By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
When Annette Franco, owner of Luxe Salon on Baldwin Rd., was five years-old she fired her mom for her styling faux pas.
Some parents can probably relate to that sort of career change but not many kids can say the same or that it started a career motivation. It was a motivation that built a business and equity in being friendly.
Five year-old Franco gave her mom a pink slip in 1963 because her abilities as an at-home hairstylist were not up to the level she wanted. It was that recognition in beautification that would spark a 38-year career working in the cosmetology world.
‘I wanted to be a hair dresser when I was in first grade,? Franco said. ‘I was playing around in the garage with my brother and I was pretending I had a salon.?
She continued her interest throughout high school during which she enrolled in NEOVEC which is now the Oakland School Technical Campuses (OTECH). She studied cosmetology and obtained her license prior to her graduation in 1976.
Annette developed skills normal to the profession she spent years interested in. She learned techniques that made her quick with a pair of scissors. As soon as she perfected the styles of the 1970s, the 1980s rolled in and introduced a whole new realm of talent for coloring and hairspray.
But aside from mastering the look of Rachel Green in the 1990s, Franco through her years of work, was developing an unforeseen skill set. She was not only a hairstylist but a therapist, life coach, color coordinator, and advice giver.
Amongst her clients she quickly transitioned from hairstylist to trustworthy friend and listener. The leather-wrapped seated hair dryers were casual substitutes for that of therapy couches. Annette was entrusted with personal details while given the responsibility of making someone feel good.
‘Sometimes they’re coming in because they have a job interview or they’re having a down day and you just have to be a listener,? she said. ‘Sometimes they’ll be coming from the hospital and just want to feel good.
As styles changed and fads faded, Annette’s kindness didn’t go anywhere nor did her intention of leaving her home town. At times only visiting for the summers, her family moved to Lake Orion permanently when she was 11-years-old and she has always enjoyed the community.
‘The people are really nice and being able to watch everyone grow up and have all the lakes here; I just love it,? Annette said.
She notes that although there’s been a great sense of enjoyment in connecting with her clients, it’s been a struggle on the business side of things.
Opening Luxe Salon in 2004 was challenging and at times overwhelming. Annette, who has a background in accounting, not only manages the operational side of the business but also does the finances and budgeting. She moved locations in 2010 but even with retirement on the horizon she still stands for ten hours a day doing a job that she describes as relaxing and therapeutic.
It’s realized that her clients are vital to her business but her staff ensures the business stays strong. Her team of talented ladies keep clients coming back through the same morals Annette learned early on ? smile, say hello, and simply listen.
‘I love the girls that work for me,? she said. ‘I enjoy the camaraderie and I feel like I’m family.?
It’s known to Annette that in about a year she will have to pack up and move yet again for a third time. The plans to put round-abouts along Baldwin Road will mean serious infrastructure changes to the area including her current building. With help of the Road Commission for Oakland County, Annette will uproot from the building but not the community. She’s committed to staying in the area for one reason ? the people.
‘My clients are here and I’ve had so many that have followed me through to now,? she said. ‘They’re used to you and it’s a comfort zone.?