Halcyon Salon takes Root on Penn Ave
One of only four Green Circle certified salons in the area, you can now visit Halcyon; a space that is deeply committed to inclusion and sustainability.
by Emma Diehl
November 13, 2019
Katie Soulen has been dreaming of opening her own salon almost as long as the seven years she’s been cutting hair.
This month, Soulen made that dream a reality with the opening of Halcyon Salon on Penn Ave in Garfield.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4n2yxHBDPb/
Halcyon means a time of peace and tranquility, and the salon was designed to suit its name. Minimalist art and Danish mid-century modern furniture welcomes visitors to relax, take a break from the outside and be themselves. “Life’s hard enough, we want our guests to embrace who they are,” explains Soulen.
With her team of two stylists Jamie Scafuri and Allie Overholt, Soulen encourages clients to work with their natural hair texture and color to create cuts that are as unique as each person that walks in. From her time cutting at Metamorphosis Salon in Lawrenceville, and her community engagement giving free hair cuts with local nonprofit Hello Neighbor, Soulen’s seen firsthand the transformative nature of a good cut.
“Everyone is dealing with something when they come to sit in my chair,” Soulen explains, and she wanted Halcyon to be a place where anyone can feel safe enough to try something new. That means some traditional salon conventions are thrown out the window. Gender-neutral pricing is in place for services, “It doesn’t matter how you identify” Soulen says, “hair is hair.”
A Part of Penn Ave
When Soulen found Halcyon’s location on the Penn Ave corridor, “the space looked as raw as I felt at the time.” As a first-time business owner, she’s grown and learned alongside the build-out of the storefront. She happily namedrops the Pittsburgh entrepreneurs that have helped her along the way – going so far as to keep a running spreadsheet of resources, makers, and collaborators who helped bring Halcyon to life. “The sense of community has been rad,” Soulen says.
It shows in the design of the space. Handcrafted mugs from local artisan Bombabird are loaded with tea from Bantha and coffee from Artisan PGH and offered to guests when they come in. Anne Grushecky helmed the salon’s graphic design, and the team at Meshwork Press took care of printing business cards and signs. Not only has Soulen relied on the local community to make her business a reality, but she also made it a point to work with women in Pittsburgh.
The team at Halcyon is also committed to becoming strong members of the Penn Ave corridor and Garfield. Soulen acknowledges the changing landscape of the area and wants to grow, change and provide what the area needs; “The neighborhood is a living, breathing entity, and we want to be a neighbor that’s kind, patient, and always willing to learn.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4n2kPUBvfd/
Sustainable Beauty
Guests don’t only look good leaving Halcyon with a fresh cut, they’ll feel good about its sustainable initiatives. “The beauty industry can create so much waste,” Soulen reasons, and Halcyon’s products are all organic, “down to what we clean the floors with.”
Halcyon is a certified Green Circle Salon, only one of four in the area, which means they’re committed to the proper disposal of waste, as well as recycling and repurposing products.
It’s not just about green initiatives, says Soulen, it’s also about providing sustainable cuts – “we want your cut and color to last more than the traditional six weeks.” To achieve this, the stylists utilize razor cutting, trimming the hair with a straight-edge razor blade so the cut looks fresh out of the salon chair perfect, longer.
Make the Cut
Ready for a new cut? Halcyon officially opened its doors on November 1, and they’re slowly ramping up services. Want to make an appointment for a cut? Give them a call (412-897-6412) or send them a Direct Message on Instagram for more info.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4vm57_BV1x/
Halcyon Salon
5008 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
P: (412) 897-6412
Web: halcyonpgh.com
Instagram: @halcyonpgh
Photos courtesy of Rose Colored Creative
More Local Stories
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford
On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.
Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre
On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.
Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July
Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches
Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.
Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston
Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…
What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table
The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy. Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list
Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs
In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki
These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
Exploring the history of Pittsburgh’s Chinatown
At one time, there was even an informal Chinatown mayor to act as a community liaison.
Painting My Way Through Life: Pittsburgh (And Beyond) Through The Eyes of Artist Ron Donoughe
Ron Donoughe has spent over 30 years painting the Pennsylvania landscape, especially Pittsburgh. When you don’t find him capturing the spirit of his paintings on location, you’ll likely find him in his Lawrenceville studio – where he’s watched the neighborhood transform through his windows.
With a potential sale of his building looming in 2022, we chatted with Donoughe about his artistic journey thus far, what might come next, and Pittsburgh through his eyes.
“Better than a tent” this Greensburg Airbnb is only $15/night
The accommodations are minimal, but the price can’t be beat. This Airbnb shed is available just outside of Pittsburgh in Greensburg for just $15/night.
Tue. May 17 Primary Election Day in Pittsburgh
Tuesday is Election Day in Pittsburgh – we’ve got the details on where to vote and who is on the ballot