Movers and Makers: Hush Salon Philadelphia

Small businesses are the heart and soul of the city. The Dominic Fuscia Team proudly supports all local Philly businesses. We are excited to announce our very first small business spotlight, Hush Salon Philadelphia in Old City District. Voted Best of Philly, (multiple times) this spot is a must-visit if you’re in the market for a new salon. It’s relaxing vibe, perfect location, and warm and cozy atmosphere provide a one of a kind experience for clients. Our friends at Hush Salon Philadelphia just so happen to be our neighbors in Old City! So, sit back, relax, and check out the first of many spotlights that will be featured on our new blog series: Movers and Makers.

Located at: 128 N. 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA only a few blocks away from our office in Old City!

Meet the Makers: The owners of Hush Salon Philadelphia, Carlos and Adrienne

When did you open Hush? Why did you choose Old City?

We opened Hush Salon Philadelphia in 2008. We ended up in Old City kind of by chance because of a long standing friendship, with someone who at the time, was the owner of Sweat Fitness. We were living in New York City and were making plans to relocate back to the area, researching areas in the city that would be best for our new salon. At the same time, we discovered that our friend was expanding the Sweat Fitness gyms into Old City District. The gyms were adding amenity style businesses to complement the fitness industry (i.e. tanning, spas, and salons), so our idea to open here fit perfectly. It was a match made in heaven. In 2014, a first floor space became available just up the street, and we jumped at the opportunity to relocate our business to a larger space, with a great storefront on 3rd street. #N3rd has truly become our new home as well as a gateway for our success.

What is your background?

Adrienne has been in the industry for over 25 years, starting her career after high school, working in the Rittenhouse area. Carlos has had a more varied professional career (school teacher, personal trainer, bike shop manager), but got into hair after being self-trained in barbering for many years. Impressive, right?

What inspires you in Philadelphia and what is your favorite aspect of the city’s culture?

We don’t have too far to find inspiration in Philly. Our staff does an awesome job of inspiring us to want to do our best, and to be on top of our game everyday. For trends and style, inspo is a step or two away. It’s easy to discover trends if you just hit a local cafe, boutique, restaurant, or venture around the neighborhood to see what people are wearing or what they’re doing with their hair. 

Philly definitely has specific areas to hit if you’re seeking out a particular thing, like boutiques, galleries, or hair salons (visit Hush Salon Philadelphia in Old City), or neighborhoods that have maintained the same identity for many years, i. e. the Italian Market, and Rittenhouse Square. There are plenty of places to go and explore and see change, and there are also places that literally say “Yo, Philly!” and that just makes you feel part of the culture.

Philadelphia culture captured by: Philadelphia Magazine

How did you come up with the name of your business “Hush”?

Loaded question! The name Hush was the result of a potential trademark issue with our previous name. Our original name was Bang, and after doing what we thought was due diligence prior to opening, we went with that name. Six months after opening, a salon in Washington, D.C. sent us a cease and desist notice. Without getting into the details of trying to work things out, we were forced to change our name. Trying to come up with a name of any business can be a challenge; in our case we “googled” the opposite of bang, and the rest is history.

What attracted you to the neighborhood?

Old City has a good mix of businesses, historical buildings, café’s and restaurants. Geographically, it’s fairly easy to get to from other parts of the city, from the surrounding suburbs, or even New Jersey and Delaware. Because our clients come from all over, it makes it an easy destination. Old City has worked out great for us! We feel there is a bit of a community feeling since there is a good mix of residential homes, apartments, and small businesses. We have established good relationships with fellow business owners, and there is an effort to showcase the area in a positive way through efforts of the Old City District and other local organizations.

Has COVID-19 affected your business? How are you coping?

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely impacted our business in a number of ways. Being forced to close was scary and ripe with anxiety. It was stressful from both a financial and emotional aspect.  We are very fortunate to have a supportive staff and clientele who stood by us as we navigated our way into the unknown when it came to staying afloat financially. We initially did not receive any loans or grants, though our entire staff became eligible for unemployment, and our landlord took money off our rent.

Upon re-opening, we have done all we can to adjust to the new restrictions regarding social distancing and creating a clean safe environment.  We did receive a PPE loan shortly after re-opening. The biggest change has been alternating our staff to three days a week (six days, every other day, longer hours) and trying to fit in our clients on a reduced schedule.  We have also lost some clients who may be fearful of the COVID virus or have underlying conditions. We're not complaining!  We're open and we're grateful to be back in business!

Outside of Hush: Carlos, Adrienne, and Ruby the shop dog. #Rubyshopdog

We know this question is difficult, but what is your favorite local Philadelphia restaurant?

There are so many! But, if we had to pick, Royal Boucherie. Check it out, it is nestled in historic Old City. Located at: 52 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia 19106

Instagram photo source: @royalboucherie

What is the best advice professional and/or personal advice you ever received?

Actually two pieces of advice. First, always follow the #MFD’s (mother f*g details) because that’s what people notice and details are what set you apart from the rest. Also, as business owners, the mantra ‘kiss-slap-kiss’ is imperative when it comes to employee or client relationships, or when you may need to address touchy subjects.

“We are grateful to be featured as the inaugural ‘Movers and Makers’, selected by The Dominic Fuscia Team. - Carlos, Owner/Operator, Hush Salon Philadelphia ”