J Bauman Salon, Orlando

In 1993, Les Arthur Bauman finally realized his dreams of opening his own salon, which he called Arturo's. He had two stylists, some shears, and not much else, but he worked hard to build the business. While he got the salon up and running, his son, Jes Bauman, became the second generation of the family to pursue hair as art, pursuing an education in New York. Eventually, Jes returned to Orlando to help his father and, ultimately, to take over the studio. He renamed the business J. Bauman Salon, but he preserved the family tradition of expanding the customer base, one expertly cut head of hair at a time.

To date, Jes has accrued more than 20 years of experience and has built up a talented stable of more than 20 stylists. His team constantly snips, colors, and extends hair at 17 stations spread throughout the now-upscale salon. The decor has matured alongside the business. It blends dark hardwood floors with high ceilings fitted with bright, recessed bulbs, which are ideal for helping stylists focus on their work rather than those mysterious shadows looming in the corner.