Salon Sanctuary Concept

Sara-ann Swanson is organizing this fundraiser.

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The Beauty Temple has always been much more than a salon — it’s been a place of peace, self-care and connection. For 23 years, I’ve poured my heart into creating this alternative to conventional salons. Now, with your support, I’m ready to grow the Beauty Temple into a larger space where more people can find truly personal attention in a private sanctuary setting.

Over the years, I’ve learned that many people don’t feel at ease in typical salon environments — the noise, the overwhelm, the lack of privacy. The Beauty Temple was built differently: as a quiet, one-on-one retreat where clients are truly seen, heard, and cared for.

Thanks to the incredible power of word of mouth, the demand for this kind of nurturing space has grown beyond what I can provide alone. Last spring I got clear that an expansion would be in my future - and only one year later the perfect opportunity showed up. Even though it came much earlier than expected, I knew in my heart to trust and move forward.

In addition to growing the Beauty Temple space and team, I’m launching an innovative new project: the Salon Sanctuary Concept. This model is based off of the Beauty Temple and reimagines the traditional salon experience by offering private rooms equipped with individual styling stations and fully lay-down head massage / hair wash setups, eliminating the overstimulation and lack of privacy common in open floor plan salons. Clients will receive services in a peaceful, one-on-one environment that prioritizes their well-being and relaxation. Equally important, stylists will have a schedule and workplace designed to support both their physical and mental health and wellness, something that is mostly non-existent in the hair industry.

The new Beauty Temple will serve as a model for the Salon Sanctuary Concept. My larger mission is to promote this salon model far and wide so that someday it will exist and thrive way beyond just myself and the Beauty Temple.

Starting this expansion and larger project is both exciting and humbling. If you feel called to support this dream — whether by donating, sharing, or simply cheering me on — I would be deeply grateful.

Financial support will be used to continue with the rest of what needs to be acquired and done. About $7K for the rest of remodeling and building and approximately $4K towards supplies like products, tools and equipment.

Would you consider donating $5 - $20? No contribution is too small or large - all support and enthusiasm mean so much to me.

This isn’t just about expanding a business — it’s about creating positive change in the beauty industry and the world we live in. I’m incredibly grateful for your belief in this vision, and for helping me bring it to life.

With so much gratitude and excitement,

Sara-ann

FAQs:

Where is the new location?

1701 4th Ave E, Olympia — just before Ralph’s on the right-hand side, in the big two-story yellow house with a huge chestnut tree on the corner. The main floor is Olympia Tattoo Company; we’ll be in the beautiful daylight basement on McCormick Street side!

What’s happening with your current salon space?

It’s being transformed into a cozy two-bedroom short-term rental (Airbnb/Vrbo) to help cover my mortgage, since I won't be "renting from myself" anymore.

What about your parents?

They’ll stay in their addition of the house. While we’ll miss the daily visits, they’re very supportive and excited for this next step.

How’s Kyle feeling about it?

Kyle has been amazing—he's been helping with remodeling and working on multiple tile projects.

And the boys?

Micah (11) doesn’t have much of an opinion yet. Emmit (14) thinks it's cool and has offered to help—although he’s begging me to keep the hair-wash setup at home. They both surprised me with donations for my recent birthday. So sweet.

What about your dogs?

Maxx and Missy might feel the change the most—they’re used to me coming home for lunch every day, but will be in good hands when I'm away.

When will you open the new location?

I’ll start transitioning into the new space sometime this month!

Will you pass your clients onto your employees?

No - while that’s the plan for the distant future as I ease into retirement someday, right now I will continue working with my existing clients. New clients will be booked with my team.