South Elgin's Pretty Patrol Salon a small salon with a big mission.
Driving by Route 31, I can't help but notice a small salon fully packed every Saturday. I had to see what's the excitement all about. I walked in and scheduled an appointment for a haircut on a weekday, since they were all busy that day. I came in last monday and had to find out for myself. It is a really humble location, the walls are filled with handwritten quotes that represents every stylist. While I was waiting the co owner Clarissa greeted me and gave me a complimentary hand massage while I was waiting. I had Trina, who is also the owner, introduced herself, welcomed me and her wall had a quote that states "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." She was very thorough and took her time with my haircut and gave me a fabulous blowout. Beside her chair is another stylist named Karen, who radiates kindness and humility as well. I have observed that the customers enjoyed being there because of the impeccable service, the discipline and they have created a special environment for women of different backgrounds.
The more I spoke to the owners the more I appreciated being there. Pretty Patrol also supports the Bully Project. The BULLY Project is the social action campaign inspired by the award-winning film BULLY. It sparked a national movement to stop bullying that is transforming kids' lives and changing a culture of bullying into one of empathy and action. They informed me that they choose to support The Bully Project, because they feel that most of the businesses focus on being green or being organic, "Which is great but no one really cares about people. Our focus as a small business is to be more active in the community and truly care about the people, from our customers to the people who are in dire need." according to Trina. "We've been in their shoes, we know how it feels." added Clarissa.
Pretty Patrol Salon is truly a hidden gem in South Elgin. You can visit them at the salon, 1385 N. La Fox St. South Elgin, Illinois 60177 or visit their website at www.prettypatrolusa.com.