Life & Work with Laura Stanley of Hudson, Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Stanley.

Hi Laura, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After graduating from the University of Akron in 1992 with a degree in business, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted my career to take. Like many people after college, I was still figuring out where I truly belonged and what kind of work would feel fulfilling long term. During that time, I decided to pursue something creative and hands-on, so I enrolled in school to become a licensed nail technician. What started as a step into a new opportunity quickly became something I genuinely loved.
I began working in an upscale full-service salon in Hudson, where I gained valuable experience in both the beauty industry and client care. Over the years, I built strong relationships with clients and developed a loyal clientele of my own. I loved the personal connections, the creativity, and the confidence people felt after leaving the salon. Those experiences helped shape my vision for what I someday hoped to create myself.
In 2001, after years of hard work and learning the business from the ground up, I took a leap of faith and purchased a small nail salon in downtown Hudson with a team of three. It was a big step and a little intimidating at the time, but I was excited to build something of my own—a space where clients could feel welcomed, cared for, and confident, and where a supportive team culture could truly thrive.

Over the years, the business continued to grow steadily and naturally. I first moved into a small historic house where we built a close-knit team of five nail technicians and began developing a loyal client base. As demand for our services increased, we relocated to a larger historic home that gave us the opportunity to expand beyond nail care. We introduced skincare services, added hair stations, and created a more full-service salon experience for our clients.
With each move, my vision became bigger and our team continued to grow. We were incredibly grateful for the support of our community and the relationships we built along the way. Eventually, we outgrew that space as well, and in 2018, we relocated to our current 3,000-square-foot salon in the First & Main Hudson shopping district, where we continue to serve our clients.
Today, I am proud to have a talented team of 16 stylists, 6 nail techs, and 1 esthetician. We offer a full range of salon and spa services all delivered by a team of skilled and independent professionals dedicated to providing the best in beauty and self-care.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been an easy journey. There have been some obstacles.
Over the years, navigating the challenges of running a business has required resilience, patience, and determination through both the highs and the lows. While our growth has been exciting and rewarding, it has also come with many obstacles along the way. Each relocation and expansion involved significant risk, careful planning, and difficult decision-making, and the path was rarely simple or straightforward. As a small business, every step forward required hard work, sacrifice, and a strong commitment to our vision.
Another major challenge for us was the mandatory shutdown during COVID-19, which marked one of the most difficult and uncertain periods in our business journey. Being forced to close our doors for more than two months had a significant financial and emotional impact on both our business and our team. Like many small businesses, we faced uncertainty about the future while trying to continue supporting our employees and clients during an incredibly stressful time.
Even after reopening, the recovery process was slow and demanding. We had to adapt to new safety protocols, changing regulations, staffing challenges, and shifts in client schedules and routines. Despite these difficulties, we remained committed to moving forward, rebuilding stronger, and continuing to provide the level of care and service our clients have always trusted us for.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Today, I own and manage One Eleven Salon and Spa while still working with a few clients of my own. Most of my time is spent supporting my team and making sure everything runs smoothly day to day. Each of our independent stylists brings their own unique talent, creativity, and personality to their work, which makes our salon such a special place. We truly care about what we do behind the chair and are passionate about helping every client feel confident and cared for. Just as important, we genuinely enjoy working together and creating a welcoming, positive atmosphere. For us, it’s all about good hair, good energy, and making people feel their very best.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, the qualities that have mattered most in this field come down to resilience, business awareness, and leadership. I’ve had to learn not to take the slower periods or mistakes personally—they’re part of the process. What’s made a difference is staying focused on learning from those moments, adapting, and moving forward.
At the same time, I’ve realized how important it is to really understand the business side of things. Decisions around pricing, inventory, payroll, and scheduling aren’t just numbers—they directly affect whether you’re just getting by or actually building something sustainable.
And when you’re working with a team, leadership becomes the thread that ties everything together.
I’ve learned that supporting my stylists, listening to their needs, helping them through challenges, and setting a consistent standard isn’t just part of the job—it’s what shapes the overall experience for everyone who walks through the door.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oneelevensalonandspa.com
• Instagram: @oneelevensalonandspa
• Facebook: One Eleven Salon and Spa