Retired FBI Agents Launch Drybar Franchise In Fairfax Corner

FAIRFAX CORNER, VA — Kevin and Ivonne Waller needed a change. The Chantilly couple had hit the 20-year mark as supervisory special agents with the FBI and were looking for a new challenge to tackle in retirement.

"We wanted to do something, and we looked at different franchises," Kevin Waller told Patch on Friday. One of the places they looked into was Drybar, a chain of premium hair care salons with more than 150 franchises nationwide.

Ivonne Waller was familiar with the company, having visited the Penn Quarter location near FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. and another in Tysons when she lived in Vienna. The more they looked into it, the more owning a Drybar franchise seemed to be the exact thing they were looking for.

"We feel like the values of this franchise closely aligned with our values as far as great customer service, a little more upscale, that kind of thing," Kevin Waller said. "Since she had the experience as a client, we did a little bit of research and looked at some numbers. We just thought this would be a good opportunity for us."

On Aug. 15, the Wallers opened Drybar Fairfax Corner at 11889 Grand Commons Ave. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays, 8 a.m to 8 p.m., and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Our concept is very simple — no cutting, no coloring, just a wash, a blow dry and a style," Kevin Waller said, describing how Drybar differed from the typical hair salon. "Forty-five minutes later, you're out the door."

But the Drybar experience is much more than getting your hair styled, according to the Wallers. You go there to be pampered, enjoy a mimosa or sip a glass of wine, while watching your favorite movie.

"Whether you're going to an auto dealership or you're going to Walmart or a hair salon, the thing that keeps you coming back is how you're treated when you walk through the door," Kevin Waller said. "What we're striving to do is to make sure that the customer experiences top-notch service from the time they're here to the time that they leave. We want them to recognize the value that they're getting by coming here."

Within a month of its opening, business has been brisk at Drybar Fairfax Corner.

"On the weekends, we get a lot of people coming in getting styled for their engagement photos, for their bridal parties, weddings," Ivonne Waller said. "Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we have a waiting list. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, it's a little slower."

To drum up business, the Wallers have been offering a 10 percent discount on Monday or Tuesday. They're also inviting customers to become a founding members to receive additional discounts.

"For the people that get in before Sept. 30, the membership is $40 a month for one blowout a month.," Ivonne Waller said. "The normal price is $59. If you're a member, you get it at $40 a month. You get 10 percent off products, an anniversary gift and a birthday surprise. If you do the double, the special is $76. That's two blowouts a month, a free add-on service, which could be a scalp massage or an extra conditioning, saving 10 percent off retail and receiving an anniversary surprise."

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