Chartered in 1852, Zionsville, IN, is a small town located 20 miles northwest of Indianapolis. Lined with many small stores and restaurants, Main Street is one of the town's biggest attractions. A number of hair salons also dot this street, including Ansatz Hair Salon.

Ansatz' owner, Brooke Ferrin, opened the salon in May 2006. She had just moved back to her hometown of Zionsville after living in Europe for 15 years, where she studied under Vidal Sassoon and later worked with Klaus Peter Ochs, the president of Intercoiffure Mondial. When a space on Main Street opened up a little more than a year later, Ferrin knew she wanted to open a salon there. "When I was growing up, I always admired the buildings on Main Street," Ferrin says. "When I saw that a space was available, I knew my salon belonged there."

The 2,000-square-foot salon features a modern decor with hunter-green walls, large mirrors in front of the styling stations and black, square chairs. The salon offers mostly hair services, but clients can also receive a manicure, facial or eyebrow threading.

While Ansatz continues to attract many new clients via word-of-mouth, Ferrin plans to organize and become involved in various community and in-salon events in the future to gain even more exposure.

Prices vary for services with the other stylists at the salon, and Ferrin's services come at a much higher price point because of her expertise and experience in the industry. Her clients consist mostly of higher-end locals and vacationers, who are treated to complimentary coffee and drinks at a private wet bar inside the salon. Here, clients can relax before and after their services. "There's a very peaceful atmosphere here," Ferrin says. "My clients like that they are never rushed because I don't do one client right after the other. They usually stay awhile when they visit. I tell everyone to treat the salon like a little home."—NICOLE PALMIERI

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