Natomas Resident Takes Over Local Salon

BY ROBYN EIFERTSEN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Sometimes all it takes is the right timing for a dream to come true.

That was the case for Natomas resident and hair stylist Andrea Brandon, 34, who recently jumped at the chance to buy her own beauty salon.

“It has worked out better than I could have ever imagined it,” said Brandon, who opened ICE Salon and Spa in October.

For eight years, Brandon styled hair at The Spa at Natomas, an Aveda retail outlet, located at 1900 Del Paso Road. But when ownership changed at the adjacent gym, and the salon appeared to be in danger of closing earlier this year, Brandon made her move.

“I love Natomas and when the opportunity came up to become an owner of the salon, I was very excited,” Brandon said. “I couldn’t bear seeing another Natomas business close, especially a salon.”

The salon’s name – ICE – stands for inspire, create and educate. Now as owner and head stylist, Brandon said she’s changed the salon from “top to bottom.”

A native of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Brandon credits her strong work ethic to being raised by dedicated teacher parents who never missed a day of work. She used her first pair of scissors professionally as an instructor at Des Moines La’ James College of Beauty in Des Moines.

Brandon moved to California in 1998 and worked at the Akimbo Salon and Spa in downtown Sacramento for six years before being hired at Aveda.

Brandon and her husband, Dominique, have lived in Natomas for 10 years. They have a daughter, 7, and a son, 6. Their ties to the local community are important.

“We will be an active supporter of local events and charities to help build our business and community back up in Natomas,” she said.

ICE Salon customer Deb Wurgler said she appreciates Brandon’s willingness to invest in Natomas.

“The fact that she lives here in our community and wants to do something that she loves so much here in her own community,” said Wurgler. “I think it says something.”

The 2,100 square-foot full-service salon offers haircuts, color, conditioning and styling, as well as massages, cleansing and facial treatments. The beauty shop also provides hair removal services, manicures and pedicures.

Brandon’s hope is that clients leave her salon rejuvenated. 

“I try to inspire (our clients) to be ready for change. To create a look for them. And then educate them on how to do it themselves and how to take care of it,” she said.