ABOUT DOUGLAS J
When Douglas Weaver started cutting hair in the mid 1960s his vision for his own salon was based on three simple principles; provide an uncompromising level of service for his guests, create opportunity for professional growth for young people within the salon industry, and to give back to the communities that support Douglas J.
In 1967, when Douglas and his wife Sharon, made the decision to open a salon, it was a small affair with big intentions. The salon employed 6 team members and was located in a small space in East Lansing. While most salons were curling and styling long hair, Douglas began to cut strong lines and shorter styles. For this, he was recognized for pushing the boundaries of hairdressing. It was at this time that Douglas began his lifelong focus on developing the talents of his team. He believed that the salons success was dependent on the success of each team member. This is still the culture of the company today.
Douglas and Sharon decided to move their salon, expanding it into a full Day Spa and Salon in the community of Okemos, Michigan.
While the salon continued to grow, the company took on a new challenge. With the high demand for well-trained technicians and the lack of up-to-date schools, the organization opened the Douglas J Academy of Cosmetology in 1986. The goal was to establish a training system to help aspiring hairstylists develop their careers both technically and professionally.
It was shortly after that when Douglas and Sharons two sons, Scott and TJ, became involved in the family business and took on their fathers vision. They transformed the cosmetology school into a cutting edge facility that became the 7th Aveda Institute in North America in 1993. Today, Douglas J students thrive off the salon-like environment and continue the same unique service systems. As a result, Douglas J graduates are recruited by salons nationwide.
Along with developing the Douglas J Aveda Institute, Scott and TJ also introduced a new salon brand, the Douglas J eXchange, to the family of companies. The Douglas J eXchange is an intimate salon with an urban appeal that maintains the same level of uncompromising service and professionalism that Douglas envisioned in his founding years.
With their success in the mid-Michigan area, Scott and TJ are compelled to expand into other markets. The Douglas J Aveda Institute opened in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2004, and was followed a year later with the Douglas J eXchange.
The Douglas J family of companies continues to grow. In 2007, the Douglas J Aveda Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan opened. In 2008, the Douglas J Aveda Institute in Royal Oak, Michigan opened its doors. Douglas J continues to thrive based on the same principles that the family business was founded on over 40 years ago. We pride ourselves in exceeding your expectations with every Douglas J experience. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to care for you.