How Kalon Salon and Spa Used Registered Apprenticeship to Train their Workforce

Since 1996, Kalon Salon and Spa has been a fixture in Wyoming, Michigan, evolving from a family-owned dream into a vibrant, full-service destination for everything from organic skincare to permanent makeup.

As an inclusive space that prides itself on reflecting the diversity of its community, Kalon’s growth eventually brought about a common but difficult hurdle: the high cost of talent development.

For a business dedicated to premium service and eco-friendly products, the challenge wasn't just finding staff, but securing the funding to support wages during the intensive training and upskilling periods required to keep their team at the cutting edge of the industry.

To bridge this gap, Kalon Salon and Spa turned to West Michigan Works! for a strategic partnership focused on sustainable workforce growth through the development of a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

By engaging with the Apprenticeship and Business Solutions team at West Michigan Works!, the salon was able to access the specific guidance and resources needed to transform their staffing challenges into a formalized, high-quality pathway for professional advancement.

This collaboration allowed the salon to maintain its high standards while alleviating the financial pressure of training, ensuring that every apprentice and technician could grow alongside the business while working toward an industry-recognized credential.

“Partnering with West Michigan Works! has been incredibly beneficial for Kalon Salon & Spa,” said Anna Nguyen, Kalon Salon & Spa owner. “Their resources and guidance have helped us successfully overcome staffing and training challenges. The personalized support and expertise of the Apprenticeship and Business Solutions Team have been especially valuable, empowering our team to grow and contributing to Kalon’s Salon & Spa’s continued success within the community.”

Today, the salon remains a lively and inviting community hub where experienced professionals use the latest techniques and the Registered Apprenticeship model to help every client shine. They also underscore how localized workforce support and Registered Apprenticeship Programs empower established small businesses to flourish within a changing economy.