During times of widespread economic frustration — when even large, well-established corporations experience difficulty maintaining profits — small businesses often struggle to keep their doors open, and only the most resilient small businesses are able to survive. The success of those lucky few is the result of a tireless work ethic, steadfast determination, strong community ties and a powerful vision. Salon 119 of Haile Market Square epitomizes each of these qualities.
In 2004, Salon 119 owner and founder Maribeth Nordman moved to Gainesville from Wellington, Fla., where she and her daughter, Alexa, owned and operated a boutique equestrian boarding facility. The boarding operation boasted no employees — Maribeth and Alexa worked from dawn until dusk to ensure that the horses received only the best quality care.
Upon moving to Gainesville, Maribeth had to find a new equestrian niche, a new school for her daughter and a new hair stylist. She soon connected with a young local stylist, and the two quickly became friends. Maribeth sympathized deeply with the single mom’s desire to provide for her family, and in an effort to help the stylist actualize this desire, she began investigating the possibility of opening a salon where the stylist could expand her client base and flourish financially. When an opportunity arose in the newly established Tioga Town Center, Maribeth took a gamble on the risky venture in an effort to help her friend.
Soon after the salon’s inauguration in 2008, the stylist earned enough money to open her own salon. Although Maribeth was pleased to have provided such an invaluable opportunity for the stylist, she now found herself in a difficult situation. Maribeth was an equestrian, not a hair stylist. She had dreams of opening her own therapeutic riding center to offer guidance and assistance to troubled children, not working thirteen hour days restricted to the confines of a desk.
Maribeth refused to let circumstances discourage her. Over the course of the past six years, Maribeth has worked tirelessly to learn the fickle business of cosmetology and create something truly special at Salon 119. Not only has Salon 119 endured troubled economic times, when neighboring small businesses were closing left and right, but the salon has also evolved into something truly special and unexpected: a family. The stylists at Salon 119 regard each other as brothers and sisters, rather than coworkers. The salon has witnessed the birth of six children, three weddings and countless school graduations. Holidays and birthdays are occasions that are celebrated together, rather than away from work. If business is unusually slow one week, Maribeth spends her nights sleepless, worrying about how her stylists will feed their families. This family atmosphere is one of the most unique attributes of Salon 119 and is evident the moment customers walk in the door. The clients of Salon 119 are considered family as well, as Maribeth and the stylists have built strong bonds with their clients on both a professional and personal basis.
“Being connected with clients and knowing their stories is what makes our salon different,” Maribeth said. “We are a family salon because we make our clients feel like family. You can tell they love coming here.”
Maribeth remembers a group of little girls who used to set up a lemonade stand in front of her salon who are now about to graduate from middle school, and she immediately recognizes the high school students who got their hair done at the salon for prom who later return with college degrees.
Salon 119 has unquestionably earned its title as Gainesville’s premiere family salon. For Maribeth, this makes everything worthwhile
