Fresh New Name, Same Fabulous Service – Classic, Edgy Haircuts and Color for an Amazing Look
Article by Sue Baldani
Originally published in City Lifestyle Franklin
When a group of salon owners in Franklin, Cool Springs, and Nashville came together to rebrand, TRACE Salon + Supply was born. Previously under the Lunatic Fringe franchise, these owners set out to create something extraordinary. “I love the people who live in this area, so living and working in a community where I get to serve is a big deal to me,” says Matt Fine, who along with Tom Hockensmith, has owned the Franklin location since 2010. “And I think all of our
owners feel the same way.”
Audrey Ragan and Kelley Laverty own and operate the Cool Springs location, which has been there since 2017, and Natalie Vaatstra has owned and operated the Melrose location in Nashville since 2013. Matt explains why they decided to rebrand.
What was the reason for this new venture?
When we couldn’t work during COVID, it made us question and reflect on what we were doing, and to look at what was and wasn’t working. We used this opportunity to make some changes, and these changes were really positive for us collectively.
What has stayed the same, and what has changed?
Our locations haven’t changed. There’s the same crew and the same focus and attention that we’ve always brought to the table. But since May of 2021, we’re now under a brand that is uniquely our own voice. The best part is we can say we’re proud to be an owner-operated small local Tennessee-based company. All owners work in the salon, so we’re very invested in our success at each location.
What does each salon offer?
Our focus is on men’s and women’s haircuts, color, and highlights, but we also do updos, brow shaping and HairTalk extensions. We like to run the gamut from really classic and timeless styles to a little bit avant-garde. We also carry the best in hair products, such as Oribe, Kerastase, Bumble and Bumble and Cult + King. Each brand brings its own flair to the table and people resonate with these product lines.
We also have Sam Villa and Paul Mitchell styling tools. Our goal is to allow people to reestablish their look so they don’t just look great when they leave the salon, but can also recreate it at home. We value what we bring to our customers.
What is the philosophy of TRACE Salon + Supply? What do you and the owners believe in when it comes to offering services to communities?
We strive to create loyalty with our work and our actions, and we’re hoping it feels like a family here. We’re always looking to build relationships and I think all of us at our various locations do that really well.
