Friendz Salon & Tanning

Photo: Art Sidner

Sleepy Eye: Friendz Salon & Tanning

Three Sleepy Eye women opened Friendz Salon & Tanning in January at 117 Main Street West: Carolyn Baures, Lacey Braulick, and Heidi Carr. Speaking for the three, 32-year-old Baures said in a Connect Business Magazine telephone interview, “In part, we wanted to open a larger salon to offer more jobs for people in Sleepy Eye.”

Baures grew up in Sleepy Eye as the oldest of four sisters and a brother. As such, she said, she “did a lot of ‘hair’” for her sisters. After graduating from Mankato Cosmetology Training Center twelve years ago, she began working at a local salon and established a friendship with customer Lacey Braulick.

“So I talked Lacey into going into ‘hair’ school too, and after graduating she came back to work with me,” said Baures. Four years ago, the two opened their own salon. In time, they learned of Sleepy Eye native Heidi Carr, a St. Cloud “hair” school graduate. When Carr wanted to join as a partner, they needed more space, which the trio found at 117 Main Street West. Being able to triple their floor space tripled their dreams.

“We did a complete renovation (of the former bakery),” said Baures. “It was fun having all three of us with our ideas create what we now have.” Their move/expansion came off successfully because of guidance from Sleepy Eye Chamber and the Economic Development Authority, said Baures. Friendz Salon & Tanning does complete hair care, waxing, facials, pedicures, and tanning. The three hope to have 24-hour tanning soon and offer make-up services for wedding parties, proms, and special occasions.

Said Baures, “We’d all say our job is rewarding. It’s so good to help make our clients feel good about themselves. We laugh together and cry together. We are family.”

Friendz Salon & Tanning
Telephone: 507-794-2887