Check Out Vilma Subel’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vilma Subel.

Hi Vilma, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m a transplant from Milwaukee, WI. I moved here in the late ’80s. I’ve been in the Hairdressing world for almost 41 years. I can share so much of my experience(s) in this amazing industry but will keep it short. I have been fortunate to surround myself with some of the greatest mentors a young stylist could ask for. I paid it forward by teaching, traveling to other cities, facilitating classes, sharing my passion for hair design onstage, and mentoring many stylists. I decided to “slow down” to open my salon. That happened in 1996. Soon after opening Xiphium Salon, I cut back from travel to focus on building my business and team. I have learned much about the business by running the business and managing employees. It is not for the faint of heart but, it is rewarding more times than not. Xiphium has always been and continues to be a space that provides inspiring education for all artists locally and regionally whether they work for me or not. I also offer consumer lifestyle clinics from meditation to empower individuals from within. Xiphium is a safe place for all who enter. That has been my goal upon opening our doors.

Our Mission Statement:
Xiphium takes pride in nurturing individuals and their needs inspiring a Peaceful, Balanced, and Enjoyable environment through Hair, Fashion, and Lifestyle.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
No. It has not. I didn’t expect it to be. I lean on being an optimist, but I knew I had to prepare myself to “expect the unexpected.” Many challenges I met as a business owner and employer have taught me well about the human spirit. Again, I credit all the amazing mentors in my life past and present. One of my most inspiring mentors is my best friend and husband, Tom, who not only challenged me to pursue what I believed in but also helped plant many seeds and assisted in cultivating them. He is not in my industry but, he is an extraordinary visionary. I could not have done it without him by my side.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My passion as an artist has always been re-shaping one’s hair to expose each person’s organic beauty. I refer to myself as a sculptor who works with the fabric of the human canvas. Each 3-dimensional canvas in my chair daily has its own story to tell. I listen, and I create. A collaboration between myself and each guest in my chair helps to create the end result that we both want to see. I spend an hour to an hour and a half designing and executing my art. My art is not contained in multiple rooms, it roams the city for all to admire. As my guests become more comfortable with me, they also learn that I offer more than just a haircut. I allow them to be themselves in a world where so many struggles with expressing and articulating who they are and how they want to be. I offer my ear and my heart. That’s the customer experience that I give.

We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
I also love photography and enjoy capturing the human spirit that way. One of my happiest moments is when I’m behind the camera. I founded and produced The Midwest Hairstyling Awards in Kansas City! It’s an award show filled with the runway that showcases the 10-state Midwest region. Our 4th annual show will be this Fall! That’s a whole other story!

Pricing:

• We are gratuity free. All pricing is hourly.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.xiphium.com
• Instagram: Xiphiumsalon
• Facebook: Xiphiumsalon
• Youtube: Xiphium Salon
• Other: www.hairawrdsusa.com