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Salon Ella Par
Podcast Show Notes
Podcast: Get In Your Business Podcast
Episode: 82
Host: Allison Shores (Camden County Chamber of Commerce)
Guest:Jill Gay-Garay, owner of Salon Ella + Spa + Boutique Ella (St. Marys, GA)
Presented by: Chairman Circle Sponsors (as mentioned in episode)
Episode Summary
Allison Shores sits down with Jill Gay-Garay longtime Camden County local and founder of Salon Ella, to talk about how Jill built a true “one-stop shop” in St. Marys—salon, spa, and boutique all under one roof. Jill shares the meaningful story behind the name Ella, how the business has grown since opening in 2007, how her team keeps the experience welcoming and stress-free for clients, and what it’s really like to run a growing business while still working behind the chair.
They also get into fun real-life topics like boutique buying (and why it’s a gamble), hair changes with age, and Jill’s best tips for “sleep hair” when hormones and night sweats are doing the most.
Key Topics Covered
The story behind the name “Ella” (Ella + Parker) and why it matters
How Salon Ellar grew from a small team into a larger operation
What Salon Ella offers: salon services, spa services, and boutique shopping
Creating a “walk in and feel at home” experience (greeting, layout, retail convenience)
Boutique buying: balancing styles, ages, body types, and trends
Jill’s reality: owner + stylist (25 years behind the chair)
Team culture: “work family,” low drama, high respect
Hair + hormones: simple solutions like a silk bonnet
Favorite Camden County spots + go-to hair product
If handed $1,000… Jill’s spending it on a reset trip
Quick Highlights
Salon Ella Par opened in 2007 with Jill’s kids still tiny—and has steadily expanded ever since.
The salon’s layout is intentional: easy retail access without walking through the entire salon.
Jill says boutique buying is “shopping with other people’s eyes,” so they buy as a team to cover more styles.
Hair changes as you age? Jill says 100% yes—just like skin.
Best sleep-hair fix: silk pillowcase + silk bonnet.
Full Show Notes: https://camdenchamber.com/getnyour-bis/salon-ella-par
00:00 Opening Banter
02:52 Ellar Overview
05:26 Boutique Strategy
09:33 Owner Life
12:10 Community Gratitude
15:44 Rapid Questions
View all episodes
By Camden County Chamber Of CommercePodcast Show Notes
Podcast: Get In Your Business Podcast
Episode: 82
Host: Allison Shores (Camden County Chamber of Commerce)
Guest:Jill Gay-Garay, owner of Salon Ella + Spa + Boutique Ella (St. Marys, GA)
Presented by: Chairman Circle Sponsors (as mentioned in episode)
Episode Summary
Allison Shores sits down with Jill Gay-Garay longtime Camden County local and founder of Salon Ella, to talk about how Jill built a true “one-stop shop” in St. Marys—salon, spa, and boutique all under one roof. Jill shares the meaningful story behind the name Ella, how the business has grown since opening in 2007, how her team keeps the experience welcoming and stress-free for clients, and what it’s really like to run a growing business while still working behind the chair.
They also get into fun real-life topics like boutique buying (and why it’s a gamble), hair changes with age, and Jill’s best tips for “sleep hair” when hormones and night sweats are doing the most.
Key Topics Covered
The story behind the name “Ella” (Ella + Parker) and why it matters
How Salon Ellar grew from a small team into a larger operation
What Salon Ella offers: salon services, spa services, and boutique shopping
Creating a “walk in and feel at home” experience (greeting, layout, retail convenience)
Boutique buying: balancing styles, ages, body types, and trends
Jill’s reality: owner + stylist (25 years behind the chair)
Team culture: “work family,” low drama, high respect
Hair + hormones: simple solutions like a silk bonnet
Favorite Camden County spots + go-to hair product
If handed $1,000… Jill’s spending it on a reset trip
Quick Highlights
Salon Ella Par opened in 2007 with Jill’s kids still tiny—and has steadily expanded ever since.
The salon’s layout is intentional: easy retail access without walking through the entire salon.
Jill says boutique buying is “shopping with other people’s eyes,” so they buy as a team to cover more styles.
Hair changes as you age? Jill says 100% yes—just like skin.
Best sleep-hair fix: silk pillowcase + silk bonnet.
Full Show Notes: https://camdenchamber.com/getnyour-bis/salon-ella-par
00:00 Opening Banter
02:52 Ellar Overview
05:26 Boutique Strategy
09:33 Owner Life
12:10 Community Gratitude
15:44 Rapid Questions