Kathy Thalman, owner and CEO of K. Charles & Co salons and the Aveda Institute San Antonio, was selected as a finalist for the N. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Leader of the Year. The awards ceremony/luncheon was held July 8th at the Airport Hilton. Awards were presented in the categories of: New Business, Employee Relations, Business Innovation, Business Achievement, Career Achievement and Small Business Leader of the Year. Kathy was awarded the Small Business Leaders Award for Employee Relations.  

Holly Zapata (Director of the Aveda Institute San Antonio) was nominated for the N. Chamber of Commerce ATHENA ‘Young Professional Award’ and selected as a finalist.  The awards ceremony/luncheon was held June 22nd at the Airport Hilton. Awards were presented in the categories of:  Professional Leadership, Community Service and Personal Leadership. Holly was awarded the Young Professional Award for Personal Leadership.
 
Kathy Thalman has also been selected as a finalist for the N. Chamber ATHENA award to be presented on August 12th at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade during the ‘Enterprising Women’s Conference’. Kathy will be part of a panel discussion during that conference, moderated by Judge Janet Littlejohn. Other panelists are: Holly Hirshberg, Executive Director, The Dinner Garden; Alveta Herbert, Human Resources Manager, JPMorgan Chase; and Dr Ana Guzman, President, Palo Alto College.    

As the preeminent salon in San Antonio, K. Charles & Co. has not only raised standards in the world of beauty, but in environmental leadership and responsibility. As an Aveda Lifestyle salon, K. Charles & Co. focuses on building a brand with a vision to do business consciously and sustainably. Their innovation and emphasis on education has enabled them to grow successfully, and there are now three K. Charles & Co. locations serving the Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, and Bulverde areas.
Read more about K. Charles & Co. and the Aveda Institute San Antonio's passion for style and their commitment to the highest standard in the beauty industry. by Meghann Dibrell of Welcome Home, May 2010 issue

Exciting News! Kathy Thalman of K. Charles & Co. has been selected as a finalist for the Small Business Leaders of the Year Award, sponsored by the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Finalists are individuals who demonstrate excellence and creativity in: Employee Relations, Business Innovation, Business Achievement, Career Achievement and Community Service. Award ceremony and luncheon will take place July 8th, at which time winners will be announced.  

Holly Zapata of the Aveda Institute San Antonio has been selected as a finalist for the ATHENA Young Professional Award, sponsored by the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Finalists are those individuals who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in his/her business or profession; provide valuable and meaningful service to the community by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others; clearly serve as a role model for young professionals both personally and professionally. Award ceremony and luncheon will take place June 22nd, at which time winner will be announced.

Read all about K. Charles & Co. from the Bulverde News, CHRONOLOGY 2010 - Saluting These Area Businesses and Organizarions Who Have Helped Make Bulverde and the Surrounding Area What it is Today!

Passion for Style, Commitment to the Highest Standards - read about the founders of K. Charles & Co. and the Aveda Institute San Antonio from Welcome Home, by Meghann Dibrell

K. Charles & Co. employees demonstrated generosity and philanthropy  through their "School Supplies for Afghan Children" project.  More than 24 boxes of school supplies were donated by K. Charles & Co. employees and shipped to Kabul, Afghanistan.  These supplies (along with a variety of stuffed toys) were distributed at the opening of a school in November 2009.  One look at the faces of these children confirms their joy at receiving this gift of sharing. Click here to see the pictures.

The Styling Team at K Charles & Co presented a night of fashion, music, art, innovative hair styles + fundraising >> HAIRY METAL
There was be local artwork for sale, music, models and fierce clothing. The proceeds benefited the San Antonio Food Bank.

Click here to check out a behind the scenes slide show and pictures of the final production here!

K Charles & Co. Serving San Antonio since 1984 Receives 2009 Best of San Antonio Award

U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., March 20, 2009 -- For the second consecutive year, K Charles & Co. Serving San Antonio since 1984 has been selected for the 2009 Best of San Antonio Award in the Hair Salons category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Nationwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2008 Award recipients qualified as 2009 Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)
U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association

The K Charles & Co location in Spring Branch, Texas has relocated!

Due to greater demand for top creative stylists and the best in customer service and satisfaction, we needed to expand our facilities. K Charles & Co Salon in Spring Branch, Texas has moved from Knibbe Rd. to Creek Side Plaza at 20630 Hwy 46 W. Suite 100. We had an opening reception and ribbon cutting on February 9th. We are excited and look forward to seeing you at our new location!

Mother and Daughter Build Success in Beauty and Education
As seen in School Life

K. Charles & Co Aveda Lifestyle Salons and the Aveda Institute San Antonio are, quite literally, a family matter.  Beginning in 1984, owner and CEO, Kathy Thalman began her quest to create a business that would support her family as well as her community.   A third-generation hair stylist, Kathy opened her first K. Charles & Co salon that year.  “From the beginning” says Kathy “I knew I wanted to raise the bar for the beauty industry.  I love what I do and I wanted my clients and employees to benefit from my desire to create something extraordinary for San Antonio.  My daughter, Holly Zapata, grew up watching and learning from my efforts and attended the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis to earn her credentials as a beauty professional.  Eventually, the family business grew to include three salons; two in San Antonio and another to serve the Spring Branch and Bulverde area.  

In the 1980’s most businesses were concerned with the bottom line; consumerism and conspicuous consumption drove the markets. “But my mother had a different philosophy” says Zapata.  “Long before it became a familiar part of everyday conversation, she was concerned about our societal impact on the earth.  She was one of the first to introduce the environmentally-friendly Aveda products to South Texas; she had done her homework and knew that the Aveda philosophy joined perfectly with hers.  Ultimately, she made the decision to use Aveda products exclusively.”  
 
“We wanted to build a sustainable business” says Thalman.  “By that I mean a company that sustains the community by providing good employment opportunities, advanced education for beauty professionals and by conducting business in an environmentally responsible manner.”   With those goals in mind, she developed an in-salon Apprenticeship training program to help transition newly graduated beauty professionals into the work force.  The program has been a great success and adds advanced education and skills to the basic education that students receive in school.  K Charles & Co is non-tipping and functions in a team-based environment, designed to meet client needs and time constraints.  As result of her efforts, K Charles & Co and Aveda Institute San Antonio employ more than 100 individuals and both are still growing.  
 
“I worked in my mom’s salons for several years” says Zapata, “and the experience was invaluable.  “The creation of the Aveda Institute San Antonio became my passion and was a natural outgrowth from the salons.  All salons in this community, including ours, have a need for more well-trained personnel and we wanted to help fill the need.  The Pearl Brewery development, near downtown San Antonio,  presented itself as a fabulous site to locate the Institute.  In talking with the developers (Silver Ventures) it was clear that we held similar values for how to transform the property into an environmentally friendly site.  Our ideas supported their mission and the result was the transformation of one of the historic buildings into a 26,000 square foot educational facility. We use 100% Windtricity and use captured rainwater runoff from our roof to support the landscaping near our building.”
 
 “Recycling is a given for us” says Thalman.  “We recycle foils used for hair color as well as the usual paper, plastic and glass.  Although our city does not yet collect materials at our business locations, we transport our aluminum and glass recyclables to the recycle centers. We think each individual and business can and should make changes within their financial and philosophical comfort zone.  And stepping outside that comfort zone now and then is a good thing!”  
Both Zapata and Thalman have sensed a shift in their customer’s thinking in terms of what businesses and schools do to meet ‘green’ standards.  “Our customers are smart” Thalman said.  “They are concerned that the products they use for skin and hair be non-damaging to them and to the environment.  They also like to support businesses that demonstrate concern for the community.”  
 
The company supports many San Antonio and surrounding community fundraising efforts, including the Mitchell Lake Audubon Society and Cibilo Nature Center through Earth Month contributions, Smithson Valley School All Sports fundraisers, Kendalia Volunteer Fire Department and countless other education and charitable efforts.  A ‘Heroes Behind the Heroes’ gala was held in February of this year.  This was a fundraising event for educational scholarships for spouses of wounded soldiers.  Money was raised through donations and silent auction and a terrific party was held in the Institute honoring the soldiers and their spouses.  The company awarded a fully-funded scholarship for one soldier’s wife to attend the Institute and earn her cosmetology license.

Thalman and Zapata have much to be proud of.  The salons were named among the ‘Top 200 Salons’ by Salon Today two years in a row and have been seen in Elle, Vogue, Texas Monthly, Mademoiselle and Harpers Bazaar.  K Charles & Co was awarded the ‘2008 Best of San Antonio Hair Salon”, by the U.S. Local Business Association.  “This award was a wonderful surprise” says Thalman.

So what’s next for this dynamic duo?   “All aspects of the businesses are growing, including the Hill Country Salon.  As much as we love our location at Hwy 281 and Knibbe Rd in Spring Branch, we have simply outgrown it.  The move to Creekside Retail Area on Hwy 46, just West of Hwy 281 will happen very soon.  We are sure our current and future guests will love the new space.

“The Institute is fully accredited” says Zapata, “More exciting – we’ve recently achieved approval for Federal Funding through the Department of Education!  This makes us eligible for Title IV funding, including Pell and FSEOG Grants and Federally subsidized loans for eligible individuals.  The increased accessibility for funding opportunities will open the door to many more individuals who wish to pursue a profession in this industry.  A fully licensed Cosmetologist  has career opportunities in salons, medical spas, photostyling for publications; even TV and movies!  This is an exciting industry and can be a lucrative profession. “

This mother and daughter make a formidable team.  They have demonstrated that a business can be successful while supporting the community, creating rewarding employment opportunities, and at the same time setting an example for environmental leadership and responsibility.

www.kcharlesco.com
www.avedaisa.com

Mother and Daughter Build Success in Beauty and Education
January/February issue of NSIDE Business Magazine

The Aveda Institute
Written by Norma Jean Hurtado
Monday, 19 January 2009

The Aveda Institute San Antonio was formed from a passion for the beauty industry as well as the creative minds and hard work of two women — who happen to be related. Kathy Thalman, owner and CEO of K Charles & Co Salons, and her daughter, Holly Zapata, combined their individual strengths to grow their family business into an enterprise providing employment for more than 100 individuals.

The first K Charles & Co salon opened in 1984; there are now two additional locations in San Antonio “The salons have been my passion for almost 25 years,” says Thalman. “I wanted to raise the bar for this industry for both my employees and the guests we serve and have worked to achieve that objective. We are thrilled to have been selected for the 2008 Best of San Antonio Award in the Hair Salon category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA). This came as a delightful surprise; to have our service to our customers and the community acknowledged in such a manner fills us with pride. This doesn’t mean we can sit on our thumbs and relax though. There is always need for adjustment and improvement in any worthwhile endeavor.”

The Aveda Institute San Antonio, which opened in the Pearl Brewery complex in 2005 was Zapata’s dream. “Together, and with the help of family members and a dedicated, hardworking staff, we are thrilled to make that happen. Holly is the director of education for the institute and is seeing her dream fulfilled,” says Thalman.

“I was privileged to attend the renowned Aveda Institute in Minneapolis,” Zapata says. “After several years of honing my skills as a beauty professional, I knew I wanted to create an institute in San Antonio that would offer an unrivaled education for those who seek to enter this field. With my mother’s business sense and vision, we were able to create a facility that makes us both very proud.”

The institute, which is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) was recently approved for federal funding through the Department of Education. “This is huge!” exclaims Zapata. This funding means the institute will be able to offer financial aid for eligible students through Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) as well as federally subsidized and unsubsidized loans for individuals who meet the criteria. The increased accessibility for funding opportunities will open the door for many more qualified individuals who wish to pursue a profession in the industry. A fully licensed cosmetologist has career opportunities not only in salons, but in medical spas, the fashion and wellness sector, pageants, photostyling for print publications — even in TV and movies.

“Our salons are growing as well,” says Thalman. “Our small Hill Country salon in Spring Branch was bursting at the seams so, we recently relocated to a larger space in the Creekside retail area on Hwy 46, just West of Hwy 281. This move will allow us to continue to serve our current guests and introduce them to our growing team of professionals. We’re sure our guests will love the new space.”

Between the salons and the institute, this mother and daughter team are clearly dedicated to serving the community through providing extraordinary service to their guests and providing superb education and subsequent career opportunities for future generations of beauty professionals.

For more information visit www.kcharlesco.com

K Charles & Co. Receives 2008 Best of San Antonio Award
U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., September 28, 2008 -- K Charles & Co. has been selected for the 2008 Best of San Antonio Award in the Hair Salons category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)
U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

ALLURE
THE IMAGE MAKERS
"Everything you've ever wanted to know about creating your dream image - but didn't know who to ask, where to go, or what to expect."

San Antonio K Charles & Co. Named "Critic's Choice" by city media cognoscenti, K Charles & Co. consistently creates distinctive hair design. Every image is versatile - making the most of individual looks. Styles - even high fashion images - are customized, not celebrity adaptations. Clients' day to day activities demand flexibility for hair to look great at work, play and evening events. The look can be naturally curly. Straight and wispy. Long - in a shag. Coupled with today's glorious hair color, ultimate products for climate control, and stronger (more "retro") makeup for eyes and lips - results are stunning! (210) 403-0955

HARPER'S BAZAAR
BEST OF THE SOUTH
"Here they are! The salons voted "Hottest & Best" for Fall '97! These are the masters, the true artists of color, cut and style... Personal selections that we happily share with you."

San Antonio K Charles & Company When it comes to great hair designs, K Charles &Co. is unmatched. Their ability to create styles ranging from sophisticated simplicity to bold cuts that move beyond boundaries is evidenced by the many published photos that grace this busy establishment. Coupling their own hair designs with an artistic mix of color hues for subtlety and peek-a-boo parts of bolder color is a specialty. (210) 824-4751 [now (210) 403-0955]

HARPER'S BAZAAR
BEST OF THE SOUTH
"Here they are! The salons voted "Hottest & Best" for Winter '97! These are the masters, the true artists of color, cut and style... Personal selections that we happily share with you."

San Antonio K Charles & Company It's no wonder this salon is a favorite of celebrities and professionals alike. K Charles & Co. creates great hair design, in styles ranging from sophisticated simplicity to bold cuts that move outside boundaries. Third generation hair designer/owner Kathy Thalman has assembled an exciting staff, artistic decor and cutting-edge technology. An Aveda concept salon. (210) 824-4751 [now (210) 403-0955]

ELLE
OUR PICKS: BEST COLOR SALONS
"A showcase of top salons - where colorists create beautiful looks like never before! Accentuating facial features; complementing skin tones; adding shine, texture and dimension. It's an artist's thing, exciting to behold."

K Charles & Company Absolutely ecstatic over the latest color options, clients can now have the hair color of their dreams. This highly educated team brings the foremost techniques to its work, the utmost in new (and corrective) color to create high fashion images. Tonal harmony - with two, even three tones - offers attention-getting style, working in partnership with leading edge cuts. Opening second location at Stone Oak Plaza this spring. San Antonio (210) 824-4751 [now (210) 403-0955]

ELLE
THE WINNERS!
Our picks for Color Salon of the Year "Showcased here... talent-driven, color-hip salons talking about haircolor now... Trends, techniques - how style is fashioned through the artistry of color."

K Charles & Co. From rich brown tones to deep honey blondes to violet hues all worked together with this season's cuts via color mapping or color crossing, techniques which have gained positive recognition for fast-paced K Charles & Company. Color lines of choice Goldwell and Aveda offer unlimited color placement for these professionals. Cuts this fall are fresh and versatile. Powerful color and sleek cuts work together in exquisite partnership. San Antonio (210) 824-4751 [now (210) 403-0955]

ELLE
THE BEST OF THE BEST
"Just for you! A new millennium guide to the Masters of Makeover... Hair beauty, body and soul. 2000 is here! Time to raise the bar!"

San Antonio K Charles & Company Crafting the right image comes from asking the key questions. Identifying lifestyle needs: work, play, time for upkeep, expectations. K Charles' highly educated team does just that - building harmony through great hair design, beautiful color, compatible make-up. Still, every "image" is versatile - with several different looks. And clients are absolutely delighted with the results! Concord Plaza (210) 824-4751; Stone Oak Plaza (210) 403-0955

ELLE
THE BEST OF THE BEST
"Here it is! Our third annual guide to the Masters of Makeover... Hair, beauty, body and soul. 2002! Destiny calls. When will you answer?"

San Antonio and Spring Branch K Charles & Co The height of fashion, the perfect image - crafted by these talented stylists - emphasize individual looks. Versatility is top priority, with hair creations that look great at work and play. K Charles' Highly educated team, named "Critic's Choice" by prominent city media, is admired for consistently distinctive hair design. Naturally curly, straight or wispy, with glorious hair color, results are stunning! Now two locations: San Antonio (210) 403-0955; Spring Branch (830) 228-5652

GOLDWELL - PROJECT GLOSSY

Stylist: Elizabeth Martino-Trader
Salon: K Charles & Co.
City/State: San Antonio, TX
Photography: Rueben Njaa
Model: Shonda Dentinger
Make-up: Tamara Valle

GOLDWELL - PROJECT GLOSSY

Stylist: Elizabeth Martino-Trader
Salon: K Charles & Co.
City/State: San Antonio, TX
Photography: Rueben Njaa
Model: Lionila Gonzalez
Make-up: Tamara Valle

MARIE CLAIRE
SIMPLY THE BEST
"Presenting our list of favorites... these are the gurus, the greats, the true artists of color, cut and style! These are the salons chosen 'Simply the Best' for Winter '99."

San Antonio K Charles & Company As distinctive as its reputation, K Charles & Company's great hair design is unparalleled. Harmony resonates from blending superb cuts with creative color - for beautiful results. This highly educated team brings newest techniques and high fashion images to its outstanding work. Clients are absolutely delighted with color options bold or subtle. Great for achieving different looks! Concord Plaza (210) 824-4751; Stone Oak Plaza (210) 403-0955

SALON TODAY
SALON TODAY MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES K CHARLES & CO. AS A MEMBER OF THE 2001 CLASS OF THE SALON TODAY 200.

"Salon Today recognizes this business as one of the fastest growing salons in the country. We salute it and applaud its owners for providing outstanding service to its clients, a positive work environment for its staff and for sharing its success strategies with others."