Tropical Trenz is keeping it green and beautiful.It can be a tedious and pricey ordeal when renovating any space, especially a business. It’s even more difficult to make it an environmentally conscious, cost-efficient process.
Kihei’s Tropical Trenz Salon did just that.
“I did my research,” said Kim Jones, owner of Tropical Trenz Salon. “It was great how so little went such a long way and we were still able to keep it green.”
When Kim realized her salon looked slightly outdated, she sought to remodel and update the interior, giving the location a softer look.
“When I saw how easy it was to be eco-friendly, I continuously tried to find ways to remain green, at home and work,” said Kim.
After researching and bargain shopping, she recognized she could actually creatively reconstruct her business, while at the same time create the least amount of waste possible.
“Reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Kim. “That’s what we did.”
Tropical Trenz Salon went through a “green remodel” last fall in two weeks time for merely $20,000, including labor. The only waste created was the removal of the existing floor.
Kim hired licensed contractor Kevin Jones of Jones General Reconstruction and Michael’s Painting to give her salon a reasonably priced makeover with high-end quality. The company uses many renewable resources, and Kevin was able to do most of the work, while wasting very little in the process.
“I trusted his work, not only because he’s my husband, but because he’s able to utilize renewable materials and make the place look great,” she said.
Cork, a renewable resource, was used to replace the existing floor. Cork can be harvested with minimal environmental impact as trees are spared during harvesting.
Cork is durable, water-resistant and has natural sound reduction properties—great for a chatty atmosphere and its daily wear and tear. It’s also excellent on the stylists’ feet and legs, as they are standing all day.
“It’s so beautiful and gives the salon an amazing feeling,” said Kim.
The styling stations were covered in bamboo paneling, which is also a renewable resource. They kept the existing mirrors and set up new shelves that she found while bargain shopping.
“You have to do research when remodeling and be smart about utilizing your resources,” said Kim. “You don’t have to redo every single thing.”
The light fixtures in the ceiling were changed, keeping the existing cable and transformer.
“I was changing so many light bulbs every month before the new fixtures,” said Kim. “With 25 fixtures utilizing halogen lights, it got quite pricey.”
“Since the remodel, I have only changed three bulbs,” she said. “Less waste for the landfill.”
The old shelves were distributed to the staff members who wanted them—no waste there. Existing retail units were sanded and stained an espresso color, painting over the wood, instead of replacing them. “This gave the units an updated look while keeping the landfill happy,” said Kim.
“Our salon looks like one of those you see showcased in a trade magazine, has an incredible oceanview—and we didn’t have to spend $100,000,” said Kim.
“We only created waste with the floor and the old light fixtures,” she said. “The rest was reused.”
Tropical Trenz also stresses the importance of “green” daily operations.
“The staff tries really hard to make an effort to be green,” said Kim.
Instead of using disposable cups and mugs, Tropical Trenz’ Manager Judy Clemens washes dishes while keeping the salon running smoothly. They recycle cardboard and other select items as well.
“It’s the little stuff that makes the biggest difference,” she said.
“Living on Maui where garbage is becoming a huge problem, it’s essential to produce less waste,” said Kim. “If we all lived like we are on an island, I’m sure our decisions would be different.”
Tropical Trenz also offers an eco-friendly product line from Paul Mitchell.
“They’re an unbelievably great company,” said Kim. “We are a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon and proud of it.”
Kim believes Paul Mitchell’s “Giving Back is the New Black” and “Head for Change” campaigns over the last few years have really made a difference.
Tropical Trenz even offers pet care products from Paul Mitchell for your furry little friend that are “tested on humans first.”
“They are one of the most conscious companies I know,” she said.
Part of the proceeds from all the salon’s holiday specials will go to charity through Paul Mitchell.
Tea Tree products are also available at Tropical Trenz, including fresh lemon sage and lavender mint fragrances—and for every bottle purchased, money goes back to replanting trees to lessen carbon footprinting.
“It’s possible to remodel your business, while at the same time creating very little waste,” said Kim. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”
Check out the eco-friendly Tropical Trenz Salon, located within the Mana Kai Resort at 2960 S. Kihei Road, or call (808) 875-0747 for more information.