Meet Annie Milke of L'auberge Golden Day Spa & Salon!

Tell us about your salon, and how long have you been in business? 

L'auberge is a salon and a spa and has been an established for 23 years.  Hair services include all forms of color techniques, cutting creations, offsite weddings, and in-house bridal parties.  We offer spa services from body treatments to skin care and waxing services, and we also have a private nail area.  We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service and dedication.  Our team goes the distance for all our guests.

What do you offer your client's that makes your salon & spa stand out? 

Something incredibly unique about our salon is the longevity of the team.  We have team members that have all worked together since the day we opened.  Our team consists of everyone having the same priorities. We give 100% to our work, but we work around our family time keeping our work environment naturally harmonious.  Guests constantly compliment us on how well we all get along and take care of each other.  We have always said our salon is created to look more like a home then a traditional salon, that is the vibe we like to promote.   Also, all our stations are private areas, and guests love it!  They receive our undivided attention and they do not have to be right next to other guests; it gives them a sense of coziness and privacy.   They really use the walls as their own little oasis to talk and be comfortable with us. 

With the Covid shut down there were a lot of people joking about cutting their own hair.  Once you reopened, did you have a lot of hair repairs to make?

That is a great question.  We had some repairs, but we really stayed in touch with our guests via Social Media.  We offered all sorts of different ways to work with their hair as well as "How To" videos.  We also offered them over the counter solutions to help with color to minimize any "box" color catastrophes.   Our guests were very appreciative with all the communication they received from us during the lock down.

What has owning a salon & spa taught you about people? 

I went to college and received my bachelor’s in business and Psychology while I was a working full time as a hairdresser.  After college I planned to continue and get my master’s, but my college advisor said, “I actually think you should open your own salon”.  I laughed, I never thought I could be that responsible.  I really enjoy working with people, creating fun looks for them and educating them on hair.   I have gotten to know many guests as both an owner and as someone who stands behind the chair 4 days a week.  Guests share their life with you, every aspect you can imagine.  In my 23 years, we have experienced 9/11, the crash of 2008, and now Covid.  I really do work with the best team out there and would not want to work with anyone else by my side.  You must have positive people around you.  Our team always says, "if your negative you won’t last working here". 

What are your interests outside of work?  

I have been married to my husband Bobby for 20 years and we have 2 kids, Grace is a Sophomore in college and Michael is a Junior in high school.  Both are active in their sports.  My interests became being their cheerleader in the stands.   I love photography so they are used to me always having a camera around and taking pics.   

If you could go back in time knowing what you do now, what advice would you give to yourself personally and professionally?

Probably take a breath.....things always work out.   Owning a business, you worry about every decision and how it will affect not only yourself but your team and the overall wellness of the salon.   Just breath

Tell us something not many people know about your business?

The salon's full name is L'auberge A. Golden Day Spa & Salon.   A. Golden (Annie Golden) is my maiden name.

Where is your favorite place to eat while in Barrington, and what dishes do you recommend? 

Since the salon is in The Foundry, we often have sweets from Ambrosia.  My team likes to order from PL8, and I have to say I really enjoy going into Region for a good glass of wine, and the 500Hot Rock Steak always impresses me.  

What makes Barrington special to you? 

I started working in Barrington 33 years ago, it is really where I created my path, and I could not imagine working in any other town.