Catchy name boosts business at new salon

Many people are wondering if Milissa Wray named her new salon after them.

But really, she says, she named her salon Hello Gorgeous, located along Randall Road in Carpentersville, with all of her new clients in mind.

"With Randall Road so busy, I just kind of thought of people being tired as they're driving along the road. If somebody says, 'Hello Gorgeous' to you, you perk up," Wray said.

"I wanted people to feel fabulous when they see the name, just like we try to make them feel here."

And so far, she says, the name is working.

Many have seen it, and are stopping by thinking something fun and fabulous must be inside.

Wray says there is. This is her first salon, and she opened it, she says, because there was no other place with the same kind of feel in the area.

"It's upscale with a focus on couture and fashion, and it's fashion-forward. I thought we needed that," Wray said.

Wray gets her background in fashion and beauty from working a national platform artist for L'Oreal Professional for many years.

In her job, she travels around the country to runway shows and salon exhibitions, giving models just the right hair color.

Living in the area, she wanted to bring her expertise here too.

"I have all of these great ideas and I wanted to bring them here," she said. "I didn't see any salons around there that have the personality that mine has."

So Wray opened Hello Gorgeous, which she says focuses on hair color, cut, massages, facials and waxing.

"I have brought in the best of the best in products, and staff. My employees are all rock stars in the business. They're great."

So, she said, when she's off still doing runway shows, they are there, making sure you look your best.

But do look to find Wray herself in the business when she's not jetting off to fancy locals for the different shows about twice a month.

"It's my passion," she said. "My passion is doing hair. There is such a joy in making people feel better. And if your hair doesn't look good, nothing looks good. Your hair is your crowning glory."

Body builders in the house: Jessica Paxon-Putnam and John Urban stopped by FitRX along Randall Road in Algonquin on Saturday to sign autographs, take pictures and hand out free samples.

Next up are Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman and "The Phenom" Trey Brewer on Aug. 16.