[Trixie’s Salon and Spa] how one salon owner built a community around her brand

Tricia Rivas, owner of Trixie’s Salon and Spa, has been in business for 13 years. Her salon offers customized haircuts, hair color, spa treatments, bridal services and makeup. In the words of Tricia, Trixie’s does #damngoodhair. As her business grew in Des Moines, Tricia learned the importance of investing in your own success as she poured into her team and collaborated with her community. Business ownership can be tough but Tricia proves it doesn’t have to be lonely.

why did you start Trixie’s Salon and Spa?

I’ve been a hairdresser since 1997 and come from a family of hairdressers. It’s in my blood. I wanted to create a culture of hairdressers that not only make a difference in our guests’ lives but our communities. My business mission at the outset was to do amazing hair, make a difference in our communities, provide an exceptional experience for our guests and a salon where hairdressers looked forward to coming to work.

what made you choose your current location?

I was born and raised on the Greater Southside of Des Moines. I still live here with my family. I couldn’t wait to open a high end family friendly salon on our side of town. To this day, we’re still the only AVEDA salon on the southside of Des Moines. I’m very proud of that!

what has been most rewarding or challenging about managing a team?

I have 18 employees. When we first opened in 2010, we started with three employees. We’ve grown leaps and bounds and hope to keep adding to our team. I absolutely love seeing our team members achieve personal success. Paying off debt, buying a brand new car and purchasing a home are just a few examples. I see daily how hard they work and to see that pay off, brings me so much joy for them.

name 3 unique things about your practice that differentiate you.

1. our community involvement
2. philanthropy work
3. our dedication to show people that we’re not just doing hair, we’re changing the world

how do you collaborate or contribute to your broader city or neighborhood?

When we first opened at Trixie’s we didn’t say no to anything! We actually didn’t think we could because if it was community-related or a collaboration with another business, we didn’t want to let anyone down. Now when we support and do collaborations a lot of thought and intention go into that thought process. We want to make sure we’re aligning ourselves with businesses and events that align with our mission, vision and purpose at Trixie’s.

how do you embed your business into the community?

Oh my goodness, this is one of my favorite things to talk about as a small business owner. Our motto at Trixie’s has always been, you have to support the communities that support you! You as the business owner have been given this unique platform and honor to do so. For us at Trixie’s, it’s supporting our schools and those that work at the schools, our chambers, and other small businesses by doing collaborations or sharing their social media posts, having them on our podcasts and sharing their business as our Trixie’s Friday Favorite. When our communities thrive we thrive!! We’re all in this together and we love being community leaders and knowing what were doing is making a difference in our corner of the world.

what advice do you have for others who want to open their own business?

Have a mentor!! Someone that is always willing to tell you the truth and will call you out on your BS if need be. Also, you and your business will not be for everyone. Trust me when I say that is okay.

where can people find Trixie’s Salon and Spa?

Visit our locations:
SOUTHSIDE
6209 SE 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50320
UPTOWN
4116 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
Or find me online:
Instagram: @trixiessalonandspa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trixiessalondesmoines/
Website: https://trixiessalon.com