Bakke to open new salon in familiar location

With the opening of Island Salon this week, Wrangell native Solvay Bakke is rejuvenating the commercial salon space that previously housed Kasinger’s Creatives on Shakes Street near Inner Harbor.

Bakke, who originally planned on a career in childcare, graduated from the cosmetology program at Clover Park Community College in Tacoma, Wash. and also worked at the prestigious Angelo Mendi Boutique near the stadium district in Washington’s “City of Destiny.”

It was her work at Regis Corporation, the largest hair salon chain in the world, that prepared her for returning to Wrangell to open her own business.

“I worked at Regis for about a year and then began leasing my own spots,” Bakke added. “I came back to Wrangell about two months ago and opened this space.”

While her official first day of business was Saturday, Nov. 5, Bakke has been offering services to a number of Wrangellites in the lead-up to her grand opening.

“I’ve been open for a little bit and just working with random clients,” Bakke said. “It’s been pretty good so far by just word of mouth. Word will travel so fast that if I have one client, I’ll have four others call me right after the first one walks out the door.”

Bakke credits her parents, Ava and Arnold Bakke, with helping design the interior of the new salon and giving it its unique vibe.

“My mom and dad both helped me with it after Susie (Kasinger) had it,” Bakke said. “Since it was a salon before, it had the bowl already in it. We painted, though, and put a coral design in it. After that, I took a special trip south to get my supplies.”

And the hair care Bakke said she is offering will be more than utilitarian.

“Wrangell is in need of some fashion,” Bakke said. “I hope to bring that.”

Both men and women will be equally comfortable with the hair care, Bakke said – and the prices.

“I can do men’s or women’s hair, and I do excellent with kids too,” Bakke said. “Basic prices for a haircut are pretty set. If you want a styling, it’s best to come in and consult with me because the price will be affordable, but will depend on a lot of different variables.”

Bakke is a 2001 graduate of Wrangell High School.