Miyagi Salon in Old Saint Anthony celebrates a successful first year as a new Nordeast institution. Much to the surprise of the owners and locals, it seems beauty can thrive in bad economies.

Nordeasters often shrug at the fact the cosmopolitan scene is few and far between across the Mississippi.  The heavily middle class neighborhoods of unassuming bungalows and two stories have always remained in the hands of unassuming families spattered with artists and slow-go youngsters.   Fashionistas often snub Nordeast as an artist underground rather than culture vulture but this might be changing.  The opening of gay nightclub Lush and semi-fine dining Butcher’s Block might herald a new Bobino era.  On the beauty end there is Miyagi.

The self-proclaimed “dojo for beauty” Aveda salon celebrated its first year with a party on Saturday September 12, 2009.  Owner and Master Stylist Mo Murphy expressed delight that her and the crew of six stylists made it without major problems.  There were moments of difficulty she recalls but overall “it was a great year.”  This was seconded by their Aveda specialist who noted Murphy is a bit of a well known stylist, being one of Aveda’s peerprofessionals.  

Her partner Chris Strouth is a multimedia artist celebrity himself and is slowly converting the upstairs into a bit of a central nervous system for his pursuits.  The staff also get a pretty nice breakroom in return. Downstairs there seem to be more chairs than stylists and Murphy confirmed she is looking to hire more. In the rear, the spa room is nearly complete.

I asked Murphy who her clientele primarily came from and she was delighted to note they are generally residents of Nordeast.

Miyagi is also finally reaching out to the fashion community. They will be holding a Cut-A-Thon fundraiser for MNFashionWeek on Saturday Sept. 26th for $20 each (12pm-5pm).