business, and we promise that every decision we make is to keep our doors open so we may continue to have the privilege of serving our community.”
With the acquisition of the spa, came the decision to change the salon name to Wanderlux as well. Erin and Lauren love how inspiring the name is and felt to grow their brand having both locations under the same name was the way to go.
“Change is scary for all humans, but we knew the name change was necessary to blend our two brands. Overall, we were excited and took a leap of faith,” says Lauren.
Since acquiring the spa in the fall of 2022, the business owners have been working non-stop to continue to focus on what is important to them as they grow their brand; and while they are managing two locations and two teams, they hold strong to their commitment to supporting the people that work for them and the mission of the business.
Sometimes this means standing your ground and learning to filter through all the feedback.
“Merging the two businesses has been fun + challenging. While we honor and respect people's voices and opinions it can be overwhelming. We have learned to drown it out a bit so we can stand strong in our mission + forge upward. The humans that choose to work with us deserve to be paid above a living wage, have a healthy lifestyle, and the tools they need to succeed,” Erin says.
This commitment to their mission and vision is what helps drive their success and the energy behind what they do. They are extremely passionate about Wanderlux, the team, the guests, and the community.
“We are committed to elevating the beauty industry for the better through the craft of hair, skin + connection,” Erin says.
In terms of the future of Wanderlux Salon and Spa, the options are endless. Erin and Lauren are two powerhouses that are not stopping any time soon. Whether it’s more locations or one large location, you can be sure that this is only the beginning of the Wanderlux brand.
Give yourself the gift of self-care at Wanderlux by signing up for a spa or salon service.