Salon de Le Soleil
Jim Tennison is not your average gym buff. He’s got the standard bulging biceps and quadriceps, but he’s concerned about more than pumping iron. While chatting with him on a cloudy Monday, I learned the drive behind the design of Salon de Le Soleil, a combined salon/spa/gym here in Gilmer.
“We encompass everything. The salon promotes beauty from the outside in, while the gym does from the inside out.[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]In a world where everything seems so unhealthy, we offer products and services that grow wellness in the person as a whole.[/perfectpullquote]
“In a world where everything seems so unhealthy, we offer products and services that grow wellness in the person as a whole.”
I nodded. “Tell me about your background.”
“My wife is a third-generation hairdresser. She grew up in a salon, and this is what she loves.” Jim shrugged. “My path winds a bit more. I did seven years in the airforce before some nursing school. I also spent time in business management for chains like Hollywood Cinemas and Hastings before ending up with my own gym.”
“When was that?”
“We started in 2005 in downtown Gilmer, and moved here towards the end of 2007.”
“So do you have a mission statement?”
Jim laughed. “In a brochure somewhere.” He scratched his arm. “Off the top of my head, it’d be something about pursuing health for the body, mind, and spirit. I get that nobody wants to workout: it’s a necessary evil. We do it for the looks and benefits. [perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]I get that nobody wants to workout: it’s a necessary evil.[/perfectpullquote]
“I think we’re born Ferraris, and over a lifetime of bad fuel and inconsistent tuneups, we get rundown. Exercise and relaxation help people reach their healthiest potential.”
“I agree.” I leaned back in my chair and shifted in my seat. “So what makes Salon de Le Soleil different?”
“All our services are high quality, of course, but being an Aveda spa means you get more for your money. Everything works together for that balance of body, mind, and soul. The way we wash your hair is driven by ancient Indian practices, the scent we put on your palm correlates to deficiencies in your body, and our products are all-natural. Aside from the metroplex, there’s only one other place nearby where you’ll find a similar experience.”
He put his hands together. “Our goal is for you to leave looking and feeling better. We focus on healing the inside of you. Also, this is more of a gym than you will usually see in a small town. This building is 9,000 sq. ft.”
“What’s one thing you most enjoy about this work?” [perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Everyone leaves with a smile on their face.[/perfectpullquote]
“We’re doing something that really matters to people. We are a quiet place to gain a new perspective.” He grinned. “Everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”
“What would you say to someone considering Salon de le Soleil for a haircut or gym membership?”
“I would say I’ve got something that can help you succeed in your fitness or beauty goals. That, and seeing is believing. I can tell you how great we are all day, but so will everyone else. Walk-in and see for yourself.”[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]I can tell you how great we are all day, but so will everyone else. Walk-in and see for yourself.[/perfectpullquote]
“What exciting developments can we anticipate in the future?”
“We are opening a new location in Longview, and Aveda continues to develop new products, including a men’s line. We also constantly create new fitness classes, like Kangoo.”
With that, we shook hands and wrapped up. I found myself smiling as I left.
If you need a haircut, massage, or a place to workout, try Salon de Le Soleil for a holistic approach to wellness.