Annette Carlson of Mane Image...She just knew

Annette Carlson knew from a young age what her calling should be. As a child she always found a reason to spend time in the home based hair salon, Beauty House operated by Carol Holz, the mother of her childhood best friend. Annette was in her element whenever she was there. So it was not a surprise that for Career Day in the fourth grade Annette, complete with a borrowed smock and name tag from the aforementioned salon, spent the day as a hairstylist. She just knew it was her calling.

Annette grew up in Dodge Center, attended Winona Tech College and in November of 1994 was first employed in Byron as a hair stylist. In 1997 the opportunity to purchase Kathy’s Studio, an existing salon in Claremont came about and Annette purchased the business and renamed it Mane Image Hair Salon. In 2004 she moved her business to the

Annette Carlson, Owner

lower level of her home in Mantorville. Needing more space and gaining more visibility she moved the business to its current location at 11 West Main Street in Kasson in June of 2009 after spending two months remodeling the space. Her three stylists from the Mantorville location, Trisha Busch, Brenda Berghuis and Erin Kispert, all moved with her to the new location in Kasson, formerly Rica’s. Jesse Phelps rounds out the staff of hair professionals at Mane Image Salon, all ready and willing to do cuts, perms, colors, up-do’s, waxing, ear piercing, pedicures and manicures. The salon also offers tanning.The salon staff is gearing up for the upcoming season of prom and wedding updo’s along with tanning and nail services. Having five stylists on board means they are capable of handling bridal parties or large groups for other events. A full product line is also available with Redken, Kenra, Enjoy and Moroccanoil. The salon welcomes men, women and children.

“Eighty percent of our business is local”, shares Annette. “We also have clients from Rochester, Stewartville, Kenyon and Owatonna and some of my clients have followed me from Byron to Claremont to Mantorville and now Kasson”, Annette says with a smile. Having a strong following indicates a loyalty not often found especially over a span of 17 years. Annette is quick to mention that being the sole owner of the salon has its ups and downs. “The best thing is I have flexibility when it comes to my family”. Family includes husband Eric, two adult step daughters, four year old twin sons and another baby due in April. Annette and her staff are also strong supporters of the annual American Cancer Society Dodge County Relay for Life with the “Wacky Team”. She is grateful that being a business owner has allowed her to support a team and work for a cause important to her. Years of hard work and wise decisions have paid off and made the struggles of owning a business worthwhile proven by her loyal following. Good thing young Annette discovered her calling early in life; it’s hard to picture her doing anything else.