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“Spring Make Overs: Inside & Out!”
 Spring symbolizes renewal, and whether you focus on your physical well-being, or a business or home improvement, Auburn has new companies specializing in both areas. March's Good News spotlights two women entrepreneurs in their 30s, who took a risk to do what they love; to ensure their clients love themselves and their spaces.
Elements Salon and Day Spa
www.elementssalononline.com
Owner: Sheryl Puylara 315-253-0501
Elements Salon and Day Spa is located at the Holiday Inn, 75 North Street, in Auburn.
It is an Aveda concept salon, which specializes in the art and science of pure flower and plant essences. Their treatments include hair styling and coloring, waxing, manicures and pedicures, make-up and skin care.
Elements client Laura Coburn shares, “Knowing Sheryl for a long time, I can really appreciate her service philosophy, the work she has put into the look of the salon, her product line, and the overall positive experience her patrons enjoy.”
During an informal interview with Sheryl Puylara, she explained the background story of how she went from being an employee of J. Peter Brooks Salon to Elements owner.
“I always had a vision of the type of salon I wanted to work in. I loved where I worked and the people I worked with, so I really didn't want to leave to start my own business. I approached Peter about 3 years ago to see how he would respond. I caught him completely off guard, but it intrigued him all the same. So finally after a few years of batting it around, Elements exists.”
When asked what improvements were made to the space since she took over, Sheryl replied,
“There have been a lot of changes. When I took over, the salon was furnished primarily with antiques. The color scheme has changed and the furniture has a very modern look. I spend a lot on time in the 'spa' so that area has changed the most. The facial room has been expanded significantly, allowing us to create a more private area for pedicures. I'm so pleased with the way it all turned out.”
Sheryl continued that, “The services are primarily the same. We have extended our line of Aveda products, which enhances the service. We have the entire makeup line, so it's nice to be able to touch up someone's makeup before they leave, or show them the new trends for the season. I can't say enough about their skin care products, just being able to have them to use during a spa service really adds to the experience.”
When asked about her employees and their specialties, Sheryl explained that, “Jackie Smith does everything in the salon, but she especially loves doing waxes and hair color. I feel her specialty is that she genuinely cares about each client, and the pride that she takes in her work. Michael Gentilcore does haircuts, colors and waxes. I think his specialty is the amount of time he takes with each client he sees. He makes sure everything is absolutely precise before you leave. Holly Strickhorn does haircuts, colors, waxes, manicures and pedicures, but she particularly loves cuts and colors. Her specialty is the finished product. She takes just as much time styling a ten-year- old’s hair as she does a 30-year-old.
Brenda Filingham is our spa expert; she does makeup, manicures, pedicures, waxing and absolutely loves doing facials. Her specialty is the way she pampers clients. Just walking into the room, after she has done her special touch to it, makes you feel like you are in a different place. We also have a new employee who will be joining us next month named Chelsea. I haven't had the pleasure of working with her yet, but she has a very enthusiastic and friendly personality, and we look forward to her joining our team.”
Sheryl shares why Aveda products are Elements’ mainline business staple, “Aveda is more than just a quality product, there's an idea that goes along with it. They are very customer-service oriented. I couldn't imagine starting my business without them.”
When asked what happy surprises she had encountered since Elements has been up and running Sheryl explained, “I love it when someone who hasn't already been a guest of the salon has heard of us. That always makes me smile. Another happy surprise is the support I've gotten from my clients. They're truly proud and happy for me. I'm so thankful for everyone’s support.”
When asked what her challenges are in business, Sheryl replied, “The biggest challenge is balancing the business with my home life. When I'm not at work I feel guilty that I’m not there. I get nervous if I'm out of the house and I don't have my cell phone with me. Then when I'm at work, I worry about my kids and what I may be missing with them at that particular time. I guess it's every working mother's situation.”
In closing, Sheryl added what the name “Elements” means to her, “Elements is what makes everything whole. Not that I realized that when I thought of the name, it just came to me. But when I researched it, to try to get more inspiration from it, I saw all of its spiritual meanings, and I realized it wasn't an accident that I came upon that name.”
Jesse Kline, Creative Consultant
Aka the “Queen of Kitsch”
 Commemorative Florida plates adorn the “Miami Vice” bathroom. A six-foot-tall red lamp in the shape of a curvy woman lights the living room. Florescent feathers sandwiched between pieces of wax paper serve as window treatments for the kitchen. The aptly named “Best Western” guest room features a giant John Wayne wall hanging.
Folks, we have discovered none other than the Queen of Kitsch. Jesse Kline is her name, and her over-the-top home in Auburn, NY, is her lair.
Now don’t get the wrong idea. Jesse’s palace is not a testament to the tacky. Rather, she mixes her kitschy collection with antiques, found objects and art of both the fine and folk variety. Swirl in enough paint to fill a Home Depot—colorful murals have been painted on all of the walls and ceilings—and the home takes on a fantastical, kaleidoscopic feel.
Yet, the mish-mash turns out to be anything but chaotic. Jesse’s most striking talent may be her eye for order. She manages to make the hundreds of objects in her home work together. Each room has become an elaborate set. Every angle is a photo op!
Jesse, 37, grew up in the house that is now her decorative obsession. Her and home’s presence in Auburn—a modest Upstate NY city—is almost as striking a juxtaposition as some of the decorative elements Jesse uses in her design. Her colorful abode is literally two blocks away Auburn Correctional Facility.
But Jesse, an interior decorator who holds a double master’s in art history and museum studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, doesn’t see it as odd. Indeed, her upbringing and Upstate resourcefulness pushed her design sensibilities away from easy and expensive, and toward the aesthetic of the flea market and neighborhood garage sale.
The results are gaining serious recognition. In addition to several articles on her home and design business in regional media, the house was just featured on an episode of HGTV’s “Off Beat America.”
HGTV Show Features Auburn-based Interior Decorator
A cameraman and producer flew to Auburn from Colorado in June ’06 to film the home of Jesse Kline and Greg Munno for an episode of “Offbeat America,” a program that showcases unique and creative residences across the country. The show aired: Sunday, Jan. 7, at 6:30PM on HGTV. It was the first episode in the show’s fifth season.
Cathy Pohlman, of High Noon Productions, shared the show’s lead in, “This offbeat road trip begins in NY where we discover a house with unlimited color and design with murals and paintings galore…”
Kline, a commercial and residential decorator, is an active volunteer, organizing public art projects such as Music for Murals, decorating for events such as American Heart Association’s “Heart & Soul” gala, aiding in the ongoing renovation of the Auburn Public Theater, and organizing fashion shows to benefit organizations such as the Willard Chapel. Her professional services include home and office makeovers, party décor, retail window displays and commercial environments.
For more information, visit www.jessekline.com. For the home photo library, go to www.jessekline.com/hgtv or view the HGTV episode.
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