Customers at The It Factor Hair Studio in Lakewood are enjoying a newly renovated space as they get their hair done by stylist and small business owner Tricia Hunter. After being in her space for 12 years, Tricia used a Small Business Grant through WorkForce Central for some much-needed upgrades to her salon, including new styling stations, chairs, wash stations, front desk, and storage.

“I felt my salon was outdated before, which was not appealing to hairstylists looking for a place of employment,” Tricia said. Updating the salon made it professional and modern looking, which will attract more clients and future employees, she added.

The grant was also used to purchase air conditioning units for the salon to provide a safer working environment. Tricia said that in the past, she has had to close the salon due to high temperatures on hot summer days and, in turn, lost out on business.

Thank you to the Washington State Department of Commerce for partnering with Local Workforce Boards on this initiative that supports local small businesses to grow and thrive.