In Loving Memory of Amy Rae Herrmann
How do you sum up a life? There is no way that I can. 48 years of experiences and relationships that flowed through one mind and one soul, it’s not possible, so this is what I can say.
I first met Amy 4 years ago, when she was searching for a new salon home. She was soft-spoken yet confident and she was excited to start her next chapter after being given a new lease on life. She had just finished treatment for breast cancer and was given the all-clear!
I was expecting Amy to be a timid, shy person, but first impressions can be so deceiving. Time would reveal her to have sharp sense of humor, a fierce competitive streak and a strong set of values and convictions.
She came to our salon with a group of lovely clients who were devoted to her, and I could see that she was loved! I discovered we shared a love for orange, because, we agreed, it is the happiest color. She got excited when it snowed, as did I, and I could clearly see that she was “my people”. Over time I learned that Amy was an optimist, that she was very strong in the face of pain, and she was a cheerleader who would encourage the newer stylists to work hard and stick with it.
She often surprised me with the stories she would share with her clients, delivered so dryly, punctuated by shockingly hilarious punchlines.
Her love of competition was showcased by her drive to excel at every sales contest, and she brought her competitive streak with her to the company Christmas parties! She would not hesitate to get aggressive and really loved to win!
In almost 30 years of hairdressing, I never met anyone so vocal in her appreciation of her work, her clients, and her workplace. When I would visit her during her treatment, she would often tell me “If I could get up and walk, I would walk straight to the salon and get back to work.” She missed doing hair, and I think what that really meant was that she missed her relationships with her clients and her coworkers. One thing that defined her was her devotion to the people she cared about. Her children were, of course, her highest priority. She worked hard to give them new and fun experiences. Her chats with her clients were often about their latest adventures.
She loved music and had a big lineup of concerts that she went to in 2022, it was awesome hearing how much fun she had at these shows.
She was grateful to be in remission and wanted to give back, she was training for a charity stair climb when she found that the cancer had returned. We knew that her knee had been bothering her at work but hadn’t expected the news to be this devastating prognosis.
Life really isn’t fair! It doesn’t make sense that someone who is such an amazing mother, wife, and friend would have their life cut short. It hurts to lose someone, and I will miss Amy profoundly. Her loss has left a huge hole in our salon family. I miss her sense of humor, her soft way of speaking, her laugh, her support, and her unique outlook on life. If you really knew Amy, you couldn’t help but love her. Amazingly, her faith In God remained strong. I hope my sister was there to greet her as she started her next adventure and I look forward to seeing her again. Until then, my friend!
Amy wins Christmas!
The Roaring 20th
The Roaring 20th
Well, I finally have a minute to reflect on the amazing Roaring 20’s themed celebration of our 20th anniversary.
The single best accomplishment in the 20 years I’ve been in business has been the careful curation of the wonderful team of people I get to spend my days with. Not only are they technically skilled, but they are a fun, compassionate, caring group of humans!
They willingly gave up their Sunday to help clean and decorate and they came on Monday dressed in gorgeous costumes and helped to host. Then they stayed into the night cleaning up the aftermath so that we could serve clients on Tuesday morning. I appreciate this group beyond measure! Kaira even gave up much of her free time building the awesome wheel that we had everyone spin for prizes, and Joya created some great signs for the photo booth!
Randy Buhler helped immensely, and he put up the disco ball, which we will be keeping up indefinitely.
We started the evening greeting each other and mingling. Early on we took a moment to have a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Renton Chamber of Commerce. I never did this when I bought the business, so I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity!
Next, we kicked off the raffles. We gave away 8 great baskets, a limited-edition Bleu Box, and ended the raffles later in the night with the big prize, a Dyson Professional Blow Dryer! My eternal gratitude goes out to Deanna Sader of Salon Services and to Jade Godinez of Luxury Brand Partners for Providing the fantastic swag for the baskets and the Party Favors! I appreciate these fabulous reps beyond words!
The food was catered by Rain City Catering and I was so pleased to hear the guests raving about it. Cocktails were kept flowing by our amazing bartender, Sonja and thanks to the gorgeous champagne fountain that we procured from Grand Event Rentals. The cupcakes that featured our logo were provided by Trophy Cupcakes and I thought they were so cute and by all accounts- delicious!
It’s been so fun to look at the Photo Booth photos! I’m so glad that so many guests took advantage of the props and used the photo booth to its full potential! You all look great and were clearly having a blast. Thanks to Danny Goldfarb of waSOUND for making it so easy!
The photos of the event that I will be sharing here were expertly captured by the amazing Vivian Hsu!
I was completely humbled that so many former staff members came out to celebrate with us. I will cherish the photos of us all together again!
I am beyond grateful for all the wonderful clients who joined us for the evening, having you there touched my heart. You are the reason that we are still standing after 20 years, and I thank you all! I received so many beautiful bouquets, and lovely gifts, it was overwhelming, thank you! For those of you who were unable to attend, please enjoy the photos of the night and know that you were missed.
Our beautiful stylist, Amy, who has been battling cancer, was able to attend and, for our staff, it was truly the highlight of our night!
I’ve thrown a lot of parties in my life, and I always find after that I’ve forgotten something or missed something, but not this time. Thanks to my amazing staff and to my barter group Bizx, this party felt like a success! Thank you to all of you who attended and thanks for the memories! Cheers to the future and all that may come!
-Christine
STAY HEALTHY-STAY HOME-STAY BEAUTIFUL
The 1630 family wishes you and yours health and peace.
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this unprecedented time in history.
Our staff is using this time to connect with family, take advantage of online education, and to recharge so that they can bring you their very best when we are allowed to work again.
If you have an appointment on the schedule that falls within the "Stay Home Order" time frame, we will be contacting you this week to reschedule.
The staff wants you to know that WE MISS YOU!
I have always insisted that 1630 Hair Artisans Guests are the best anywhere, truly!
Many are wondering how they can help during this unfortunate but necessary closure.
Please consider purchasing your hair care and tools from us. If you need help finding a particular product, please send an email and we will send you a direct link.
If you are able, please consider purchasing a GIFT CARD to use for a future visit or to gift to a friend or family member.
Remember that when you refer a friend you each receive $20 off your service.
In the meantime:
We are waiting for you; please wait for us!
We have heard rumors of stylists refusing to abide by the Stay Home Order. Please don't be tempted to use these services, it will only prolong the spread and increase the amount of time until we can open.
Please resist the urge to color your own hair at home. If you are struggling with your regrowth to the point of considering this please leave a message with the salon and we can discuss options to help!
(425)277-3722
Please do not cut your own hair. Please consider wearing it up and using barrettes, clips or bobby pins. Etsy makers offer some beautiful ones and would likely appreciate your patronage.