For more than a decade, Annie Robinson and her family have been a part of the Lacey community. But never before as much as she is now with the opening of her business, Rose and Crown Salon, located right in the heart of the city.
“Lacey is our home. You just have to go with your gut a little bit. The second we walked in here, the space just spoke to me,” she explains showing me around. But what really drew Annie to the space was the clean slate to mold it into her own vision – a vision that definitely didn’t happen overnight.
Unlike many salon owners, Annie didn’t start young with a passion for the beauty industry and doing hair. Although she spent some time working in a local spa, Annie says it was more on the business side of things and not what she envisioned for her future. So when a new opportunity came about to work in finance, she thought she had found her calling and life-long career. But even with wonderful customers and co-workers, finance didn’t seem to be the right fit either. “Over time I just came to the decision that it wasn’t my passion and I felt like I had to be true to my life,” Annie shares.
She took some time off to be with her family and figure out what she really wanted to do. While at home, Annie decided to create a skincare line for herself because of her sensitive skin and multiple allergies. It wasn’t long before friends and family were raving over her products and Rose and Crown Organic Skincare Co. was born. Annie says, “That really rekindled my passion of working with other women and this whole realm of self-care.” But she was just getting started.
When her sister, an already experienced stylist, moved down from Seattle the two began to brainstorm and dream about opening an actual salon. Because Annie wasn’t a stylist herself, she relied on her sister’s expertise to get things off the ground. “I couldn’t have started all this without her color and product knowledge,” she says with a smile. And with a husband in construction, that didn’t hurt either to help turn her ideas into a viable business.
Located just across the street from the Intercity Transit Station in Lacey and a couple doors down from The Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, it’s an easily accessible location, but it’s what through the doors that sets Rose and Crown Salon apart. Rustic, reclaimed wood welcomes guests who walk into the lofty space. A self-proclaimed history buff, Annie says the wood actually came out of a turn-of-the-century midwifery home in downtown Olympia during a recent remodel. And she was the one lucky enough to find it being sold online.
The historic wood contrasts well with the high industrial ceilings, giving the space a warm and inviting atmosphere where you want to spend some time. “We know you’ve had a long day. Come get a glass of Rose, get pampered, feel chill in our space. No one is judging you here and we want you to take your time and enjoy your experience. Our space is small, but we are very well-rounded and that’s what we want. The beauty lounge idea is really what we are centered around,” Annie explains.
With a wide variety of services available, their “beauty lounge” is sure to impress. Not only does Rose and Crown Salon offer traditional hair services, like cuts and color from an experienced staff, but guests can truly enjoy a full pampering experience. Start with a massage, then head to the back room for eyelash extensions or perhaps micro blading on your eyebrows, which is Annie’s expertise along with airbrush make-up.
Because of their multiple spa services available, it’s a perfect fit for the salon to specialize in weddings as well. Every month, except during the busy summer season, Rose and Crown Salon hosts a bridal open house with multiple vendors so upcoming brides can start to plan for their special day. “We understand that it’s not just any other day in the salon. We’re setting the stage and the tone for the rest of their day.”
Whether you are a bride to be or are just looking to try something new, Rose and Crown Salon is ready to meet your needs and Annie says their prices won’t break the bank. “Women should be allowed to afford beauty. You shouldn’t have to go broke just to look good. We understand our community and the needs of the people in it.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment call 360-489-0915 or visit Rose and Crown Salon at 4219 6th Avenue SE Suite C in Lacey.
