January 19, 2021

Salon Echo, a holistic business dedicated to empowering women “one hair flip and soul session at a time,” is the most recent salon to join the Short North Arts District. We spoke with hair stylist, life coach, and owner of Salon Echo, Molly Meek, about what inspired her to open her own salon, the unique experience they offer to clients, and what they’re most looking forward to for the future of Salon Echo.

As someone who’s worked within the beauty industry for a little over a decade, Meek started to notice that more stylists were choosing to work independently, primarily in their own rented suites. She did the same thing herself for a number of years, but admitted that it could get lonely to work by herself all the time. Her vision for Salon Echo was to bridge the gap between a commission-based salon and the work of an independent stylist. “All of my stylists are their own boss, and they’re independent, but we work in a very collective and collaborative space that feels like a commission salon would to the patron,” Meek said.

Hair services offered at Salon Echo include cuts, colors, and extensions, while other beauty services include waxing, lashes, and makeup. The art of hair and makeup is a significant part of the Salon Echo mission, but they also aim to provide guests with a soulful experience that leaves them feeling transformed on the inside as well as on the outside. The front of the salon is a designated retail area where guests can purchase items like oracle decks, candles, crystals, and fashionable shirts and hats. They’re even willing to do oracle card readings for guests who request them, which goes to show how passionate they are about making a positive impact and providing a memorable experience.  

Having lived in the District for a couple years herself, Meek is proud to call herself a patron of the neighborhood. She loves the diversity and sense of community that it provides, as well as the plethora of shops and restaurants. When she had the opportunity to open her own business in the same neighborhood that she calls home, she took it without hesitation. “Everyone has been so nice,” Meek said. “We’re so overwhelmed by the support from our neighbors in the community.”

Salon Echo is taking a number of steps and precautions in order to provide a Short North Safe experience for guests, including a check station at the front stocked with thermometers, extra masks, and hand sanitizer. The space is open enough to allow for the styling stations and shampoo bowls to be socially distanced as well. They’ve also been extra understanding with clients who may need to cancel an appointment last minute due to health related reasons.

Meek is looking forward to what the future has in store for Salon Echo, especially once it becomes safer for more traffic to flow through the District again. They’re eager to establish a stronger relationship with the community, and become the spot that everyone talks about and wants to visit for services. Meek said their top priority at Salon Echo as of right now is “building a community that empowers women, whether you’re a client or in the beauty industry.”

Salon Echo is located at 650 N. High St and is now open for a Short North Safe experience. For more information about contactless parking and other options, visit the Parking & Transit page.