About Us
our Environment: upscale, immaculate environment, an energetic and exciting ambiance full of original art work and unique design
our Size: NOT a chain, we have a genuine interest in each client we service
our Little Extras: scalp massage and hand treatment, refreshments and makeup touch-ups with every service
our Quality: Aveda Hair, Skin and Body Products, Chi & Solano Styling Tools
our Education: educating our clients and educating ourselves through annual trips to New York and Chicago bringing the best techniques to you
our Commitment to Community: giving through philanthropic events
our Departmentalization: mastery comes from our specialization
our Communication: consultation procedures in place to guarantee desired look is achieved
Mission: Our mission at salonW is to provide upscale service and style like Des Moines has yet to see, turning every client into a ravingFAN.
Departmentalization: Just as you would experience at top salons in New York and Chicago, we are departmentalized. This means our staff specializes in either cutting or color. This specialization allows our staff to be experts in their area of focus.
Education: We take education seriously at salonW and strive to set the benchmark in excellence for Des Moines. We operate on a level system based on industry experience and education. Each member of our team completes an extensive advanced education program that takes approximately one year to complete. Our advanced stylists continue education with weekly classes and out-of-state education trips in order to train with the best in the industry.
China
OWNER
ChinaWong is a graduate of Iowa State University and began her career in the Chicago finance industry. As a client of up-scale Chicago salons, China was mesmerized by the innovative environments, skilled stylists and superb service. She aspired to join their ranks and attended the prestigious Aveda Institute Chicago. Following completion of her program she was recruited to work for the international renowned Van Michael salon located in Atlanta. She moved to Atlanta to study under industry leaders like Natalie Gurley (2004 NAHA finalist for Colorist of the Year). 
China then partnered with Meredith Venesile (Aveda Global Educator) as a senior colorist for Asha salon in downtown Chicago. China’s client list is extensive and has included Barack Obama, Supermodel Emme, Michele Norris and NFL Cheerleaders from the Atlanta Falcons to name a few. China has honed her skills in some of the most competitive markets in the country. She opened salon spa W in 2005 to bring her experiences, education and up-scale service to Des Moines. *China is no longer taking new clients, but has several staff members that have been trained in her approach and studied with her for years.
Katie Jo
STYLIST
Level 4, Haircut $59
Katie Jo’s life is inspired by art. She enjoys discussing and considering all the visual inspiration around her. She seeks inspiration thru fashion, architecture, painting and education with industry leaders. She has taken styling and cutting classes in New York City with industry superstars Ian Michael Black and Gerard Scarpaci. She uses her eye for design to create the most flattering silhouettes and shapes possible for her clients. Whether you are best suited for a trendy cut with lots of texture or a classic shape to accentuate your best feature, Katie will be able to deliver the best look for you.
Mollie
STYLIST
Level 3, Haircut $49
Mollie is the Director of Operations at salon spa W and one of our most popular stylists. Mollie’s diverse life experiences help her connect with every client and create a truly fun salon experience. She loves to travel and recently returned from a cutting class in New York City with Nick Arrojo from What Not To Wear. Her passion for technical excellence has also led her to seek education from world renowned stylists like Vidal Sassoon International Creative Director, Mark Hayes. The former New Orleans and New Hampshire resident brings big city style and diversity back to the Midwest. Look out Des Moines—Mollie’s making an impact on Des Moines hairdressing!
Anna
STYLIST
Level 3, Haircut $49
Juut salon in Minneapolis was established by the founder of Aveda and is well known for turning out very talented stylists. Anna began her career at Juut and lives up to their reputation for turning out talent. She has trained at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in San Francisco and seeks education from leading artists like Woody Theis and Nathanial Hawkins. Anna has a cool, modern sense of style that affords her the ability to make great recommendations for your hair.
Elle
STYLIST
Level 1, Haircut $35
Elle has a warm and vivacious personality and an obvious passion for the beauty industry. Elle is a very efficient stylist and has a large following of male guests that love her accurate cuts created in an efficient time frame. Elle has an education in business and marketing from Iowa State University and is a salon spa W Advanced Education Graduate. She produces gorgeous blowouts and loves styling techniques. She has had advanced styling training with Jon Reyman.
Lance
COLORIST
Level 2, Single Process Color $60
Who is everyone raving about these days? Our colorist, LANCE! Not a day passes without hearing “Lance is amazing!” or “My hair has never looked so good!” We aren’t sure if it is Lance’s passion for hairdressing, sweet nature or keen eye for enhancing your best features, but one thing is certain, he is talented. So talented that Lance just returned from an Advanced Color Class at Aveda’s New York Academy as part of the reward for winning the Aveda 2007 Be Curly Hair Competition. His dedication and hard work has afforded him opportunities to work professional actresses, news woman and models like Rose Mcgowen, Michelle Norris and Stephanie Brown.
Sarah
SPA SPECIALIST
Sarah comes to salonspa W with several years of experience in the beauty industry. She is obsessed with glossy, shiny, perfect no-chip manicures and boy, are her clients noticing! Her attention to detail and beautiful results are in demand. Her infectious laugh and giving nature make her a wonderful service provider. We love Sarah and think you will too!
Abbey
SPA SPECIALIST
Abbey is a graduate of the Aveda Institute Des Moines. She loves giving facials and performing body waxing services. She knows the ins and outs of the Aveda skincare line. She is able to customize services for each client to help achieve their desired end result. Her sense of humor will make you feel comfortable in all services, particularly in those pesky body waxing procedures.
Gina
MAKEUP ARTIST & SPA SPECIALIST
Gina comes to us from the land of razzle dazzle… Las Vegas! Gina lead an exciting life of makeup artistry for stage, print, special events and television for over ten years. She has performed services for Pepsi, Magic Fashion Week and the CMT Music Awards. In addition to makeup services, Gina performs massage therapy. She is an Aveda Institute graduate and loves to make her guest’s day by giving a great massage. Gina will make you look and feel beautiful from head to toe.