Fringe Hairdressers - Elmira Satellite SBDC - New York SBDC Success Stories

SBDC Success Story

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The Fringe Hairdressers team

The Fringe Hairdressers team

Kristina Rhodes
Fringe Hairdressers
Elmira Satellite SBDC

Fringe Hairdressers, a totally green salon located on historic Market Street in Corning, has grown quickly since it was started by its owner, Kristina Rhodes. The salon utilizes energy efficient lighting, is committed to recycling, and saves all hair clippings to be sent to “Matter of Trust,” a nonprofit organization that utilizes hair clippings to assist in the cleanup of oil spills. Kristina, with more than 25 years’ experience in the salon industry, consulted the Corning SBDC for assistance with basic start-up and planning and worked with Business Advisor Susan Buchanan to develop a business plan. She submitted an application for an SBA microloan to the Regional Economic Development and Energy Corporation (REDEC), and was approved for a $20,000 loan.



Fringe Hairdressers started with two hair stylists, and after two months the business doubled its complement of stylists. Now, just shy of the one year anniversary of its opening, Kristina employs seven hair stylists and a salon director. Kristina also supports the local NYS BOCES program by training interns; she currently has four of them. Her business continues to grow and has a very well-respected reputation. The salon has a design consistent with Kristina’s mission to provide service and style using environmentally-responsible practices. She is working with Aveda® - an international beauty company widely recognized as a pioneer in the development and use of eco-friendly hair care products. “I now have a fabulous salon and a great staff - something I couldn’t have done without Sue Buchanan and the Small Business Development Center,” said Kristina.


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State University of New York City University of New YorkASBDC Accredited Member Pace University Columbia Business School

SBAPartnership Program with the SBA, administered by the State University of New York. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling the SBDC at least two weeks in advance.