Door County hair studio moves up the street in Sturgeon Bay

Stacey Harrison

Contributor

May 4, 2026

STURGEON BAY – First Impressions Hair Studio has relocated in Door County, moving just up the street to 915 Egg Harbor Road.

Owner Crystal Brandt said the plan is to expand salon services once they are settled into the new space.

“We would like to go more medispa,” she said. “We’re checking into lasers, we’re looking into hot/cold plunge, possibly red light therapy. We’re also looking into GLP-1 weight loss, but that’s all a process.”

Brandt said those additional services are part of a five-year plan that began with the May 1 move.

She said the long-term goal includes adding stylists, massage therapy and nail technicians.

“We are diligently looking for massage therapists,” she said.

Brandt said staffing has been the biggest challenge, particularly finding workers to fill available hours and keep up with demand.

Still, she said all current services – including bridal offerings – will continue at the new location.

“That’s a huge thing in Door County,” she said. “We do very well with our wedding services.”

Brandt said she eventually hopes to employ six full-time stylists, two full-time nail technicians, a couple of full-time massage therapists and a full-time lash technician.

Customer feedback on the move, she said, has been overwhelmingly positive so far.

“We’re all very excited – and we’re excited to be doing it together,” she said. “Your guests become like your family after you’ve been doing it for 23 years.”

Brandt said she has clients she began working with when they were children getting haircuts in the salon’s signature airplane chair – a feature the studio is known for – and has continued styling them through milestones like prom, homecoming and even their weddings.

“That’s been a super, super exciting adventure for me,” she said.

Lifelong passion

Brandt said owning a salon had always been a dream, sparked by her aunt’s influence in the industry.

She said she watched her aunt go through beauty school and later worked reception at her salon in high school, where she developed a strong interest in the salon environment and services.

Following high school, Brandt said she attended and graduated from Martins College of Cosmetology.

She said she began her career in the industry in 2000, working briefly at two salons before seizing the opportunity to purchase First Impressions Hair Studio in 2002.

“I bought the business when I was 19,” she said. “So, that was a huge thing.”

Brandt said her parents have been a major support throughout her career.

“My parents really helped me a lot…,” she said. “I had no credit – nothing – and everyone said, ‘Are you sure about this?’ I said, ‘Absolutely, I can do this. I want to do this.’”

Brandt – a master stylist with certifications across multiple areas of esthetics – said the move to a larger space is the first opportunity she’s had to grow the business since purchasing it more than two decades ago.

“It’s very exciting,” she said.

Growing the business

Brandt said she has always hoped to expand First Impressions Hair Studio into a medispa.

“It’s really exciting to see that come to fruition, to become reality, to have my own building,” she said. 

After having rented space, she said the move was driven by her goal of owning the space, and is part of a broader five-year plan that includes expanding services and business hours.

“My hopes and dreams are eventually to be open seven days a week as well,” she said. “Sundays are very busy. That’s when people come in, but it’s hard to staff it.”

Brandt, a mother of six, said the most rewarding part of owning a business has been watching it grow.

“It’s absolutely rewarding,” she said. “I can kind of set my own schedule, which is another part I love.”

Brandt said she still works more than 40 hours a week, but has the flexibility to adjust her schedule so she doesn’t miss her kids’ activities.

As she looks ahead to the next chapter, she said she’s grateful for her customers’ continued support.

“We want to thank all of our loyal and dedicated customers that we’ve had during our 23 years in business…,” she said. “And we’d love to welcome more people as well.”

More information about First Impressions Hair Studio’s services is available at firstimpressionsalons.com.

Plans for the former space

Plans are already underway for the former First Impressions location at 1009 Egg Harbor Road, Suite 111.

According to the new tenant, the space will become Positive Sensory, a gym and wellness center designed for individuals who benefit from a sensory-friendly environment.

The owner told The Business News he hopes to open in June or July, with a follow-up story planned closer to the launch.