FEARLESS DECISION... THE OTTALAUS SALON ORIGIN STORY...

My name is AnneMarie Krainich. I am the founder and CEO of Ottalaus Salon, LLC. As a female entrepreneur I am often asked what it took for me to start a business and then grow that business into the million-dollar company it is today—all without a college degree or accruing huge amounts of debt.

When I first dreamed of opening my own hair salon, I was a single mom barely scraping by, but I had a vision that wouldn’t let me sleep at night. I had been searching for a salon that would offer a unique spa-like experience for my guests in a high-class atmosphere with all the latest tech. It seemed I could find one or the other, but never blended the way I envisioned.

Then the universe stepped in and I had a decision to make, one fearless decision. A salon I had formerly worked for had gone out of business leaving their space vacant. It had many of the high-class qualities I was looking for and with a few adjustments I knew it could be exactly what I wanted. With less than $500 to my name I made the appointment with the landlord. I had one week to come up with the $10,000 down payment and first month’s rent—which I did. I can’t even tell you exactly how it happened. All I can say is once I made the decision the scariest part was done, and things just started to fall into place.

Now, I’m not trying to make it sound easy. It wasn’t. There’s a reason they say entrepreneurs must have grit and nearly insane determination. I spent many sleepless nights going over everything. I researched every piece of equipment and item of furniture making sure I could get what I wanted at a price I could afford. After working all day, I spent hours painting, cleaning, and arranging the new space. I leaned on the support of my friends and loved ones when I needed the reminder that I could do this. I had two young boys at home who needed me to show them that dreams are possible if you’re willing to do the work, I wasn’t going to let them down.

OTTALAUS SALON... A HAIR SALON LIKE NO OTHER

In less than three months, February of 2017, we opened our full-service beauty salon to rave reviews and have been wowing guests ever since, and I think I know at least one key reason why. Our why… The reason I started this business was to solve a problem I understood as a working mom but had been unable to find for my guests. A place that helps women keep themselves at the top of their priorities list by making self-care easier to add to the budget and far more convenient. (Solving the two biggest problems—time and money—that often-hinder self-care). I also wanted self-care at my salons to be much more than just a hair or skincare visit, I wanted it to be an experience guests would remember and want to repeat again and again.

I believe self-care is an act of self-love and you deserve to love every minute of it. And here, I believe we provide that. From the welcome beverage at reception, to the reclining/massaging shampoo chairs, to a processing area with state-of-the-art infrared dryers situated around a glass table that invites guests to relax and visit, Ottalaus provides a unique experience that brings the best of the salon and the spa all-in-one. We offer everything from hair cutting and coloring to hair extensions, to lash extensions, to facials and permanent makeup. Our Elite Beauty Savings Plan simplifies budgeting for self-care and our fully automated booking system makes scheduling (and remembering your appointment) a breeze. We now have two locations, one in Lehi, Utah and one in South Jordan, Utah, with plans to open more soon.

Ottalaus means fearless in Icelandic, a word taken from my heritage that reminds me of what it took to start this business and of how I continually seek to approach my goals. Something beyond grit and determination. I’m not saying I’m without fear, this experience taught me that when the universe presents you with a path to your dreams you must reach out and follow it despite your fears. You must leave them behind you. It’s only then that you can truly find the life you are meant to live.

Don’t just dream it. Do it.

Best,

AnneMarie

Owner, Founder

Ottalaus Salon

Awards:

Salon Today Top 200 Salons in North America 2021, 2022

Best of State Salon in Utah 2019, 2020, 2021

Non-Profit Affiliations and Sponsorships:

The Barbara Barrington Jones Foundation

Miss Utah Scholarship Program Sponsor