New Howell salon opens with fashion boutique inside

New Howell salon owner and stylist educator Ninalee Costelnock is passionate about doing hair. 

Costelnock, 30, is just as passionate about helping other stylists gain skills and make a good living. She said one goal at her salon is to offer stylists employee benefits that are not always available in the salon industry. 

“The goal is to have 401k and medical benefits,” she said. “There shouldn’t be an industry standard of no maternity leave, no benefits.”

Costelnock, after about 15 years in the hairdressing industry, became a first-time business owner earlier this month when she opened District 308 Salon & Boutique, 138 W. Highland Road/M-59, suite 900, in the Crossroads Town Center shopping complex. 

“I started in high school and didn’t think at the time I would do it forever, but it came so naturally and easy to me,” she said. “It was an alternative to going to college, but then my passion for it came. I became submerged in it and now I live, breath and dye hair.”

Costelnock and seven other stylists are providing a range of hair services, including cuts, color and extensions. Some of the stylists also do lash extensions, and the salon also has an esthetician who specializes in waxing. 

And the salon features a boutique with clothing, jewelry and fashion accessories.

Costelnock set up a “level-based” pricing structure, which offers a range of prices for services based on the experience level of her stylists. The more experience and skills they gain, the higher the price. 

“I’ve found everyone has a price they want to pay for services, so we have something for everyone’s budget,” she said. “When they level jump, they get a little more commission and the price goes up.”