Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Spangler.
Hi Alisha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From early on, I knew I wanted to build something of my own, something meaningful. As I worked in the beauty industry, I began to notice a gap in our area. There wasn’t a space that fully embodied both exceptional service and a genuinely welcoming, accepting environment for clients and professionals alike. I felt called to create something different.
That desire is what led me to build Meraki & Co. The name “Meraki” means to put your heart, soul, creativity, and love into what you do, and that philosophy has guided every step of the journey. What started as a vision has grown into a thriving salon community built on passion, education, and connection.
Getting here has required a lot of faith and perseverance. Entrepreneurship isn’t a straight path, there are moments of uncertainty, risk, and growth that push you beyond your comfort zone. Through every challenge, my faith has been the constant that grounded me and reminded me why I started.
But no vision becomes reality alone. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been the people who believed in what I was building. From my team who brings the vision to life every day, to the clients and community who support us, their trust and encouragement have helped shape Meraki into what it is today.
What began as a dream to create a welcoming salon has grown into something far greater, a place where beauty, purpose, and community come together. And the most exciting part is that this is only the beginning.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been identifying and building the right team. Creating a culture where people share the same values and passion for the industry takes time and intentional leadership. Another challenge has been evolving in my own role behind the chair. Meraki began with the clients who trusted me personally, and many of them have continued to support the journey by referring others and trusting the talented team around me. As the salon has grown, I’ve had to shift my focus from being primarily behind the chair to leading and running the business, which has been a natural but sometimes difficult transition.
There have also been challenges in building out the right location, growing our clientele, and bringing awareness to the brand within the community. Like any growing business, Meraki & Co. is constantly evolving.
But every challenge has helped shape the foundation of what we’ve built.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Meraki & Co. Salon & Spa?
Meraki & Co. Salon & Spa is more than just a place to get your hair done, it’s a space built around connection, care, and purposeful beauty. The word “Meraki” means to put your heart, soul, and creativity into what you do, and that philosophy truly defines our brand and the experience we strive to give every guest who walks through our doors.
We specialize in modern hair color, lived-in blonding and brunettes, dimensional color, extensions, and customized hair care. In addition to our salon services, our spa offers esthetics, nail services, massage therapy, bodywork, and Electro Lymphatic Therapy (ELT). These treatments are designed to support both beauty and wellness, whether that’s through advanced skincare, relaxing bodywork, or therapies that help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing process. Our goal is to create a full beauty and wellness experience where guests can relax, recharge, and leave feeling cared for from the inside out.
What truly sets Meraki & Co. apart is our culture. Our team genuinely cares for one another and for the people we serve. It’s common to see team members stepping in to assist each other, collaborating behind the scenes, and supporting one another to ensure every guest receives the best possible experience. That spirit of teamwork creates an atmosphere where clients feel the difference the moment they walk through the door.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the community we’ve built. Meraki has become a place where guests feel comfortable and valued, and where our team is passionate about the work they do and the people they serve. It’s a culture rooted in kindness, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping others feel confident and cared for.
At the end of the day, Meraki & Co. was built with intention. Every service, every experience, and every interaction is designed to create beauty with purpose and leave people feeling better than when they arrived.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe we’ll continue to see a shift in how beauty professionals approach their careers. Many stylists are beginning to move away from purely independent models and are instead looking for environments that offer structure, mentorship, and support. There’s a growing desire for guidance, education, and a sense of community within the workplace, rather than navigating the industry completely on their own.
Another major shift we’re seeing is the movement toward holistic wellness and clean beauty. Clients are becoming more aware of the ingredients in the products they use and how those products affect not only their hair and skin, but their overall well-being. As a result, there is a stronger demand for brands and services that prioritize cleaner formulations and more mindful practices.
To prepare for that evolution, we’ve partnered with Aveda, one of the most well-known clean beauty brands in the professional salon industry. Their commitment to plant-based ingredients, sustainability, and holistic care aligns closely with the direction we believe the industry is heading.
Overall, I see the beauty industry continuing to blend beauty and wellness together, creating experiences that focus not only on how people look, but also on how they feel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.merakicosalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merakico.salonllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DTCjyGGRp/
