Meet Alexandra Billette | Salon Owner & Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Billette and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Opening my salon allowed me to take control of several key aspects of my career that were important to me.
I loved the idea of hand-picking my team, Starting with great business partners.
Building a positive and supportive work environment was a top priority, and selecting stylists who shared our vision of a healthy work-life balance was crucial.

I wanted to create a salon where everyone felt valued, and clients loved coming. Having the autonomy to make that happen was my biggest motivator for opening my own business.

When I opened my second location, which was a solo endeavor, I did so purely out of wanting to work a couple of days a week closer to home. My second Salon Kindred Mission opened last year at the new Seven Hills development on Old Mission Peninsula.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My early career in Chicago was incredibly formative. I had the privilege of learning from exceptionally talented mentors. These mentors were not only masters of their craft, but also skilled communicators who understood the importance of truly listening to their clients. I learned that being a successful hairdresser requires more than just technical skill; it’s about building trust and understanding through clear communication and active listening. These are the principles I carried with me when I left Chicago to open my own salon in downtown Traverse City.

My home town salon clientele in Traverse is built on a foundation of personal connections. my first clients after moving home were many childhood friends and family that grew from there to what it is now which is a tangled Tetris mess, booked out months and months. This strong community support has allowed me to grow organically, without relying on any paid advertising. I now have the honor to cut generations of hair. I have the grandparents as clients, the parents and the grand-children too!

What surprised me most is the depth of the relationships I’ve formed with my clients. They’ve invited me to share in their lives, confiding in me their dreams, struggles, and milestones. These connections have become incredibly precious to me. I cherish the trust they place in me, not only to care for their beauty needs but also to hold their stories for them.

To be able to offer some support for them and build genuine relationships over decades with people is a truly beautiful gift for me. I feel honored to hold space for them in my heart and in my salons.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a perfect day trip, I’d recommend exploring my own stomping grounds – the Old Mission Peninsula! Start with a tour of the wineries and savor the flavors of locally produced wines. Stop by Kindred Mission Beauty at Seven Hills and say hello (I’d love to see you!). Later, enjoy a craft cocktail at the Old Mission Distillery or grab a delicious bite at Mission Proper. For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike at Pelizzari Natural Area, and for a memorable evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at The Boathouse restaurant overlooking the bay.
If you are looking for a downtown experience, take a walk downtown Traverse and hit up Red Ginger for dinner in the summer or Stella at the state hospital in the fall or winter time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom was my absolute rock in helping me achieve my goal of owning a salon. Both actually. She instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, and always kindness that have been essential to my success.

She led by example, showing me how to dedicate myself to my goals while uplifting those around me. She was incredibly supportive, not just of her own five kids, but of our entire community – friends, coworkers, teachers, and coaches. She was a working mom and whether it was giving extra rides, hosting sleepovers, or feeding entire sports teams, she was always there for everyone.

She taught me the importance of being a great community member, a fantastic mom, and an all-around good person. Her infectious enthusiasm for life and her boundless kindness are qualities I strive to emulate every day in my business. Honestly, I’ve never met anyone who could match her incredible spirit.

Her influence continues to guide me, and I’m eternally grateful for everything she’s done.

Website: http://www.salon804tc.com

Instagram: kindredmissionbeauty

Facebook: http://salon804tc.com/home

Image Credits
My mom (Betty McGrew) in the last photo