By Gwen Rockwood, Motherlode mama of 3
If you enjoy a great haircut and great shopping, you’re gonna love the new sponsor we’re 
introducing today – Blue Door & Co. Owners Bill Oakley and Kyle Fields had the genius idea to combine a salon and gift shop into one hip, fun space nestled into downtown Bentonville. (Blue Door is also the business home of Rhonda Moulder, author of the popular “Help Me Rhonda” hair blog.)
Blue Door was born about 2 ½ years ago and was originally located west of town. About a year and a half ago, it moved to its current home in downtown Bentonville. With its exposed brick walls and high ceilings, the galley-style space shows off a French chic style with a modern, metropolitan flair. Eight hair stylists line the room and work their magic in front of huge, antique framed mirrors. The space that’s not used for hair styling is used for shopping, and gifts ranging from home décor to greeting cards to baby gifts are tucked into all the fun nooks and crannies. (Last week I even spotted a beautiful little crystal chandelier hanging overhead for only 40 bucks! Perfect for a little girl’s room or a powder room.)
The best shops and salons have a certain “X” factor that’s hard to capture with words. But the first time I walked into Blue Door & Co., I definitely felt that vibe – an undeniable energy and spark in the room where people talk and laugh and generally enjoy the day. It’s not uppity, as some salons feel. And it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Just stylish, light-hearted and fun. The stylists offer the full range of services as well as waxing and microderm abrasion treatments. They also carry hair products including Redken, Pureology, Terax and Glymed Plus skin care items.
We moms here at Motherlode are always impressed when we meet business owners providing a great service but we’re even more impressed when we find out they’re also serious about doing good work for their community. Last month the stylists pampered some of the residents of Havenwood Women’s Shelter with free haircuts and also donated a portion of the salon’s proceeds to the facility. Next month they’re planning some charitable work with the Susan B. Komen organization, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
So that’s the skinny on Blue Door & Co. – a salon with style and a heart. Hope you ladies try it out, and tell Bill and Kyle that the mamas of Motherlode sent ya.
