AU COURANT | OF THE MOMENT // THE DEN | 7900 SE 28TH STREET
When was the last time you felt excited about your hair and your personal style? Au Courant’s mission is to make you look and feel as fabulous as you were always meant to.
< Barb Hovsepian, Owner/Operator at Au Courant | Of the Moment // The DEN, captured in front of her Mercer Island salon in October 2020. Keep scrolling to read an interview with Barb about her business.
Photography: Lisi Wolf
Describe your business in one sentence.
Au Courant Salon and The DEN is about making clients look and feel their very best by offering an exceptional service and styling experience.
Are you an Islander? How did you decide to open a business on Mercer Island?
My family and I are longtime Island residents. It is rewarding to both serve my community and employ community members on Mercer Island. This was a driving force in my location decision.
Do you remember the moment or time when you told yourself, “I have to do this”?
My dream of owning my own salon was a long-term plan. The fact my dream came true in the town I live in and love was incredibly exciting.
What makes your business so unique?
Au Courant Salon & The DEN offers full-service styling for the entire family. Our unique points of difference are The Den, our specialized barbering area that caters to men of all ages, and POSH wardrobe & image consulting. In addition, we are committed to advanced and continued education for our Stylists, offering new trends and styles seasonally.
What was your experience adapting to the new COVID reality?
As an owner, I had to set the reset button. Re-opening was like opening a brand-new business as everything changed with new mandates, restrictions, and protocols due to COVID. Finding new ways to stay connected with my team was fun and rewarding; thinking out of the box to manage the new normal is now a part of daily life.
We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products/services that you had not thought of before? How did it work out?
We have learned how to operate as Stylists wearing masks, goggles, and face shields! Who would have thought?!
If there was a single product, service, or expertise you should be known for, what would you say it is?
Innovative Design
Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.
Most people do not know how to properly shampoo and condition their hair, so we frequently have this discussion with our clients. Fun Fact: We do more than 7,000 haircuts a year!
What is your favorite spot on Mercer Island?
Aubrey Davis Park (formerly the Lid Park) in the fall; a close second is Mercerwood Shore Club Beach in the summer.
Since you’ve been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders and the Mercer Island community in general?
Islanders love their Island community and are incredibly supportive of Island businesses. Our residents are our cheerleaders. We are thankful for and humbled daily by the love, support, and loyalty we receive.
When you are not working, what is your favorite pastime?
Time with my family and dog, yoga, and cooking.
If you had to convince a non-Islander to come discover our town, what would you tell them?
Mercer Island is a family-oriented community with award-winning schools, beautiful parks, unique shops, restaurants, and personal service experience options. On MI, you are close to everything yet feel “removed” and able to enjoy the comfort of a cozy community.
Learn more about Au Courant | Of The Moment // The DEN at aucourantsalon.com.