By Michelle Williams

Last month, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Salon opened its doors for the first time at 110 W. Main St. Ste. 108 in Carmel. Previously located at 96th and Meridian, the salon management felt that the opportunity to partner with Do-tique in the downtown site was an ideal fit for the strategic vision of the business. “It made sense, because the new Carmel location is in the center of the community,” said owner Tanya Foster.

KKBB opened its flagship location in Fishers in 2007, adding the Meridian location in 2014. An additional location also opened in Fullerton, Cal. in April. “We believe that fashion, music and art are born out of a common thread, and we want to bring it all together,” said Erin Brown, manager of creative services. True to its deep ties with music, the Carmel location is owned in part by music group The Dirty Heads.

The salon requires stylists to complete an apprenticeship program. One creative focus of the salon is to provide education to guests about how to replicate salon styles at home and properly care for their own hair. KKBB offers the Deva Curl and Kevin Murphy product lines, selected based on quality natural ingredients and the staff educational programs offered by the brands.

“I found my voice and confidence in this industry,” said Foster. Her vision was to break the mold of the typical salon and cultivate a collaborative, team-oriented, and creative environment where stylists feel safe and valued.

On May 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the salon is hosting its Cuts for a Cure event with a silent auction in Carmel. Cuts are available for a minimum donation of $30. Proceeds benefit Kathy Sumner, mother of KKBB founding member Stephanie O’Hara. Sumner is battling Stage IV metastatic breast cancer following a 20 year remission.