Opened in 2012, The Bodhi Tree Salon & Spa is one of a rare few in Northwest Arkansas to carry the high-performing, plant-based line of Aveda products. Owner Julie Moore has dedicated her life to pampering others and gave us a glimpse into her holistic approach to beauty and wellness.
The Roots
After completing beauty school in her 20s, Julie worked at a salon that used a more natural, plant-derived product with their customers. That experience aligned with Julie’s personal values and set the stage for her own #salongoals…but more on that later.
Julie has remained in the salon business for nearly 30 years now. After spending 20 of those years at her own salon over in Harrison, Arkansas, she moved to Fayetteville to be closer to family. Rather than make the hour and a half commute to Harrison to continue working there (can you blame her?), Julie took a leap of faith and decided to open up Bodhi Tree Salon & Spa.
“I was nervous about starting over at this stage in my life, because I had a good business going in Harrison. But I took the chance on it and it’s turned out to be great.”
While considering what to name her new salon, Julie says, “I was trying to think of a unique name for my salon, something that would stand out and make you feel relaxed when you hear the name. I wanted something that would stick in people’s heads.”
The Bodhi Tree, as some may know, is most famous as the tree under which Buddha meditated and became enlightened. As an admirer of the peaceful nature of Buddhist philosophy, Julie thought that “Bodhi Tree” had a calming vibe that also aligned with her dedication to more natural salon products.
The Fruit
Though Julie has always strived to use more natural products in her salons, it wasn’t until she opened Bodhi Tree that she was finally approved to carry the Aveda line of botanically-based goods.
Bodhi Tree Salon exclusively uses Aveda’s color line, facial products, and body + skincare products. Because the salon staff aims to provide holistic products for the body, they refrain from performing any chemically-toxic services…basically anything that smells bad.
Why is this so important to Julie? For one, she has personally always ascribed to a more natural lifestyle, medically and in personal care. She wants to share those kinds of natural services with others and make them more available to the public through her business.
“In this business, we as hairdressers are exposed to a lot of toxic chemicals. So it was important to me to use products that aren’t so bad for us, while still being able to make people happy with their hairstyle or change their color. We try to be conscious about what we’re putting in and on our bodies both for our own sake and for the health of our clients.”
Not only is Bodhi Tree Salon fully committed to providing natural beauty services to their customers, they also love to PAMPER. Take a seat at Bodhi Tree and you’ll be met with all kinds of extra spa services that would typically come at an additional cost. Whether you’ve come for a hair cut or massage, don’t be surprised to be treated to a hot towel or aroma therapy–and at no extra cost to you.
Julie says her goal is, “We want you to come in and feel totally relaxed by the time you leave.”
The Bodhi Tree is a full service salon AND spa – that is one of the more unique aspects of Julie’s business, but it was always a part of her vision. Julie had always dreamed of becoming a massage therapist, so later in life she went back to massage school so that her salons could offer both beauty and massage services. (Go, Julie!)
“You can come in here and get everything done – a massage, a facial, a pedicure, your hair and make-up done – and leave feeling all fresh! Not a lot of places do that, but it was something I was always striving for.”
The Sun, Rain & Soil
Just as a tree requires fertile soil and the right nutrients, the Bodhi Tree Salon has grown only with the help of many moving parts. Julie planted the seeds but it has been the work and passions of her entire team that have helped the salon sprout and take shape.
Case in point is Julie’s marketing manager, Kimberly Ellwood. Says Julie, “The clients LOVE Kimberly and are always bummed any time she’s not here. Plus she’s a huge help for me. We all love her.”
Kimberly says she’s just always been a people person and her various jobs throughout her career have given her plenty of face-to-face time with customers.
She joined Julie’s team almost two years ago now. When she learned about the salon’s commitment to a more natural lifestyle, her interest was piqued. “I already used the same kind of products in my own life,” she explains.
Apparently, that’s what draws most of the girls to the salon. According to Julie, “You attract the people you need. Most of my girls have been here for a few years because they love the product and they feel the same way as us about taking a more natural approach.”
And while it may be the salon’s products that keeps them around, it’s they who keep the salon around. Julie’s voice swells with deep admiration and appreciation as she talks about her team: “I owe it to all the girls here. I’m so appreciative of Kimberly and all the hairdressers and massage therapists that work here. I love all of them to death. Without them, there would be no Bodhi Tree Salon.”
Julie loves her girls, and we’re certain you will too. After all, they’ve got a hot towel and a scalp massage waiting for you at Bodhi Tree Salon & Spa. And we’ve got some special perks waiting for you on the Towny app (for FREE)! Download today!