The Arts District of Benton Harbor will soon be celebrating a new business opening, as Kaili Nihil prepares to open her new salon: Forest Moon Collective. Her first brick & mortar shop, Forest Moon Collective will be housed at 124 Water Street, next to The OutCenter.
“The salon industry has seen a large number of stylists going independent in recent years, mostly due to the lack of freedom commission stylists have,” says Kaili. “I plan on giving freedom in all business aspects, yet still giving them the stress free employee experience. I am offering more of a commission/rental hybrid, with all the positives of both.”
Kaili has been a stylist for ten years, is a Grand Rapids native, and moved to Berrien County in 2018; obviously falling in love with our small corner of the world, like so many do. Her salon will consist of eight styling stations, two custom-built pedicure stations (with gorgeous hammered copper bowls!), two manicure stations, a spray tan room, and three luxury Plush + Oak vegan leather lash extension beds. She will also be promoting her Bridal Team, with offerings of airbrush makeup, that will travel to any location.
The name ‘Forest Moon’ is a Star Wars reference, representing prolific vegetation and a prosperous land for its inhabitants. Kaili’s earth-toned but bright color palette of moody greens and bold black will perfectly compliment the lush foliage she plans to decorate with, as her space comes alive with patrons and plants alike. “The ‘Collective’ part of the name stems from the fact that I really want this to be a laid back community of hair artists, being free to do the jobs that they love– exactly how they want,” says Kaili.
The salon menu will be organized a bit differently: the set pricing for services will reflect the time it takes to complete them, similar to an hourly rate. Booking will all be done online, so clients will have the freedom to alter appointments at their leisure. This streamlined approach coincides with the laidback air of the salon, ensuring clients, and stylists, are receiving the best experience.
“We are gratuity and retail free!” Kaili says. “This means all stylists have a set hourly price that includes EVERYTHING, including gratuity. Nothing is upcharged or added on, everything is included in the amount of time it takes to do the service. Retail is sold through each stylists’ personal affiliate links, so no one gets pushed to buy product they don’t need.”
The Grand Opening for Forest Moon Collective will be on Saturday, February 4th, 2023, and will showcase a pop-up artisan market to commemorate the occasion. Local artists and vendors will be set up inside the salon with their handmade items for sale, and her own skin & bath care line, Velvet & Violet Apothecary, will have a booth.
Mark your calendars to celebrate the beginning of this new women-owned business and LGBTQ+ safe space, and follow Forest Moon Collective on social media for updates. Congratulations, and welcome!
Kaili Nihil, artist and owner
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
