Business Spotlight

A Unique Neighborhood with Thriving Businesses

March 2022 Business Spotlight

Philip Johnson Salon/Spa

Meet the Owners

Phil Shipman and his business partner, Bonita Johnson, opened the doors to Philip Johnson Salon on February 3, 1992. Before opening the salon, Phil had previously trained in London, Amsterdam and many educational institutions in the United States. Phil also served as the Educational Director for the Missouri Cosmetology Association. Now, Phil focuses on training and educating the service providers at Philip Johnson on how to grow their skills and careers while also working behind the chair, taking care of his many loyal clients, where he will remain until March 31.

Josh Beatty took over as owner of Philip Johnson in July 2021. Josh had previously worked for a nationally recognized salon in Dayton, Ohio, and joined the team at Philip Johnson in December 2007. Josh began working part-time as Guest Services Coordinator and became full-time before leaving briefly to pursue opportunities at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Once Josh returned, he became the full-time manager of the business, oversaw tremendous growth, and helped foster an inclusive culture that other salons only dream of. Josh emphasizes the client experience, which, if you look online, you will see reflected in their overwhelmingly positive reviews. Another emphasis for Josh is employee engagement. For him, creating a work environment that is prosperous, fun, and upbeat not only makes his job more manageable, but that environment trickles down to the clients as well.

The Business

Philip Johnson is one of the oldest businesses in the Central West End and the only business in the neighborhood to offer Aveda products and services. When the salon opened its doors, they were one of the only salons in the area to serve a multi-ethnic client base.

The goal, both then and now, was to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere where everyone could relax and get pampered. The salon experienced tremendous growth early on, and it doubled the size of its space in 1996 to include spa services and become a full-service salon and spa for men and women. Another expansion happened in 2007, and it has grown to become one of the top salons in St. Louis and the country. The talented staff and their desire to create a culture within the business where everyone feels welcome and cared for has always been their top priority. By focusing on the needs of their guests, they have created a loyal customer base and earned the praise of industry leaders like Salon Today Magazine, which has awarded Philip Johnson the honor of being a top 200 salon in the country for the last seven years.

Community Impact

Philip Johnson has been a staple in the Central West End for over 30 years, and “giving back to the community” is part of its mission statement. Over the years, they have hosted numerous charity events that give back to local businesses in the district. They even hosted an annual Earth Month event that donated proceeds to help protect clean water in Missouri. They host an annual Food Drive in the fall that benefits the Trinity Food Pantry in the Central West End and a yearly Toy Drive during the holiday season, where they partnered most recently with Children’s Hospital at Barnes Jewish to benefit local children in need. They plan to continue being a staple in the Central West End and giving back to the community they cherish.

For more information on the Philip Johnson Salon and Spa, visit their website, Facebook page, and Instagram, or call them at (314) 361-8003 to schedule an appointment.

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