Contributors: Sara Sweeney & Karen Beer
As a new feature of the Allegheny West Gazette, we are spotlighting new local businesses that are making our neighborhood more vibrant. In this month’s issue, we’re featuring Motive Salon. Owners and master stylists Breanne Kochmanski and Sara Harris opened the salon in 2014. Since then, business has been booming! The staff has expanded to include five stylists.
Prior to opening Motive, Breanne had studied here in Pittsburgh, as well as in New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Sara initially worked for her mentor at Salon Vivace. Breanne and Sara met while working at Capristo Salon and Wellness Spa in Shadyside.
So what do they like about Allegheny West? The people and the potential. “The restoration of Allegheny West is a labor of love for everyone here,” says Breanne. “I saw myself in the fabric of this neighborhood.” Sara agrees. “I’ve truly never worked in such a diverse, friendly, communal and supportive neighborhood in all of the many places that I have been throughout my career,” she says. “In a year and a half, I’ve made lifelong friends here. It’s something special.”
The only disadvantage? “Parking,” says Breanne. “Two-hour metered parking doesn’t allow for much wiggle room—but everyone seems to make it work!”
Luckily, we’re all neighbors, so we can access the salon’s many services without the parking woes. Are you looking for a new look? Motive specializes in cuts and color. In fact, if you’re looking for the trendiest style, Breanne recommends Ombre and Ecaille highlighting and coloring. Breanne, Sara and their stylists will work with you to find the style that’s right for you. When giving a cut, they consider everything from face shape, skin and eye color, to the image the client wants to portray, their home-styling skill level and even the time they have to style. “It’s important to take someone’s lifestyle into consideration when discussing the look they want,” says Breanne. “We don’t want to put a high-maintenance cut on a person that doesn’t have time to style it!”
Looking forward, Breanne, Sara and their team are getting ready to participate in one of the largest cut-and-color competitions in the country. They’re also heading out to classes in Nashville and Philadelphia to keep watch of the latest styles. And keep an eye out for their new advertisements: they recently completed a professional photo shoot showcasing the styles of some of their current clients. In the meantime, you can see their creative styles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Motive Salon: 910 Galveston Avenue
Hours: T/W 10–7, Thu 11–8, Fri 10–6, Weekends 10–4 (Closed Mondays)
Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are accepted with availability
http://www.motivesalon.com
(412) 904-4606