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Exploring Life & Business with Cris Coleman of Dolce Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cris Coleman.

Hi Cris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in a salon environment from a young age, so the beauty industry has always felt like home to me. In 2002, I officially began my own journey behind the chair, and as my love for the craft grew, so did my vision. By 2007, that vision became a reality when I built Dolce Salon in West Lake Hills – a 2,500 square foot space designed to be an oasis of beauty and luxury.

From the very beginning, my mission has been bigger than hair. I’ve always believed in leading with integrity, intention, grace, authenticity, and awareness – values that guide not only our work but also the way we care for our clients and one another. My goal has been to create an environment that is transformative, one that nurtures both inner and outer beauty with positive, healing energy.

Over the past 18 years, Dolce Salon has grown into a thriving, full-service salon offering everything from precision color and hair extensions to men’s hair replacement, makeup, nails, and facials. We’ve been blessed with an incredibly talented team whose passion and skill make everything possible, and a loyal community of clients who have supported us along the way.

Looking back, it’s been a journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose. And looking forward, I’m as inspired as ever to continue setting new benchmarks in the beauty industry and to keep growing the Dolce Salon family.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most meaningful journeys, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Opening and growing a salon comes with its share of challenges – from the realities of running a business, to navigating economic shifts, to balancing the needs of a team and clientele.

The pandemic was another test of resilience for us. Overnight, the beauty industry was turned upside down, and like so many other small businesses, we had to adapt quickly, stay connected with our clients, and keep our team motivated through a time of uncertainty.

But each challenge has shaped Dolce Salon into what it is today. The obstacles taught me persistence, strengthened our culture, and reminded me why I started in the first place: to create a space of beauty, care, and community. In the end, those struggles became stepping stones that made us stronger, more intentional, and more connected to the people we serve.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dolce Salon?
Dolce Salon is a full-service salon in West Lake Hills, Austin, offering a wide range of beauty services. We’re best known for our hair coloring, hair extensions, and bridal hair and makeup, but in addition, we provide haircuts, perms, Brazilian Blowouts, men’s hair replacement, and hair treatments. We also offer hair styling and makeup for special events, nails, and esthetic services including facials, peels, waxing, and brows.

What truly sets us apart is our philosophy. We believe beauty isn’t only external, it’s about creating an environment that uplifts both clients and our team. Every member of our team is selected not only for exceptional skill but also for qualities like integrity, authenticity, intention, awareness, and grace.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built over the past 18 years. We have more than 500 reviews and an average of 5-stars. Beyond accolades, I’m proud of the relationships – the generations of families we’ve served, the brides we’ve prepared for their most important day, and the confidence we’ve helped people step into after a transformation in our chair.

If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that Dolce Salon isn’t about a quick service. It’s about an elevated experience that’s personal, transformative, and lasting. Our mission has always been to lead with positive, healing energy and to set new benchmarks in the realm of inner and outer beauty. That commitment is at the heart of everything we do.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is people, both our clients and our team. Hair is the art form, but the true reward is the connection. Every day, I get to witness transformations that go far beyond the mirror: the confidence in someone’s smile, the joy of a bride seeing herself ready for her wedding, or the sense of calm a client feels after taking time for self-care. That’s why I started Dolce Salon – to create a space where beauty is not just external, but an energy that uplifts and carries into every part of life.

It also matters deeply to me to provide a supportive environment for my team. I’ve always believed that when stylists feel inspired, valued, and cared for, that energy flows directly to the clients. We don’t just focus on services, we focus on fostering integrity, intention, authenticity, grace, and awareness. That culture is what I’m most proud of and what I believe sets us apart.

At the end of the day, what matters most is using this work to bring healing, confidence, and connection to everyone who walks through our doors.

Pricing:

  • To view our pricing menu, you can visit: https://www.phorest.com/salon/dolcesalonllc

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