Contributing Writer Lizzy Nyoike takes readers inside Get Gorgeous Salon & Spa on Selby Avenue, highlighting how founder Ilka Bird turned a neighborhood salon into a generational staple of St. Paul’s Historic Rondo community.
Credit: Photos courtesy of Lizzy Nyoike/MSR
On the corner of Selby Avenue and Victoria Street in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, Get Gorgeous Salon & Spa has continued to serve as a gathering space where clients return year after year, often bringing children, grandchildren and friends through the same doors.
Owner Ilka Bird celebrated the salon’s 19th anniversary in June, marking a milestone in the longevity of her business and her continued commitment to clients.
“I love my community, I love being here and seeing the generations grow up and come back. It makes me feel fulfilled to see the generations,” Bird said. “People have made me part of their family, and that’s what keeps me connected.”
Bird first established her business on Grand Avenue before relocating to Selby Avenue in 2007. When given the opportunity to move into the Rondo neighborhood, she expanded from a 550-square-foot salon to approximately 1,000 square feet, allowing room for additional stylists and services.
Although the address changed, many of her clients remained. Bird said she began her career working at Rita Amborn’s salon before opening her own business. Through every move, customers continued following her, while new families discovered the salon through word of mouth.
“Most of the clients have come to me or continue to come to me, generations after,” Bird said. “Of course, I’ve lost clients. Either they moved or they’ve passed on.”
A Chair for Everyone
Today, Bird describes Get Gorgeous as a multicultural salon where everyone is welcome. She credits much of that welcoming atmosphere to life experiences beyond the salon. As a mother, Sunday school teacher and longtime community member, Bird said she’s learned how to connect with people from all walks of life and every generation.
“I would call myself multicultural because I have everyone that sits in my chair,” she said. “There’s not a shade, color or sex that doesn’t sit in my chair.”
That ability to connect with clients has helped her business evolve along with changing beauty trends. After nearly 30 years as a licensed cosmetologist, Bird offers a wide range of services, including haircuts, relaxers, natural hair care, loc maintenance, coloring and styling.
“I do re-twists, naturals. I’m really comfortable with chemicals. I do a lot of colors even on natural locks,” Bird said.
As demand for beauty services continues to grow, Bird is looking to expand the salon’s team. She is currently seeking experienced hairstylists, braiders, nail technicians and an esthetician to serve clients’ needs.
“This community is changing, growing, and all ethnicities want a little something new,” Bird said. “Let’s keep everybody beautiful. Let’s get them gorgeous.”
Supporting Small Businesses and Local Entrepreneurs
Beyond salon services, Bird has also begun offering beauty products, jewelry and snacks inside her business. She hopes to continue expanding those retail offerings while supporting other entrepreneurs.
“If anybody’s out there that has natural oils, butters, I would love to support them as well,” she said. “I’m a small business, and I like to support small businesses. That’s my motto.”
Looking ahead to the next five years, Bird said she hopes to continue growing within St. Paul. Her long-term vision includes adding a barbering division, expanding retail offerings and eventually purchasing a building that would allow the business to serve more clients.
“I would love to grow even more square footage than I already have,” she said. “I would like to stay in St. Paul.”
As Rondo continues to experience new investment and development, Bird said she wants Get Gorgeous to remain part of the neighborhood’s future.
Located at 878 Selby Ave., the full-service salon and spa continues to welcome new clients while preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Bird said she hopes to mark the occasion with a community celebration that reflects the neighborhood that has supported her for nearly two decades.
Get Gorgeous is seeking seasoned estheticians, hair braiders, nail technicians and lash technicians. For more information, reach out to getgorgeousmn@gmail.com or call 651-291-8997.
Lizzy Nyoike is a Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication student and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. She welcomes reader responses at lnyoike@spokesman-recorder.com.