Restoring the cutting edge

Walking through the door at CUT Hair Studio, I immediately knew something was different. It was more than just the three extra client chairs that had materialized since my last visit. There was an excitement, an energy that seemed to ripple throughout the popular Lee Road hair salon.

"What’s going on?" I asked as I settled into the chair. Laura Griffith, owner and creator of CUT Hair Studio, explained that she was ready to make some changes in her business and career. "I knew that I wanted to take CUT to the next level, but not by myself. I also knew that if I was going to bring in a partner, it had to be the right person at the right time. Then Ken literally walked back into my life."

Ken Novak has known Griffith for 19 years. "Early in our careers we were Aveda junkies," laughed Novak, "but our careers took us in different directions and we lost touch." Novak, former creative director for a local Aveda spa, was traveling to photo shoots and fashion week in New York City and Miami, while Griffith was starting her family and building her business.

Novak moved to the east side of Cleveland to be closer to his clients. "As chance would have it, I was walking my dog on Lee Road and happened to pass CUT and saw Laura. I had no idea that she had opened her own salon!"

Griffith admits that reconnecting with Novak came at the right time. "We started talking about our careers and realized that we were both ready for a change," she said.

"We realized that to merge as equal partners meant opening up a new business together. We picked the name RESTORE because it means to create balance and give something a renewed strength and vigor. That’s what this partnership will mean for the studio."

Both Novak and Griffith promise that the new studio will still have its relaxed, small-town atmosphere, but with a touch of edginess. "We’re excited about growing the team and refocusing on education, so we can always keep ourselves on the cutting edge.

Both want to offer a superior experience to everyone who walks through their door and still continue their commitment to the community that helped make CUT one of the leading salons in the area.

"Ken brings a fresh new energy, excitement and his experience in the fashion side of the business." Griffith stressed.

Before the grand reopening, Novak and Griffith want to make sure that certain changes are in place—a new and wholesome product line, new business cards and an updated website.

"Our new business card says it all—Balance, Renew, and Inspire. That’s what RESTORE means to us," said Griffith.

Lita Gonzalez is a community volunteer.

RESTORE

2254 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights

216-932-1220

www.restorehairstudio.com