Community Archives - Cole's Salon

Behind the Beauty of Oribe’s 2025 Holiday Gift Sets

Cole's Salon — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:27:31 +0000

Texture, opulence, and everything gold

Yes, the holiday season is one for twinkling lights, warm beverages, and heartfelt gatherings with family and friends. But what do we most look forward to every year at Cole’s? Holiday gift sets. Particularly Oribe’s holiday gift sets, which feature stunning limited edition packaging designed each year by a different artist of a different medium.

“The holiday sets are a wonderful part of the Oribe culture, and everyone gets involved,” Daniel Kaner, president of Oribe and a longtime friend of Cole’s Salon, shared with us. Cole’s and Oribe have been working together for decades, a relationship built on a mutual dedication to artistry and education. One of our own stylists, Liz, is currently part of Oribe’s prestigious Journey to Mastery program. “Everyone has a stake in them: the storytellers, the fragrance people, the engineers … it mixes things up instead of constantly doing the same packaging.”

Jennifer Lacy Smith, vice president of product creation at Oribe, agreed. “It brings together all of our teams to work collaboratively but in a way that’s very joyful. They’re learning something that’s outside of their sphere of expertise. People clamor to do it every year. It has found its way into our leadership training and how we work with our teams and get them to interact in a really constructive and collaborative way.”

Past holiday set collections have highlighted the work of hand-drawn, watercolor, pottery, digital, and textile artists. For this year’s collection (which is quickly becoming our new all-time favorite), the team partnered with Finnish multidisciplinary artist Kustaa Saksi, whose work is deeply inspired by his Nordic background. The Oribe team discovered his art through a series of window dressings Saksi previously executed for luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman.

“Our sets are truly a collaboration with the artists,” Smith said. “We’ll seek out an artist who is interesting in terms of their dedication to their craft, the technique, the material, and the storytelling they do. Not only have they mastered what they do in terms of artwork, they have a very signature aesthetic. We share with them who Oribe Canales, our founder, was as a man. We talk about hairdressing. And then we come to an agreement on how we’re going to approach the designs.”

The prevailing themes of this year’s holiday sets are gold, texture, and opulence — a combination that elevates the brand’s packaging from a simple, functional box into an artistic canvas.

“Gold was a really big theme in Oribe Canales’ life,” Smith said of the late founder, a world-renowned celebrity hair stylist who worked with clients like Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker before partnering with Kaner in 2008 to create a namesake line of haircare products. “If we were doing packaging design in the old days, we’d say, ‘Okay Oribe, what should the packaging look like?’ And he’d always say, ‘Gold. Everything should be dripping in gold!’ So Saksi used golden threads throughout his designs.”

The result: packaging adorned in layered gold foils and intricate embossing, with artwork inspired by the Norse goddess Sif’s golden flowing hair. Saksi’s artwork also took inspiration from the black and cream ombre design of Oribe’s Gold Lust collection, one of the company’s bestsellers, as well as the bright blue of Oribe’s Supershine collection.

To further celebrate the beauty of Saksi’s work, Oribe also commissioned the artist to bring his designs to life in the form of a one-of-a-kind tapestry. It’s more than 10 feet long and took the artist six months to create.

“We’ve never done anything as abstract as this,” Smith told us. “What’s really interesting is that, with these sets, there’s this exchange between the artist’s archives and Oribe’s archives. And a lot of times there’s something that an artist will pick up on that is really intriguing to them about Oribe Canales. A past artist was inspired by his tattoos. For Kustaa, the weaving he does in his tapestries, we gravitated to it because it felt a lot like what a stylist does behind the chair with someone’s hair.”

“Oribe saw hairdressing as a fine form of artistry,” Kaner added. “He didn’t see it any other way. And hairdressers — people who work at Cole’s, people who work in some of the salons that we work with — are designers and artists.”

When we asked Kaner and Smith which of the four holiday sets they were most eager to get out into the world, the two were in agreement.

“It’s the liters,” Kaner said, referring both to the Gold Lust Liter Set and Oribe’s liter design more generally. “In the old days, in perfumeries, they used to have this thing called a factice, which was a big, oversized bottle of perfume — a giant version of whatever fine perfume was being sold. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could take our small bottle and make it a large bottle?’ It would look like a factice, totally different from all of our competitors’ stuff.”

“The liter size was one of the first assignments Daniel gave me when I joined the company,” Smith added. “It was so fun to make them, and such a challenge with the manufacturers. It had to be perfection. And when we decided we wanted to do a liter set, I was like, ‘You can’t get two bottles of liters and put them in a shopping bag and send somebody out. It has to be more fabulous than that.’ We built this book-like style packaging with a handle, so it doesn’t need a shopping bag. You just walk out of the salon with that. It’s so glamorous. And what a better calling card for the brand to see someone carrying that? It’s just really extraordinary and hefty, and it’s the greatest gift to give.”

Kaner has shared countless times with us the importance of being a life-long learner — something that has been part of the development and execution of the Oribe holiday collaborations over the last eight years. By engaging artists from different disciplines, Oribe has created an annual moment for the haircare community to learn and appreciate the nuances of artistry, craftsmanship, materials, technique, and culture in an engaging and joyful way.

Oribe’s 2025 holiday sets are available now, both online and at all Cole’s Salon locations. In addition to the Gold Lust Liter Set and Gold Lust Collection Set, we also carry the Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Set and Côte d’Azur Hand Wash and Crème Set.

“Cole’s guests have always supported Oribe — they’re one of our original visionary partnerships,” Kaner shared. “It makes sense. I’m from Minnesota, and they’re from Minnesota too. But they also really saw what Oribe could be in the earliest days. Most people don’t have that level of vision. I think it really speaks to their guests. We really thank the Cole’s guests for making Oribe so famous in Minnesota. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Making Minnesota Oribe Obsessed!

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Inside A Beauty Career at Cole’s

Cole's Salon — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 21:49:34 +0000

Our 350+ team members build community and friendship while simultaneously building their professional careers, whether they are just starting out in the industry or a seasoned beauty veteran. Read on to learn more about what makes Cole’s such a great place to grow a career from Isabel, an esthetician, and Amy, a designer.

Isabelle A. | Esthetician at our Burnsville spa

I came to Cole’s Salon right out of school, and starting out, I was a bit nervous about stepping into a salon that had such a high level of experience. However, the thorough training process here made all the difference. The in-depth training at my own pace helped me feel not only comfortable but also welcomed into both the industry and the Cole’s family. It has been truly surprising how much of a family we are here. The support and encouragement from my colleagues have been overwhelming in the best way possible. It’s been fantastic to receive advice and tips on techniques and to see different perspectives that have expanded my own approach.

The most rewarding part of my role is the joy of making a difference in my clients’ lives. Whether it’s brightening their day or boosting their confidence, knowing I’ve made a positive impact is what makes this career so special for me. One of the highlights of my start at Cole’s was attending our 45th anniversary celebration. It was an amazing opportunity to meet more of my coworkers and experience firsthand the deep sense of camaraderie and love that defines this place. Getting to know the incredible women I work with and seeing how much they support each other was truly heartwarming.

Amy J. | Designer at our Burnsville salon

Reflecting on my career, I feel like I’ve been doing hair for much longer than 18 years, but in the best way possible. I didn’t fully realize at 19 how perfectly this career would fit me, but now, it feels like a perfect match. The relationships I’ve built with clients over the years are truly special, and many have been with me from the beginning. To all of them, I can only say, “WOW!”

A big thank you to my mentors and everyone who has supported me along the way. And a special shoutout to my husband and our moms for their help with the kids and managing our busy schedules. Your support allows me to do what I love.

Working at Cole’s has been the best experience, and I can’t recommend it enough. I am always surrounded by amazing people that never fail to brighten my day.

Looking for a great place to grow your beauty career? We can’t wait to meet you! Check the careers page on our website to learn more about our team, culture, opportunities and the benefits we offer.

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Celebrating Gratitude

Heather Ehresman — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:55:04 +0000

As the holiday season approaches, our team members are taking a moment to express their heartfelt gratitude. Each of their reflections speaks volumes of the camaraderie, support, and appreciation shared among our staff. Join us in celebrating the spirit of thankfulness that resonates deeply within our Cole’s family.

“I am grateful for my family as well as my coworkers who have become family to me over these past couple years. They both help and support me in everything I do!” – Hannah D., Designer, Burnsville

“I’m grateful that I get to work with such an AMAZING group that inspires me every day! I’m also grateful for our corporate team that is so supportive!” – Susan G. Esthetician, Burnsville

“I am grateful to work with a community of like-minded people and professionals that feel like an extension of my family.” – Marlyce C., Designer, Apple Valley

“Good health.” – Jen P., Designer, Cedar Cliff

“I’m most grateful for my dedicated guests and for the relationships and trust that has grown over the years of servicing them. I’m also incredibly grateful for the opportunities to grow my career in a number one, first-class company.” – Kathy J., Esthetician, Savage

“I am grateful to be surrounded by my family and friends who show such love and compassion.” – Kellie R., Designer, Cedar Cliff

“I am grateful for my family, my friends, and my health!” – Elizabeth D., Esthetician, Cedar Cliff

“I am beyond grateful for my Cole’s family and everyone who has supported me throughout esthetics school and joining Cole’s Salon!” – Addie C., Esthetician, Burnsville

“My family, my health, and the incredible team I work with!” – Sarah B., Nail Technician, Burnsville

At Cole’s Salon, gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a cornerstone of our culture. We hold a deep appreciation for our team, guests, and the unwavering support that has shaped our journey.

Thank you for being a part of our Cole’s family!

Heather E. is the director of team development on our corporate team. She joined the Cole’s Salon team in 2007.

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Motherly Wisdom: Lessons Learned from Our Moms

Cole's Salon — Sun, 14 May 2023 10:15:02 +0000

Take a minute and think about it: What lessons has your mom or motherly figure taught you? Maybe it’s the simple mantra she’d repeat often or the quiet guidance she’d impart through her actions.

At Cole’s Salon, we believe moms make everything happen, big or small, easy or hard. So we’re taking one day out of the 365 worthy of celebrating moms to reflect on what they’ve taught us over the years. See what some of our team members had to say:

“Soak up all the snuggles because these babies grow up quickly.”

– Jill H., from the Cole’s Corporate Team

“Always be grateful throughout the good and bad times, both will teach you a lesson.”

– Hannah D., designer from our Burnsville location

“Even if you’re on the right track, if you stop, you’ll get run over.”

– Emma N., esthetician at our Savage location, pictured here with mom Julie N., advanced designer and assistant manager at our Burnsville location

“Let them be little. Cherish their childhood.”

– Heather E. from the Cole’s Corporate Team

“Be kind to everyone and never be afraid to be you.”

– Hayden C., First Impression Team assistant manager at our Apple Valley location

“All are welcome.”

– Svea S., from Cole’s Corporate Team

“My grandma has always said ‘kids will be your best teacher in life.’

I couldn’t agree more! My kids have taught me more about life than any book or educator!”

– Tammy M., advanced designer at our Burnsville location

“Never give up!”

– Jen S., advanced designer and assistant manager Burnsville

“Hard work never goes unnoticed.

It takes time to earn trust. Once you have it, take care of it/don’t take it for granted.

Also, the kitchen isn’t finished being clean til the stove is wiped down and the floors are swept.”

– Becca N., FIT Corporate Manager

“Be patient and have faith.”

– Carmen O., Apple Valley Manager

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and motherly figures out there, from the entire Cole’s Salon team!

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