Lush Suites & Salon at Home in Falls

Ashley Thomas’ career as a hair stylist has progressed steadily over the years, and now she’s home in Menomonee Falls doing what she’s wanted to for several years – manage her own salon.

Thomas and her mother, Kathleen Schoenauer, teamed up and recently opened at N86W166462 Jacobson Dr., which is next to . At the Lush, the theme is “Beauty in Abundance,” and Schoenauer and Thomas describe the business as an upscale salon.

“My daughter and the other stylists come from a more upscale styling background, and we will also carry higher-end products in the salon,” Schoenauer said.

Lush carries retail products such as Aquage, Biomega, Brocato, Provana and Woody’s. In addition to full-service hair styling, Lush also offers waxing and nail service. Schoenauer said a separate waxing treatment room is a plus for clients.

In the coming year, Thomas said they hope to offer massage and full facials as well.

“We want this to really be one-stop shopping with all our services,” Schoenauer said.

Thomas, 27, has been a professional stylist nearly a decade and spent time in Wisconsin as well as Florida gaining experience in her craft. Several years ago she moved back to Milwaukee and established herself at a salon in the city. During that time she got hands-on experience in a wide range salon services.

However, as years passed her desire to become more independent in the industry grew.

“Once I was established, myself and others thought about branching out and doing our own thing,” Thomas said.

After fruitlessly researching several places to work as independent stylists and rent salon space, Thomas said it was time to try a different route.

“All in all, we didn’t find the perfect opportunity, so we went in another direction and opened our own place,” Thomas said.

For Schoenauer, the time was also right to open the business. Schoenauer currently works in the medical industry as a health care consultant.  Becoming a part owner in the business is something she wants to continue post-retirement.

“We decided that now was the time,” she said. “We found this location, which was really the turning point. We wanted to find a location in the Falls that would accommodate the type of salon we wanted.”

After six weeks of renovations and getting the space to suit their needs, it's now on to the next challenge. Thomas and two fellow stylists and friends, all bring a list of loyal clients with them to Lush. However, the task now for these young women will be expanding their client base both in Menomonee Falls and the Milwaukee area.

“We are really focused on branching out and get some new clients through the door from this area,” Thomas said. “We want to figure out what we can do to separate ourselves from the others, and find new ways to market the business.”

For Schoenauer and Thomas, working in Menomonee Falls feels right at home. Schoenauer lives just blocks away from the salon and grew up in the village. She said Falls is a great place to start their new venture.

“We are very excited that this all fell together and we are part of the business community in Menomonee Falls.” Schoenauer said. “We’re just real happy to be here.”

Lush doesn’t operate with normal business hours, and is currently open by appointment only. Schoenauer said they are also looking to add two more stylists to the team. For more information or to book your next haircut, contact Lush at (262) 923-3686, or email Schoenauer.