Get to Know: The Coiffure at 108

By: Laura Ivie
Intern
April 18, 2011


Recently I had the pleasure of meeting John and Kris Walls, owners of The Coiffure at 108, a hair salon located at 108 East Tuscaloosa Street in Downtown Florence. John and Kris both hail from the Shoals, he from Muscle Shoals and she from Sheffield. Both have lived away in Birmingham, New Orleans, and Huntsville; and, have recently returned to their roots. John, a hairdresser since 1982, graduated from Ray's University of Beauty here in Florence before going on to study with some of the biggest names in the industry. In New York City, he trained with Kim Lapine of LaCoupe Salon and Michael Gordon of House of Bumble; in Toronto it was with George Koukoulus of Lacoupe Salon. He also trained at Cheynes of Scotland, a number 1 salon during the 1980's. John has also taught at some of the nation's top salons, such Essanelle, where he was a part of their design and education team. He has worked with Zig Ziglar, as a communication and stage presence liaison. The department store Pizitz also had John working on their print and television advertising team. Back here in the Shoals, John and Kris keep pretty active! They are members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence, where they sing with the choir; likewise, they sing with the Florence Camerata. Supporting the arts of the Shoals is something that is important to them both, with John sometimes doing hairstyles and wigs for different community theatre groups. They enjoy cooking, sometimes having impromptu gatherings by the pool of friends and family. Taking their vintage motor home to McFarland Park for a quick "stay-cation" is one their favorite pastimes. John expressed to me that he and his staff enjoy doing color and cut work and are excited to accommodate special occasions, such as weddings and proms;the salon features Rusk haircare products and Nuskin haircare, vitality and facial products. This is a place where he wants clients to feel that they have come into his home, and speaking from personal experience, it's a home worth visiting! The Coiffure at 108 works by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. until, however will accept walk-ins; they can be reached by calling 256-577-8391.
Until next time, be sure to get to know John and Kris Walls at The Coiffure at 108!