Bangz Salon and Spa a Staple for Tampa Bay

When Gina Logan graduated from Michigan State University, she took a job doing consulting for Ernst & Young.

Soon, she found out corporate America wasn't her forte. So she looked into buying a salon, and stumbled upon the Sunshine State's Bangs and Burns - now known as Bangz Salon and Spa - at 4027 W. Kennedy Boulevard.

Now, Logan spends her days running a business billed as south Tampa's oldest salon, offering everything from manicures to massages.

We talked to her about what made her get into the business and how south Tampa's hair scene measures up.

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On what made her want to open a salon: It was an existing salon. I always wanted to own my own business. I grew up with a family business. My parents had a party store on the water, on a marina. I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit.

On what makes Bangz different than other salons: We are customer service-oriented, and have low turnover. A lot of the staff has been here 15 years. It's the oldest salon in south Tampa. It's been here since about 1978. We serve free beer and wine for customers. We also do specials, like margarita Mondays. All of our staff is experienced. I don't hire people directly out of school.

Services offered at the salon:  Haircuts for a female average around $40. That includes shampoo, blow dry and style, on average. Everyone sets their own price. For men's cuts, it's $20-25. We do highlights, color, hair extensions. We do eyelash extensions. We do manis, pedis, waxing, facials, massage.

Her thoughts on south Tampa's salon scene: I think people are very image-conscious here, which is great for being a salon owner. I like our clients because they are very down to Earth. We have reasonable prices. The salon industry has so much turnover. We've been here so long, and with the hotels and stuff, it's a good corridor. We get a lot of people from the concierge in hotels. I'm here a lot, and I know the customers.

Contact the salon at 813-879-6333 or www.bangzsalonandspa.com.

Editor's note: This story originally ran in November of 2012. We're putting it in the spotlight again to highlight the accomplishments one person can make.