Upon entering Robar Beauty Salon & Spa, a visitor might first notice the recently remodeled interior, splashes of canary yellow or vibrant fuchsia, or the smell of organic hair products wafting through the air. But owner William Robar—an industry veteran of almost 40 years—remembers his salad days in less prosperous locations. His first salon "was so busy I didn't know where to put the people!" he laughs, recalling its cramped layout. His clientele ranged from street criminals to drug dealers. "In those days it was wild. Every walk of life came into my salon."

Now a sought-after celebrity stylist, William has clipped and styled famous hair for Frank Sinatra, Barbara Walters, and President Bill Clinton, who needed a trim before delivering a presidential speech. Inside his upscale salon, William and his team of certified stylists use their fashion instincts and mastery of the sibilant scissor language to team up with shears and craft elegant coifs for men, women, and children.