Claremore Salon is Doing Things Right

Carol Graham has been a hair stylist for the past 18 years. For 15 of those years, she worked with one of her dearest friends, Dani Freeman. In November 2014, they decided to take their show on the road and open a new salon.

Carol’s Place Hair & Nail Salon opened for business in December 2014. Only a few months later, “the place” is hopping like the two friends never imagined. Located on Route 66, next door to Los Aztecas, the salon occupies an end location under a vivid green sign. Until recently, it was in the shadow of the famous EAT sign.

Carol and Dani have added two more talents to their team, Lynse Lagers and Terrin Zebert, both Claremore gals who have a few years each of hair experience under their belts.

Carol is originally from Muskogee, and spent years moving around the country with her Air Force husband. They chose Claremore as their home 20 years ago, knowing it would be a perfect place to raise their daughters.

Dani is also a Claremore girl; you may know her as the daughter of the infamous Don Hill, who’s known for antics with his wily four-legged sidekick, Henry Hill. Dani is the salon’s nail artist extraordinaire. Known for attention to detail, all of the filing is done by hand. If you’ve ever been burned by one of those scary, metal, automatic sanders, you’ll appreciate the fact that she doesn’t use them.

Carol’s Place is a full-service Matrix salon, offering hair services (obviously) such as cut and color, facial waxing and nails. They also offer professional make-up application, Hotheads extensions and keratin treatments. The staff works hard to ensure that clients are always informed of the latest products and trends. Carol and her girls are adamant about being involved in continuing education.

Women, men and children are all welcome at Carol’s Place! In fact, several clients consist of entire family units. That was the thing that Carol and Dani (and I’m sure Lynse and Terrin) are most passionate about: the relationships with clients. After so many years in the business, many of the regulars have become lifelong friends.

The fear of leaving the security of a steady job after so many years to strike out alone was natural for Carol and Dani, but they needn’t have worried. Not only did all of their clients make the move with them, but business has been growing exponentially since day one.

The gang at Carol’s Place isn’t taking their clients’ loyalty lightly. They hold events at least twice a year, in an effort to say “thank you” to the ones who make their dream possible.

It was hard work getting things squared away, as the previous tenants did not leave things the way they are now. Today, the salon is peaceful and inviting, painted a soothing shade of sage. (Plus, they have a complimentary coffee bar and free Dum-Dums!) According to both Carol and Dani, it’s a great place to work, since the women all love their clients and their jobs. Dani said, “Every day is different. Depending on who is in the salon, there’s a different energy, and I like that.” And Carol agreed, saying, “There’s nothing else I’d rather do.” She lives by the mantra: Love what you do, do what you love.

Passion, love and loyalty are all evident at Carol’s Place. Stop by and check them out. They are located at 774 1/2 S. Lynn Riggs (who are we kidding? It’s next to Los Aztecas where the EAT sign used to be!). The salon is open Tuesday – Saturday. Business is primarily by appointment, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, follow Carol’s Place on facebook or give the girls a call at 918-923-7153.

Keep it local, Claremore!

-MCM Staffer Ashley,
who was not bribed with Dum-Dums
to write this story