Although Shannon and Allyson King opened Hair & Co BKLYN just three years ago, they have been well known in figures in the hair industry for decades, working as educators, salon consultants and creative innovators in partnership with top global brands.

Now, we are delighted to announce that the husband-and-wife ownership team has joined the Kao family of salons, and Shannon has joined the Kao Salon Division education team as a National Artist and Creative Development Consultant for the Goldwell and KMS brands in the U.S. In his new role, Shannon will serve as a consultant on training development for stylists and salons with a focus on haircutting, finishing and texture, as well as on retail and sales merchandising training. He will also act as a mentor and development coach for Kao Salon Division educators.

“The comprehensive planning and big-picture support we get from Kao is something we’ve never had before,” says Shannon. “Now we’re scheduling and planning for the entire year – how we’re going to develop and build our team and our business, even how we’ll celebrate our newest salon’s anniversary. They are very much focused on our future and our growth.”

The Hair & Co BKLYN team has just completed color and retail training, and the Kings are impressed with the feedback they’re getting from their savvy – and particular – stylists. “We’re getting unsolicited raves from stylists who don’t pull any punches about product likes and dislikes,” laughs Allyson. “Both the Goldwell and KMS brands fit our portfolio really well, and our team is absolutely in love.”

Allyson, who these days spends most of her time managing the successful Hair & Co BKLYN business (stepping in every once and while to do a shampoo), sees their decision to partner with Kao as a matter of value. “When you add up all education, tools, Salon Alliance resources and continual opportunities you get for upgrades and growth, there’s just no one else out there that offers so much value for money,” she says. “Even the Salon Alliance loyalty program is incredibly robust; as a small business, our dollars simply go farther with Kao.”

The Kings are frequently asked to consult and advise new salons and salon owners on building a successful business, and value is a theme Allyson frequently returns to. “Salons need to assess what value besides product does to a manufacturer offer. How far does your money go? What educational and marketing resources will you get? You can’t do it all alone, so you want your partner to really have your back.”

We welcome this fantastic team to the Kao family and wish them the best of luck as they continue to grow and thrive.