Hidden Gems: Meet Valerie Waggoner of FOIL+GLOSS Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Waggoner

Hi Valerie , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio, where I worked in top salons and honed my skills in the hair industry. I’ve always been passionate about learning and mastering my craft, which led me to seek out the best education and experiences available.

In 2020, after everything opened up post-COVID, I moved to Blairsville and quickly noticed a gap—small salons with limited access to ongoing education and the professional resources I was accustomed to. After building a strong reputation and being booked out months in advance, I decided it was time to open my own salon, FOIL+GLOSS, to bring that elevated side of the hair industry to this community.

FOIL+GLOSS provides top-tier education and the finest products, including Goldwell color, Oribe, and R+Co styling products. Our brand is all about luxury, with a laid-back, “come as you are” feel that makes everyone feel at home while receiving the best the industry has to offer.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being in a small town I received a lot of hate for bringing a “luxury experience” at first the people in our town said that we can’t charge “Atlanta pricing” however as clients came in and saw they received excellent service and gorgeous hair, that attitude quickly diminished. We are now the number one salon in our town!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about FOIL+GLOSS Salon?

As for me, I am a Master Colorist and Stylist, specializing in all facets of hair. Our brand is modern and forward-thinking—we stay on top of the latest trends and techniques and are known for our stylists’ exceptional technical skills. We’re proud to offer a welcoming environment where clients feel they can truly be themselves while enjoying a high-end, luxury experience.

At FOIL+GLOSS, we provide a full range of services, including all types of hair coloring, haircutting, keratin treatments, hair extensions, as well as brow and lash services.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?

I’m definitely a risk-taker. After COVID, I needed a fresh start—staying in Cleveland felt stifling after everything shut down for so long. Moving here, leaving behind my old life, and opening my own salon was a huge leap of faith. But I believe that without risk, there’s no reward. This journey has been the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done, and if I had to, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Foilandgloss.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foilglosssalon/profilecard/?igsh=MTU2dGpocjRkMXRkYw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15MoVBW5zm/?mibextid=LQQJ4d