Salon Ella Par

Podcast Show NotesPodcast: Get In Your Business PodcastEpisode: 82Host: Allison Shores (Camden County Chamber of Commerce)Guest:Jill Gay-Garay, owner of Salon Ella + Spa + Boutique Ella (St. Marys, GA)Presented by: Chairman Circle Sponsors (as mentioned in episode)Episode SummaryAllison Shores sits down with Jill Gay-Garay longtime Camden County local and founder of Salon Ella, to talk about how Jill built a true “one-stop shop” in St. Marys—salon, spa, and boutique all under one roof. Jill shares the meaningful story behind the name Ella, how the business has grown since opening in 2007, how her team keeps the experience welcoming and stress-free for clients, and what it’s really like to run a growing business while still working behind the chair.They also get into fun real-life topics like boutique buying (and why it’s a gamble), hair changes with age, and Jill’s best tips for “sleep hair” when hormones and night sweats are doing the most.Key Topics CoveredThe story behind the name “Ella” (Ella + Parker) and why it mattersHow Salon Ellar grew from a small team into a larger operationWhat Salon Ella offers: salon services, spa services, and boutique shoppingCreating a “walk in and feel at home” experience (greeting, layout, retail convenience)Boutique buying: balancing styles, ages, body types, and trendsJill’s reality: owner + stylist (25 years behind the chair)Team culture: “work family,” low drama, high respectHair + hormones: simple solutions like a silk bonnetFavorite Camden County spots + go-to hair productIf handed $1,000… Jill’s spending it on a reset tripQuick HighlightsSalon Ella Par opened in 2007 with Jill’s kids still tiny—and has steadily expanded ever since.The salon’s layout is intentional: easy retail access without walking through the entire salon.Jill says boutique buying is “shopping with other people’s eyes,” so they buy as a team to cover more styles.Hair changes as you age? Jill says 100% yes—just like skin.Best sleep-hair fix: silk pillowcase + silk bonnet.Full Show Notes: https://camdenchamber.com/getnyour-bis/salon-ella-par00:00 Opening Banter02:52 Ellar Overview05:26 Boutique Strategy09:33 Owner Life12:10 Community Gratitude15:44 Rapid Questions