The Getting Ready Experience With Blushington NYC
Plus, the brand just expanded to Houston…
As soon as you walk into Blushington NYC, the first location of the renowned beauty lounge that opened in 2011 by sisters Stephi Cohen and Nicki Maron, you notice the feminine vibes. There is a line of salon stations on the left and right walls with a book desk in the center of the room that promotes reading and sharing books. Known for their blowouts and makeup, they also do skincare, brows, lashes, wigs, and sell women-owned skincare products. The salon’s services are concise, not overwhelming, and they get you in and out in a timely manner. But, the most poignant thing I took away from my blowout was not the beauty result at the end of having my hair and makeup done, it was the kindness and hospitality of the staff.
Nicki Maron & Stephi Cohen, Blushington’s Founders | Photo provided by Blushington
It’s a concept that when looking back, Nicki finds pride in. “When I look back on the last 15 years, one word comes to mind: joy,” she tells Seele. “It brings me immense joy to see women feel more confident and beautiful because of Blushington. We started by solving a problem we personally experienced - wanting high-quality beauty services that were accessible, consistent, and effortless - and it turned out to be something so many women were searching for as well. Fifteen years later, that same sense of purpose remains. Knowing we’ve been able to play even a small role in how women show up in their lives - that’s everything.”
For blowouts, there are several options to choose from, like the classic Blowout of a wash, dry, and styling at $63, Dry Styling at $40, to an Updo at $100. There is also styling for wigs. I tried the classic Blowout. I was immediately ushered to the wash bowl where the stylist gave a thorough shampoo and conditioner wash. She even massaged my scalp a little- a much needed touch as it was the end of the day. Back at her station she meticulously blow dried my hair with such precision and skill. A lot of beauticians can burn the scalp as they work, but my pro assistant was so skilled with a blow dryer that it’s a relaxing experience just to get a blowout.
I was asked how I wanted my hair styled and curled, if I wanted waves or simply curls. Their patience and professionalism exceeded my expectations. I felt listened to, I felt the stylist’s patience, and I felt like the team is there to serve.
For makeup, the Full-Face Makeup is $80, and done by one of Blushington’s pro artists. If you just want your eyes done only, that’s possible, and there’s even makeup done for those under 12 years of age. And, makeup can be done for special events like a wedding. The makeup artist took the time to match the foundation to my skin tone, and took her time to apply eye shadow and find the right lip color to match the natural tone in my lips. She also meticulously applied mascara and blush.
“At its core, Blushington is about more than beauty - it’s about how you feel. We’ve built a brand rooted in inclusivity, kindness, and excellence, where everyone is welcome and every client leaves feeling like the best version of themselves,” says Nicki.
Houston
In April, Blushington opened in Texas, in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood at 3601 Westheimer Road. Franchised by Courtney Freels, a Blushington client who saw the need to bring company to her hometown. “The very first time I walked into Blushington’s Dallas location in 2015, I immediately thought, ‘Houston needs this,’” she explains. “I emailed the company that same day asking them to come here. Fast forward almost 10 years later, and it feels surreal to now be the one bringing Blushington to Houston. It was always the perfect fit for a city full of women balancing busy lives while still wanting to feel polished, glowy, and effortlessly chic.”
Courtney Freels | Photo provided by Blushington
Houston offers what New York City and Boca Raton offers, from professional makeup applications, blowouts, and skincare treatments for day-to-day care or for special occasions. And so far, the women of Houston are taking to the concept.
“The response has been incredible,” says Courtney. “Houston has embraced the concept, and clients love that they can get blowouts, makeup, and skincare all under one roof. We’ve already had inquiries for full salon buyouts, bridal events, and girls’ nights - which has been so exciting to see so early on. The energy in the studio feels fun, elevated, and social… exactly what we hoped Blushington would become in Houston.”
What makes Blushington so successful is its franchise model, where the right entrepreneur can open a location in the brand’s target market locations: Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and California. The initial investment to open a location ranges from $585,500 to $805,100, and discounts for veterans and multi-unit owners is available.
Blushington Houston | Photo provided by Blushington
Nicki is proud of the new Houston location. “It’s an incredibly dynamic and fast-growing market, with a strong community of professional women, entrepreneurs, and a deep culture of philanthropy,” she muses. “It’s a city where people are busy, social, and constantly on the go - Blushington fits seamlessly into that lifestyle. We offer something truly unique: a one-stop beauty destination where clients can receive professional makeup, hair styling, skincare services, and more - all under one roof. That level of convenience and consistency doesn’t currently exist in the Houston market in the same way. As Houston continues to grow - with steady job expansion, population increases, and a thriving business environment - we see Blushington becoming an essential part of our clients’ routines, whether it’s for everyday confidence or special moments.”
My experience exceeded my expectations. I thought I was going to any typical salon. As a Southerner, I was blown away by NYC hospitality which matched Southern hospitality. Nicki, Stephi- and now Courtney have been able to capture the meaning of accessible beauty in a way that delivers top notch service, kindness, hospitality, with an in-and-out concept that leaves clients feeling valued and feeling stunning.
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