The Pandemic Trimmed Its Business, But Salon Is Growing Again

NEW LENOX, IL — After a year of business impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, Clean Beauty Boutique in New Lenox is expanding and even looking at second locations, owner Sheli Dodaro-Hernandez told Patch.

Dodaro-Hernandez opened the salon, 1308 N. Cedar Road, which focuses on bringing organic, clean beauty to clients, in August 2019. Just seven months after opening, the boutique had to briefly close due to pandemic health restrictions.

"While I was at home, I worked on growing the business," Dodaro-Hernandez said. Hair extension services were eventually deemed an essential business, so the salon began offering that service again, and also sold home color kits to clients.

Dodaro-Hernandez also credited her landlord, who was "super supportive and amazing" and did not make the business pay rent when it was impacted by health restrictions.

When businesses began to re-open in June, Dodaro-Hernandez said the salon had an extremely busy month.

"We were doing really well," she said, adding that she hired a social media manager during that time and was also featured on local news channels for being an essential business, which brought in some clients.

"The community took care of us," Dodaro-Hernandez said. The business also received a Paycheck Protection Program loan, so it was able to keep its staff on during the pandemic.

Now, as the country emerges into summer and a new normal, Dodaro-Hernandez said she has hired two new staff members. She now has 11 employees, after starting with just herself back in August 2019.

"New Lenox has been such a great support," she said.

Dodaro-Hernandez credits the salon's success in part to its social media presence and the brand's clean beauty offerings. She said staff members also are active on social media, which helps the business overall.

"My culture is we help each other out, it's a supportive culture," she said.

Clean Beauty Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.

The business offers a variety of services, including hair cuts, color, extensions and treatments.