When the four owners of the Hair In Motion salon met nearly three decades ago, they all worked at a salon owned by someone else. They became fast friends who kept in touch even after they all left that shop and worked at various other salons around town.

Then, 18 years ago, they discussed opening their own salons because they needed flexibility in their jobs and wanted to own their own businesses. They soon agreed that it that would be almost impossible without a joint effort.

The partnership provided the perfect solution, and since the responsibilities are split four ways, each salon owner said she can really have it all. After making the choice to go into business together, the four women rented their own store, which they had to build from the bottom up.

"When we rented our spot, it was four walls and a concrete floor," co-owner Sue Garland said. "We put up walls so every stylist has their own room which makes for more privacy for the client."

The owners include Garland, Cathy Gruneberg, Robin Carroll and Denise Kuhlman. They have successfully co-owned Hair In Motion in the City of Hazelwood for almost two decades, which according to Garland, is almost unheard of in the beauty industry.

"We are definitely like family, only I think we get along a little better than most families," she said with a smile. "Remember, we hear all of the good gossip!"

Three of the four owners are parents, and Garland said the partnership gives them the flexibility they need to spend time with their families and attend their kids' events. Even so, they put in long hours to keep their business thriving.

"If you take a day off, you have to make it up somewhere and quick to accommodate your clientele," Garland said. "In any other field, you start from where you left off, [but] tt isn't like that for us.

"We would never just call in for no reason [and] you really do work harder when you are your own boss."

Garland, Gruneberg, Carrroll and Kuhlman have each devoted at least 20 years to the hair industry. Garland said each of them continues with education as often as possible. They said they are each dedicated to their profession and to their clients.

Hair In Motion is located at 5976 Howdershell Road, Suite 211. Have you been to Hair In Motion? Rate and review the salon by giving it how many stars you feel it deserves, along with a brief comment it on it's business listing here.