The District Chronicles

Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Business

Media Credit: Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

Avanette Pinkard, owner of Essential Essence Salon and Day Spa, has always been interested in being a hair stylist. But unlike many other salon owners, she has opted to focus on the individual as a whole - as opposed to just hair.

Pinkard launched the hair salon in December 1997, and by February 1998, Essential Essence added a day spa. Pinkard was first exposed to the concept of a hair salon and day spa in 1989 during her stay in Japan, where they are often frequented by women and men. The idea behind the day spa is that a person who remains relaxed will remain productive.

Pinkard believes that it is important for the Black community to maintain a healthy level of relaxation and wellness due to the greater likelihood of diabetes or high blood pressure. With that in mind, jazz music sets the mood and patrons are served a variety of beverages ranging from cappuccinos to juice. Stylists take notes about each customer to provide a more personal experience, and Pinkard gives all first-time customers a free consultation to discuss the customer's hair, as well as their general lifestyle and the direction they want to take their appearance.

The Laurel, Md., day spa also provides its patrons with robes and slippers. The services include facials, full body treatments, moisture wraps and massages, all for both men and women. Customers may also indulge in spa manicures, pedicures and waxing treatments. "They feel like they can relax away the hustle and bustle of most hair salons," Pinkard said.

Yolanda Rious, an eighth grade teacher in Montgomery County, has been a regular at Essential Essence for almost three years. She was surprised but pleased to see the concern that Pinkard had for her as a person.

"Avanette was very concerned about me as a person," said Rious, who also fell in love with the salon's atmosphere and the "healthy, global conversations about women" that took place on a regular basis.

In addition to helping her customers maintain beauty and wellness, Pinkard has become a mentor for her staff members. She decided to use her business to show younger stylists the way to be successful in the industry because she was forced to find her way without any such guidance.

"When I was just a hair stylist, I didn't have any mentors, health insurance, or even advance training," Pinkard said.

Patrice Brown, who has been a member of Essential Essence for three years, said she has learned a great deal from Pinkard. "She is so amazing in the way she educates us and exposes us to different aspects of the industry," Brown said.

Pinkard said she constantly thinks about all of the kind words she's received from appreciative people and remembers why she started it in the first place. However, she also attributes her faith as her main inspiration to keep going. "God is my essential essence," Pinkard said.

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