This Little Gingerbread House in Phillipsburg is Kendall Delesky's First Salon and a Family Journey

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – A return to local investment? Maybe. Phillipsburg is home to 21-year-old Kendall Delesky and she’s transformed a charming gingerbread house into her dream salon.

A 2020 graduate of Phillipsburg High School, Kendall reminisces about her high school days, sharing memories and stories of growing up in Delaware Heights, Phillipsburg. The youngest of three girls, Kendall's journey from student to entrepreneur is a testament to family, hard work, saving along the way and keeping her talent where’s she has the recipe for success: family.

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Specializing in hand-tied extensions, balayage, and blonding, Kendall is bringing her unique touch to Sage Hair Studio LLC, located next to the newly opened Brothers’ Tacos.

As she enjoys the inviting aroma from the nearby restaurant, Kendall is eager to welcome clients to her salon, where she plans to offer private, one-on-one services. This personalized approach allows her to form deep connections with her clients, offering a unique space where they can work or relax during their appointments.

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Look and Feel Your Best

“How you present yourself is how you want your client to look and feel,” said Delesky. She noted she has always been a ‘girlie girl’, always by her mom's side when she was going to school for cosmetology as well. Recalling photos of roller sets, setting out colors, and other studies, Kendall was on her way at a young age, organizing and beginning her path.

She had guidance to chase her dreams, too. With a save, save, save strategy, this 21-year-old was able to do this by saving, working towards her goals, and leaning on the support of her family.

Family is at the Heart of the Renovation and Anticipated Opening

The path to opening Sage Hair Studio was a family affair. Kendall’s sister discovered the potential location on a marketplace ad, sparking a full-family renovation effort. Kendall’s father, a perfectionist, was instrumental in the renovation, handling electrical work and construction. Licensed plumbers within the family pitched in, transforming the gingerbread house into a modern salon. Their hard work and dedication are visible in every detail, from the sleek interior to the 1860s barn beam that adds a touch of rustic charm.

Delesky used her own savings, purchased furniture (which she notes wasn't cheap), and managed the budget and investment at this location all on her own. Business plan, check.

After graduating from high school, Kendall pursued her passion at Raritan Community College, obtaining additional certifications to perfect her craft. With experience in two salons, she saved diligently to open her own business. Recognizing a demand for hair extensions, Kendall saw an opportunity to offer high-quality services at competitive prices. Her social media presence, particularly on Instagram , has helped her build a loyal client base eager to experience her expertise.

Sage Hair Studio is more than just a business; it's a sign of Kendall’s dreams and family values. The salon caters exclusively to women, focusing on color, blonding, and balayage services. Although the official opening date is pending state approval, Kendall continues to work at another salon, eagerly awaiting the day she can fully dedicate herself to her own business.

Work-Life Balance Clients

Delesky said, “You get to really know your clients when you are one-on-one. They have the ability to talk about whatever they want or, for that matter, work. “ Work?

Work while you get your hair treatment. Yes, that’s a thing, and more common with people continuing to work from home, or create more work, life balance. While hair appointments can be lengthy depending on the service, with more people working from home, it is not uncommon, Delesky said, for women to bring their work with them and take advantage of wifi and their laptop to continue their work day while having a service completed.

Delesky said women should bring their work with them and take advantage of Wi-Fi and their laptops to continue their work day while having a service completed.

With not many salons offering the service and the range of customers from under 30 and over 50, extensions are growing due to the low maintenance yet polished look from moms and college girls. Extensions became the gamechanger for Delesky to realize this was her future.

Sage – The Name

It's a pretty simple story. One of her friends in Florida suggested the name, which is similar to a salon in Florida.

Where, When, Scheduling

Located at 105 Heckman Street (with the entrance at 56 or 58 Wilson Street), Sage Hair Studio is a testament to Kendall’s vision and her family’s support. For updates and appointments, clients can reach out via Instagram ( @sagehairstudio_ and @hair.by.kendall.grace ) or by calling 908-524-0581.

From a vacant house to a modern salon, Kendall Delesky's story is a blend of dreams, family, and community, showcasing the power of hard work, saving along the way and chasing entrepreneurship.

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