“We really help people understand what they need.” Those were the words of Ooh la la Salon owner Susie Misini-Hassett.
She’s an Australian native who moved to Hong Kong in 1994. Misini-Hassett met her husband, James Hassett, while in Hong Kong 12 years ago, and they were married in 2021. They met through a business-oriented connection, worked together through the gym she owned, became friends and then got together.
“He let me be who I wanted to be,” said Misini-Hassett, who already owned a home in Ocean Reef and had retired. They moved to Ocean Reef in 2016 but still traveled a lot before deciding to start their next adventure.
In 2017, the two started Barracuda Carts in which they rent, sell and fix golf carts at Ocean Reef. “The business did so well that James thought, ‘What else does Ocean Reef need?’ And I realized many people were driving to Miami, including myself, to get their hair done every four to five weeks. I traveled all around the world, and I wanted that feeling a little bit.”
In January 2020, they opened a hair and nail salon — a one-room salon at Ocean Reef. They were passionate about curating a staff that wasn’t only from the Keys, but was also a mix of locations. “That’s a lovely way to be because of the education that comes from that,” said Misini-Hassett. “They enhanced a lot of the idea of what the salons are about, the quality and standard of the stylists.”
“The urban feel along with the quality of service provided a raise to Ooh la la to another game,” she continued. “What’s wonderful is that the staff all have an opportunity to learn more and have dual expertise.”
The couple then met Jeri Delgado-Ioannou and her husband, Alex Ioannou, who owned Trio Salon in Chicago for 25 years. Ioannou is the executive director for Ooh la la. Both had worked for Vidal Sassoon, traveling and working internationally.
“We learned early on it’s the cut that counts and have moved to the present day and adjusted for that. Hairdressers are artists and still need to be taught the technique, the business side and feel inspired working as a team and on projects together,” Delgado Ioannou said.
Altogether, they have created a vision, culture and a happy staff that’s operating out of Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo. In June 2022, Baker’s Cay approached them when salon space at the resort became available. The property wanted a cohesive salon, and Misini-Hassett was able to give them what they were seeking at the resort.
“We have the largest staff of hair stylists, nail techs skilled in many nail services, massage therapists and estheticians. We are really focused on different dimensions of wellness — not just hair and nails.”
Ooh la la also provides hydrafacials, facials, waxing, spray tans, massage/couples massage (inside and at the beach), eyelash extensions, brows and professional makeup. They also have services for men so they can look and feel their best, and they specialize in wedding parties either at the salon or on location.
One of the very popular treatments is the hydrafacial, which is conducted via a professional patented technology machine along with the trained esthetician. It hydrates and cleanses the skin, and people can choose from six boosters that help with anything from detox, aging and sunspots to acne.
“The process makes the skin nice and plump just right for makeup, even before a wedding. We can also do dermaplaning, which preps the skin for the most effective penetration,” Misini-Hassett said.
Ooh la la offers its own makeup line consisting of blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, highlighters, lip gloss and lipstick, to name a few. It’s all hypoallergenic and not tested on animals. They use this line for weddings and sell the complete line at Ocean Reef.
“Cosmedix is our product brand of choice and includes various masks including charcoal, serums, cleanser, body scrub, and a don’t leave the house SPF sunblock. We also do treatments here using these products such as a body scrub,” Misini-Hassett said.
What sets Ooh la la apart? “We get walk-ins and last-minute calls, so we have therapists and stylists here all day so we can help you. Having staff available makes us different from many other salons and spas where scheduling someone may be difficult because they don’t have their team there all day.”
Misini-Hassett added, “We really hope our staff sees the bigger picture, believes what we believe in and the long-term growth. The salon industry is very come-and-go, so it’s educating the staff that we are here and together. We really aim to keep the group together.”
The salon can work with large groups between all the massage therapists, and the space at Baker’s Cay including two remote rooms and beach area for massages.
“At Baker’s Cay, we offer a 10% local discount. So, scheduling a service or two at Baker’s Cay and enjoying a nice lunch and the property is a great way to pamper yourself. We also have gift cards which are the perfect holiday present.” She chuckles, smiles and finalizes by saying, “I don’t know what I was thinking that it was just going to be a dry hair salon. Now it’s evolved to this.”
Call to schedule an appointment at 305-852-3143 or www.oohlalaorc.com.
