Jayden-Presleigh Salon & Spa...Stop In and Chat!

A conversation with Raquel Mercedes of Jayden Presleigh Salon & Spa in Carlsbad, California.

Founded: 2012.

George:  How did you come up with the name Jayden Presleigh?

RAQUEL:  I’ve always thought Jayden is a beautiful girl's name and Presleigh is the name of my best friend’s daughter. Years ago, my friend and I wanted to open a salon together, but sadly we weren’t able to because she moved back east. So in honor of our shared dream, I used her daughter’s name.

George::  What made you decide to open a salon and spa in Carlsbad?

RAQUEL:  Carlsbad is a beautiful beach city with a friendliness I enjoy. I wanted to be part of this local scene and help keep the downtown area vibrant. I looked at many locations in North County and finally, after four years of searching, this location opened up. It was worth the wait. Our location gives us wonderful visibility for residents and area visitors alike, and has allowed us to utilize a decorative style that combines both contemporary and historic elements. Our salon reflects Carlsbad’s present and its historic past.

George::  What makes your business unique? What distinguishes what you do from other businesses?

RAQUEL:  Jayden Presleigh is upscale yet welcoming and inviting. Our décor is specifically designed to promote a “home-away-from-home” relaxing experience. Our location invites people to stop in and chat, browse our boutique area, or enjoy one of our extensive menu of services such as colour and cutting, Epicuren facials, and massages. Let me give you an example of one signature item we offer that is unique to our salon. The bride’s package allows an entire bridal party to utilize our salon for all their pre-wedding beauty needs, performed by our stylist or theirs. Our spa area has couches and décor designed for relaxing—perfect for bridal parties to hang out as each person takes a turn with hair, nails and make-up. Photographers love working with us because the salon photographs well and the brides look beautiful and relaxed.

Our salon is committed to environmental responsibility. We believe strongly in re-using, re-purposing, and recycling. Our furniture is created from existing materials as part of our décor. For example, we have tables and seating modules made from the crates that delivered our flooring.

The product lines we carry also have the same environmental acuity, from their ingredients to their packaging. Eufora, Davines, Kemon are companies dedicated to the health of the client and a sustainable environment. For example, both Kemon and Davines have hair color products that are yogurt-based. This is more comfortable for all clients and especially helpful for those clients who are allergic to PPD. These companies also provide outstanding education so we stay current with the newest styles and the newest advances in skincare and client health.

We believe strongly in giving back to our community. We have regular promotional days that benefit our clients and provide money for worthy causes such as schools and non-profit organizations based here in Carlsbad. In addition, we periodically promote international causes such as our Sustainable Beauty Day which will provide money to plant fruit trees in Brazil.

George::  Is there one thing you would like Carlsbad residents to know about your salon/spa, that they may not already know?

RAQUEL:  We are full-service salon and spa, which allows us to pamper our clients with unique, individualized services. Our team members have been empowered to customize their service to meet each client’s unique needs. Sometimes that means a blow-dry or touch-up color. Other times it means sitting quietly reading a magazine in our spa area after all the services are complete. It’s a real compliment when a client says “I’m not ready to leave, this is so relaxing.” It means we’ve accomplished our number one goal—to be a place where our clients can escape and completely relax. 

Jayden Presleigh has an open interior designed to accommodate social gatherings too: a night out with girlfriends, a group of co-workers who need some pampering, a sixteenth birthday party. I’ve already mentioned our bridal package. The spa lounge area is perfect for friends to gather and brides to get ready for their big day

George::  What is your opinion of the current market in Carlsbad?

RAQUEL:  It’s exciting to see Carlsbad become an international vacation spot. Locals have long known the value of unique offerings in downtown Carlsbad, but as more out of town guests discover our city, the market will continue to broaden. We already find we’re serving a wide variety of clients, from long-time residents to guests browsing the shops on State Street to girls’ day out parties. As a new business in this area, we are beginning to see a consistent increase in our client numbers, which is very positive for our salon and the entire downtown.

George::  What direction would you like to see for the downtown?

RAQUEL:  Every time we improve and maintain our downtown buildings and their exteriors, we tell residents and guests this area is important to us. The recent additions of Christmas lights and bike stands are all positive improvements to the downtown and help guests feel welcome.  I love the events hosted by the City of Carlsbad: Music Festival, Halloween on Elm Street, the Farmer’s Market, and Street Fairs. These events highlight our unique downtown area and preserve its historic significance. As the community continues to support these efforts and the downtown businesses, Carlsbad will continue to thrive and cement its unique place in North County.

George::  What other types of businesses would you like to see come to town?

RAQUEL:  I love locally-owned stores in a downtown area. That’s been a great part of opening the salon in this beautiful downtown district. We have been warmly welcomed by our neighbors and are already partnering with them to strengthen our business community. Locally-owned businesses encourage each other to keep this area distinctive and provide services and products you just can’t get anywhere else.

George::  Do you have any closing comments?

RAQUEL:  Jayden Presleigh is now a proud member of the Carlsbad business community. They look forward to meeting you and pampering you in the relaxed atmosphere of downtown.