Suzanne Erickson and Kari Melchert, the mother-daughter team that runs Jungle Red Salon in Minneapolis, hope to wow the Twin Cities fashion crowd with a "hot and sexy" new women's hairstyle they plan to unveil this fall.
Could the style -- and the salon -- also be in line for national attention?
Owner Suzanne Erickson -- she's the mom -- and manager Kari, her daughter, acknowledge hearing rumors involving Jungle Red and the next season of "Shear Genius," a reality TV competition for hairdressers that appears on the Bravo network. But they decline to confirm anything, or comment further.
For now, they're busy creating the style with an assist from celebrity hairdresser Ben Mollin, who was runner-up on the show's first season. He also recently taught an advanced cutting and styling class for Jungle Red's staff.
"There's a need for it [the new style] out there," Erickson said. "We can see it."
Erickson opened Jungle Red in 2000, aiming to create the city's "most happening salon" with talented, well-trained stylists on the cutting edge, if you will, of hairdressing and a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere.
Melchert, who has a degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and had worked in that field and in real estate, joined Jungle Red five years ago. She handles much of the business side with Erickson, who also does hairstyling.
The newly updated salon offers pedicures, manicures and spa services including facials, massage and airbrush tanning. But Jungle Red is about more than just makeovers; the salon also has gallery space featuring local artists, and there's a small stage for music and other entertainment for regular fundraising events.
Three and out with Suzanne Erickson and Kari Melchert
- Why "Jungle Red"?
Suzanne: It's from a classic film called "The Women." A lot of it took place in a hair salon. There was this gossipy nail tech and every single person whose nails she did, she polished them "jungle red." The movie was fun. I like the name.
- How did you get into hairstyling?
Suzanne: When I was growing up, my favorite thing was to go to the hair salon and get my hair done. I thought the stylists were really cool people. I admired them. In 11th grade, that's when I decided I was going to be a hairstylist.
- What's it like running a business as a mother-daughter team?
Kari: We have a good working relationship. We're very different people but we complement each other really well, so it works out for us.
Suzanne: It's great experience. I feel really fortunate to spend time with Kari, as much as I've been able to.
