Meet Lauren Behnken of The Collective Hair Studio in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Behnken.

Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
From a young age, I fell in love with fashion and beauty industry. My parents knew I would be great at doing hair before I even realized it could be a career and not just a hobby. After graduating high school, I decide to attended cosmetology school. I began my apprenticeship at an edgy salon called Mood Swings Salon and Skin Spa. I spent the next 7 1/2 years perfecting my skills, customer service and rose to the top as educator and Master Stylist. I decided to start my own business and began renting a station at a salon in Scottsdale. Less than a year later, I opened my own salon where I continued doing hair and rented stations to other stylists. I hired my first assistant who went through my training program and became my first commission stylist. I have since hired my second assistant who is beginning her training program to become my second commission stylist. We just celebrated our second year of business on January 2, 2018. We are now a full and thriving salon in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. We have 9 stations that are full and 10 stylists total. I am still in love with doing hair and love teaching and sharing my passion with others. I have the most amazing clientele which some have been with me for the past 12 years of my journey!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a business has been fun and challenging. I have teamed up with my husband who does all the behind the scenes from marketing, website, and payroll, etc. I have learned a lot about hiring, interviewing and being a boss. Juggling a full clientele, a salon, employees, and being a mom and wife presents new challenges everyday.

Please tell us about The Collective Hair Studio .
Personally, I specialize in blonde hair and extensions! I pride myself and our salon on amazing customer service and giving our guests a home away from home feel. We have all 5-star help reviews and continue to excel in hair coloring, cuts and extensions. Our salon is always clean and inviting. Our modern decor, amazing customer service and top notch skills sets apart from the rest! The Collective team has become an amazing group of the most talented stylist in Arizona.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memories from childhood would be from my competitive gymnastics days. I love the sport and learned so much about myself and life skills that I still carry with me to this day. I learned healthy competition, time management, and about being healthy and physical. Gymnastics is extreme and graceful, and teaches you about a team and individuality. And, I love a good competition!

Contact Info:

• Address: The Collective Hair Studio
  4235 N Brown Ave.
  Scottsdale az 85251
• Website: Www.TheCollectiveHairStudio.com
• Phone: 480-269-4791
• Email: lauren@thecollectivehairstudio.com
• Instagram: @TheCollectiveHairStudio
• Facebook: Facebook.com/thecollectivehairstudio
• Yelp: Yelp.com/TheCollectiveHairStudio

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.