Meet Julie Potvin of Hue House Salon in North Andover

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Potvin.

Julie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up as a dancer, hair and makeup played a large role in my life. I never really knew how much of a role it would actually play though. After high school and a short lived part of college I decided that that “typical” route wasn’t for me. I applied to Essex agricultural’s cosmetology program and the rest is history. I have a huge passion and respect for the beauty industry. Being at the stage I currently am I know that it’s not just a job but a career that holds so many opportunities. This I’ve always known though, which is also why education has been a huge part of my experience. The times change so much and the beauty industry follows along which means I as an artist also need to. After 11 years in a larger salon I decided to venture into ownership, a massive challenge. 3 years later it continues to teach me so much more than just hair. The trials and tribulations only lead to more accomplishments and goals. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities recently to work and learn from lead artists in the industry and fellow business owners who have given me the “guts” to keep trucking and build a team of talented and influential stylists.

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?
Being lucky enough to have such a loyal client base, I have had some really great and validating advice. One in particular is being a business owner has plenty of perks, but is can also be lonely. Lonely only because the Experience is different for every owner individually. I happen to have a passion and drive for what I do. I take it very serious but also want to have fun….. I mean this is the beauty world, it’s supposed to be! Though finding staff to have just as much drive and passion I have to say is the hardest. It’s hard work, the long days on our feet take a toll on the body, the energy we take on from clients can exhaust our minds, the lack of sleep due to early mornings and late nights to accommodate…. its ALOT. It’s something that you need to experience and not be told, and when you come across that person who has that determination to do it, you grab em!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hue House Salon – what should we know?
Hue House is a baby. A 3 year old salon with a lot of potential. At the moment we are booking 7 weeks out and have been lucky enough to continuously get new referrals. We offer all hair services in an environment that welcomes all walks of life. One of my biggest things when opening was to have a place that felt like home. Cozy, no expectations, welcoming to kids , men , and women, and when my guests literally tell me they love to come early and hang around because it’s so “chill” that’s makes me so happy, it means I did something right .

I have a lot of artistic friends who became a part of the salon as well. Hector green from Green Upcycles built all me stations and shelving from reclaimed furniture and wood, creating a unique vibe to my place. 3 years later I’m still getting compliments and people have been utilizing his talents now for their needs. Mark Comeau also known as Markus Sebastiano has some of his amazing art work hanging in my salon. He crafted my pieces in the waiting area specifically for Hue House. You can catch some of his great artwork at the W hotel Boston, Committee In the seaport, Crudo and many more. I feel that artists should support each other and I love that I get to share their talents in my space!

I have also Chosen brands such as UNITE and ARROJO because these are boutique brands by hair dressers just like myself who love and want to keep education strong in the industry. Again artists helping artists. Some of my personal specialties and favorites are my finish work and cutting. As a young stylist I honed in on blow drying because every woman wants to leave the salon feeling like they are on top of the world. If you can make them feel this way, they will be so loyal to you!!!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I have to say that being passionate and having such hunger to learn and be the student keeps me humble. I was told once that if you are the smartest person in the room then you’re in the wrong one. I loved that!!! It reminds me of another quote by Vidal Sassoon saying “A diva will always fall because when they think they’re at the top the only other place to go is down .. “Saying humble I believe will always help in being successful.

Contact Info:

• Address: 200 Sutton st North Andover MA 01845
• Website: www.huehousesalonandspa.com
• Phone: 9782087326
• Email: huehousesalonandspa@gmail.com
• Instagram: Huehousesalonspa
• Facebook: Hue house salon

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