The Frayed Knot undergoes major renovation

By Adam Hocking

Editor

MARSHFIELD — Heather Gross wanted to bring something different to the Marshfield community when she opened the Frayed Knot in October of 2013.

Gross had previously worked as a stylist in Chippewa Falls and at separate Marshfield salons, but she said she always wanted to be able to create a business of her own. With the Frayed Knot, she said, “I didn’t want it to feel like Marshfield. I wanted it to feel more like (a) big city.”

Mission accomplished.

To create that big city feel, Gross completely renovated the Central Avenue business. When the Frayed Knot first opened, it had a very small area for actual hair cutting and then a number of office spaces, which basically amounted to storage for Gross. Those offices have now been converted into usable salon space for customers.

Bold, red hairdryers hang down from the ceiling at every hair-cutting station. Light gray walls and a stone column greet visitors with a modern feel but give way to purples, greens, and blues as they move through the business.  An assortment of vibrant and sleek art adorns the walls.

The renovation planning began in earnest around April of 2015, Gross said, and the new-look Frayed Knot opened on January 28 of this year. In total, Gross said renovation costs were close to $170,000.

“It’s fabulous. It really is,” said Alison Nikolai, a customer of Gross, regarding the renovations. “The atmosphere kind of makes it I guess more stylish.”

The interior of the Frayed Knot mixes vibrant colors with a modern motif.

Nikolai said she chooses Gross as her stylist because Gross changes up her own look often and also, “We just mesh.” She added that Gross was a “fabulous” stylist.

Gross said running a business as opposed to working for someone else allows her to put her personal imprint and touch on the Frayed Knot.

“I like the freedom of just being able to do what I want to my salon as far as decorating, carrying the products that you like,” Gross said. “Now I get to talk directly to my salon reps and bring in whatever products that I want.”

With three children, the flexibility that comes with owning a business is another perk.

Gross said she is looking to add a nail technician to her team and potentially an esthetician for skin care. She is also debating whether or not to add a masseuse.

She said being located on Central Avenue and in the heart of downtown Marshfield have been great for her business.

“I personally love it,” Gross said. “When we came down here (to Central Avenue) our first year, (business) exploded. … It was crazy how much our business grew.”

She said the Central Avenue location and subsequent foot traffic were factors in the dramatic growth of her client list.

Frayed Knot is typically open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. on Friday, and by appointment on Saturday. To make an appointment with Heather Gross, call 715-650-2250. Stylist Samantha Kronstedt can be reached at 715-305-7665, and stylist Amanda Hanson can be reached at 715-207-1625.

For more information go to facebook.com/FrayedKnotSalon.