A new chapter begins for Mondovi hairstylist as she opens salon centered around family

by Dana Serum

Branching out on her own, longtime Mondovi hairstylist Kendra Edwards has decided to start a new adventure in her career. She opened her own salon, “Hair on the Hill,” on May 11 to be closer to her home in Eleva. 

“I decided to branch off due to having younger children and having the opportunity of having a place to open my own salon right next to my house,” Edwards said. “This way I am more flexible for my family and my customers allowing me to extend my evening hours.”

Edwards said that decision seemed like the right move for her to be more freely available for her family life.

“If my kids have school programs, practices or games I am able to be more available,” Edwards said. 

Edwards graduated from Mondovi High School in 2000, and at first, she planned to head into the medical field. 

“I originally wanted to be a nurse but realized I can’t even pierce ears, so probably not the job for me,” Edwards shared. 

Edwards decided to take a chance and attend cosmetology school, and while at the Professional Hair Design Academy in Eau Claire, Edwards became passionate about her work. 

At that time, Edwards began to work for what was then Classic Cuts in Mondovi, and not even a year later she and partner Lisa Amidon bought the salon, which is now Hair It Iz. Edwards was part owner of Hair It Iz in Mondovi for nearly 12 years. Edwards is also an educator for Scruples, which is a color line for hair care. 

“I travel to other salons to give them classes on Scruples products and have opportunities to work at hair shows and hands on classes,” Edwards said. “I will also continue to be an educator. I feel it helps me keep up with all the changes in the industry.”

Edwards said that she is very proud of her 13 years working in Mondovi, and continues to appreciate the relationships she’s developed over that time. 

“I’ve gotten to know all the great customers and their families that came in to Hair It Iz whether they were in my chair or someone else’s chair,” Edwards said. 

Edwards also said this transition is possible because of the support of her family,  husband Craig, (married in January 2015) who works with Durand Sanitation, and children, Mackenzie 15, Ethan 10, Jesse, 9, Landen, 8 and Mason, 5. 

“Life is busy but we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Edwards said. 

Edwards shared that the salon is very  family friendly, but it will also be a place  customers can come to enjoy a relaxing, stress-free experience. 

“I have already set some rules for my kids on when I’m at the salon I’m working so no distractions,” Edwards said, saying her children will not be allowed in the salon during work hours. “[But] I will be a family friendly salon, I’ll have a TV, toys and coloring books and the kids can always run around outside in our big yard, and if my kids are home they can entertain.”

Edwards said that her current hours are  flexible, stating the desire to be available and convenient for her customers, even for those last minute hair emergencies; she will be readily available to take appointments accordingly  

“I’m not setting definite hours until things get started so I can see what hours are busier and work for my customers,” Edwards said. “There are times when things happen in life and your hair is the last thing you think about; I want to be available as well for those situations.”

The salon, Hair on the Hill LLC is located at N51247 County Rd FF, Eleva. Although Edwards believes it is easy to find, she added that people tend to get lost if they type the home address into their GPS, 

“I”m on top of the hill on the left. You can see both log cabin homes from the highway,” Edwards shared. 

Edwards offers men, women and children’s haircuts, coloring and perm services, facial waxing, spray tanning, wedding and prom styles. 

“Also, a head massage and a hot towel neck wrap for everyone,” she added. 

Having what was described as a great 13 years in Mondovi, Edwards mentioned hopes that current clients will find her move a convenience rather than a burden. 

“For some of my clients it’s actually closer, some further, but I will be grateful for current and new customers,” Edwards said. “I have been blessed with wonderful family, friends and customers and I look forward to this next step in my life.”

Edwards will be open Monday through Friday and Saturdays by appointment, and will be closed on Sundays for church, family and rest. To schedule an appointment, call or text Edwards at 715-495-1080 or email kendrahaironthehill@yahoo.com.