Meet Sandy Lewis Kadiri, Owner of Studio-SLK
Photos Courtesy of Sandy Lewis Kediri
Meet Sandy Lewis Kediri of Studio SLK! Her salon has been a staple of the Maple/Foster business district for over 10 years. They are a high-end salon that offers a wide array of services and are dedicated to providing a hair retreat where beauty and wellness walk hand in hand for the modern multicultural man and woman.
KB: You’ve been operating in Evanston for over a decade. Can you share some of the history of your business?
SLK: Studio SLK Hair/Nail Salon is a service-based business that’s been serving the Evanston community since March 3, 2012. I established the business when, after years of being in the beauty industry, I decided to act upon my goal of opening my own salon. I graduated from Grambling State University, where I worked at the local health department as well a local salon.
Studio SLK offers self-care services to help guests look and feel their best. Though the salon primarily caters to professional women, it also offers services for men, local students, and children. Along with taking care of beauty needs, the salon has had the opportunity to support local organizations through donations, panels, workshops, and is looking forward to additional future partnerships. The business also provides jobs for the youth through the Mayor's summer job program. The salon also hosts pop-up shops for entrepreneurs whose businesses are not brick and mortar in order for them to showcase and sell their products.
KB: How does the community around the Maple/Foster district support your business?
SLK: Being in the Maple/Foster district just north of downtown Evanston has allowed for easy accessibility for our guests. The area is not often congested, which means that parking is not a problem depending on the time of day. Having the Purple line, bus station, and Metra station within walking distance is also a huge plus, though most of our guests live outside of the business district. With the university close by, the students that we service are able to walk to the establishment.
KB: What can folks expect if they come to Studio SLK for services?
SLK: When entering our business, you’re greeted by a staff member in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Guests should expect to be pampered from the beginning to the end of their service by our friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled staff. They will also find quality products and personalized recommendations tailored to their needs.
KB: How do you set yourself apart?
SLK: Studio SLK differs from its counterparts because of our inclusive environment and commitment to ensuring that each guest’s experience is memorable.
KB: Any specials or services you’d like people to be aware of?
SLK: We offer a variety of services like silk presses for textured hair, loc maintenance, straightening and smoothing treatments, color services, extensions, manicures, and pedicures.
KB: What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston?
SLK: Opening a business in Evanston is so fulfilling because after relocating to the area during my formative years, it's a place that I called HOME. Having the support of family and friends has made this undertaking a rewarding experience!
Owning a business in and of itself is an amazing experience, though it comes with its challenges. Being able to give those in the beauty industry access to a place to work while developing their skills has been incredibly rewarding and servicing people of all backgrounds has given me a different perspective.
Studio SLK is located at 1934 Maple Ave, Evanston, Illinois, 60201 in the Maple/Foster District.
