Best of Park County Feature: Style Society Salon Wins Best New Business
It was nearly a year to the date of launching our 9th annual Best of Park County readers’ poll in late August and no coincidence that Clyde Park-native Tori Johnson shared her dream of opening a salon in Park County—her 10-year plan unfolding in 12 short months after renovating a new space located at 120 E. Park Street, now Style Society, a laid-back luxury salon in historic downtown Livingston.
Tori doesn’t go to work most days—she owns and manages a salon open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, doing not only what she loves, but something she does well and with pride. The 100th Annual Roundup Rodeo Queen spent her youth at Shear Image Styling Salon, the source of her inspiration to become a hair stylist, a path she followed to the Bozeman Academy of Cosmetology shortly after graduating from Shields Valley High, receiving her degree in 2021.
Tori’s vision defies your typical salon experience. What distinguishes Style Society Salon, she says, is communication, explaining that “It’s really all about the client and understanding what they need based on their lifestyle. Where we are soaring high is client experience.”
Her person-first process begins at the door with refreshments—coffee, bubbly and light bites offered to each client—followed by an individualized consultation on current management routines—washing and styling; all things before, during and after showering—stylistic preferences, personalized considerations for clients and their specific goals.
All clients are then treated to shampooing and conditioning, neck and scalp massage, and complimentary hot towel treatment prior to hair sculpting—comprehensive, therapeutic and tailored to each individual. Johnson also trains clients to recreate the “salon look” at home. Seeking feedback, she says, is essential, a continuous exchange between consumer and provider from one appointment to the next, creating an open, welcoming space for all clients to feel confident and satisfied—the reason she believes Style Society is growing so quickly.
Johnson claims to personify an upcoming generation of stylist—a self-proclaimed wellness professional pioneering new techniques and offering guidance for open-minded clients receptive to trying new things, prioritizing self-care and paying slightly more for superior service.
“This isn’t just a haircut,” says Johnson, “it’s an elevated experience. Livingston is missing luxury.”
Tori had worked at Meraki Beauty Bar, located in the Delmar Point on US Highway 10, for three years when on March 8th she began renovating her new location. In only 56 days, she and her partner, Reed Hartman, with support from friends and family, transformed the dilapidated space into a modern salon by restoring original hardwood floors, lime washing walls, and installing ceramic fixtures before opening shop on June 20th—preserving the buildings historical features in an organic, clean and minimal fashion with posh post-modern flare plastered in chrome and leather.
“I put a lot of love into the place,” she says. “With it being a historic building, you can imagine the plumbing and electrical issues we were dealing with—from old cast-iron pipes to flickering warehouse lighting. Every detail was thought out to ensure both the client and service provider are in the best, uplifting environment.”
She recruited two other stylists—Trinity Troung and Jawea McClain—and may soon be expanding to include a fourth member in November. Her criteria for joining Style Society is simple—explore your options; ensure the salon is a good fit for everyone involved; embrace your niche; collaborate; learn something from the girl in the chair next to you.
“I want this to be an equally great place for everyone involved, including staff” she says, “offering anything I would have needed when I was a chair renter myself.” Her business uses a booth rental model yet Johnson emphasizes community and team.
Johnson also carries hair treatment products and extensions, prioritizes quality control and offers specialized recommendations for each client to leave with a fresh, new style easy to maintain.
“I am just so grateful that my vision was reciprocated. What I am looking for, there are clients seeking that same experience. It doesn’t feel like work. I don’t have a job. People pay me to make them look beautiful and confident.”
For more information about services and business hours or to schedule an appointment, visit https://stylesociety.glossgenius.com.