The Business: Unruli Salon Story By Megan Byrd Photography By Jennifer Cook Downtown Franklin has all the charm necessary for trend these days. The vintage look in fashion and architecture has taken the hot seat, and while modern and sleek still do it for some, antique does it for most. Steeped in 200 years of history, the 15-block historic district of downtown Franklin is an amalgamation of preserved buildings, Victorian architecture, brick sidewalks and modern conveniences. And as fate would have it, this antiquity that’s so peaceful and warm to the Franklin community is proving alluring to more than the city’s own. Greater Nashville is undoubtedly becoming a hot spot for city transplants. The city whose musical associations alone give rise to an importation of residents has others filtering in, thanks simply to the general charm of southern gentility. Nashville, and thereby Franklin, are quickly becoming the places people go when L.A. burns them out and the congestion of New York is wildly apparent. Together, these become the “city” with the uncanny and natural feeling of home that other towns somehow lose in the oblivion of hustle and bustle. Don’t believe it? Just ask Uli Reyes and Shane Pinjuv – owners of Franklin’s new Aveda concept salon Unruli. They’re transplants from none other than Las Vegas – the entertainment capital Unruli’s co-owners have been in the beauty business for more than three decades combined. Both Reyes and Pinjuv began as Las Vegas performers, and the two met backstage at the Folies Bergere at the Tropicana Hotel. Considering the short lifespan of most performance careers, the two knew retirement was inevitable and began planning for careers off the stage. During his time on stage in Las Vegas, Reyes earned extra cash by working as a stylist to dancers and performers. In 1986, during his final run at the Riviera Hotel, Reyes opened Upstage, his first salon, which he still co-owns. Following a similar route, Pinjuv worked at many of the best salons in Reno and Las Vegas before opening his own salon, Rage, in 1998. Afterward, desiring some respite from Las Vegas’ hectic lifestyle, Pinjuv and his family moved to Joplin, Mo., where he opened The White Rhino, a salon he still owns today. But how did these two Las Vegas natives get here, and why did they choose Franklin, of all places? Their decision wasn’t as random – or difficult – as one might imagine. “Franklin sold itself,” says Reyes. The business partners both have family in town, and that made the choice easier. Reyes was the first to move, but it took little to convince Pinjuv to follow suit. “I didn’t want to build the business alone this time around,” says Reyes. “I wanted more time for my family, and I felt that having a partner I know and respect would work out great for both of us.” Located on 3rd Avenue North, Unruli makes its home in a renovated 1920s, two-story house right off the square in historic downtown. By chance or by choice, Unruli outwardly embodies what it hopes to offer: the unique alternative, the authentic choice in an industry that’s unimaginatively streamlined. Franklin is, in Pinjuv’s words, the “real thing.” Both Pinjuv and Reyes believe people are looking for an authentic experience more than a designed concept. Franklin, they say, is unique to that experience. “We felt Franklin has so much to offer the up-and-coming generation without sacrificing historical integrity,” Pinjuv says. “This area is unique. It sparks so much creativity, which is great for our business.” The interior of the building maintains the spirit of the historic neighborhood by incorporating both modern and vintage elements on a canvas of warm earth tones and creatively lit space, an ideal fusion of seemingly incompatible worlds. Functioning as an Aveda Concept Salon, Unruli says it offers a fashion/lifestyle combination that exceeds the expected standards of service. And the two co-owners bring their talents to the table to make sure the salon flourishes in a way that is unique to the Franklin environment. Reyes serves as the technical director, focusing his expertise in teaching and mentoring, while Pinjuv works primarily as the director of personal image enhancement. The neighborhood looks all the better for the added Vegas flare! HEADED TO THE SALON? The salon is full-service, offering cuts, colors, perms and straightening for men, women, children. Skin services include facials, waxing and other aesthetics. Unruli also offers manicures and pedicures.