L. E. Duke Salon - Twin Falls

The history of L.E. Duke Salon began in 1991 when L. E. Duke Kodesh and Julie Conley met while working at a Twin Falls salon. The two ventured out on their own and opened Reflections Salon in the Blue Lakes Mall in Twin Falls in 1991, along with two hair stylists and a receptionist. They have continually expanded, moving to Main Street in 1994 and adding numerous services and additional stylists.

In 1999, they decided to build or buy a new location that would accommodate spa services. They spent the next five years planning for the expansion and getting finances organized.

In January 2002, the two were married and became “official” partners. The following year they began working with Cindy Bond at the Idaho Small Business Development Center to develop a business plan. First Federal Savings joined forces with the Region IV Development Association (RIVDA) to provide funding. Loan approval was obtained in 2004. After much design planning and construction, L.E. Duke Salon opened in its newly completed building in May 2005.

At mid-construction, the two met Tonja Valdez, an esthetician who owned and operated Elements Custom Skin and Body. They discovered they shared a common vision, so she joined them to run the new spa.

Because they had all been in business for a while, the business owners believed adding the spa to L.E. Duke Salon would be simple, but it has proved to be a challenge. However, the business has grown to a combined staff of three receptionists, five salon technicians and three spa technicians. And the owners are confident that as they all continue to grow in their business knowledge, L.E. Duke Salon & Elements Day Spa and Wellness Center will continue to be progressive and successful.

SBDCs are a program supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.  SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities.

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