On March 1, 1999, Lori Eggersgluess first opened the doors of Mystique Edge Salon & Spa in downtown Rapid City. In these 25 years in business, Mystique Edge has proven to be a haven of relaxation and self-care that has stood the test of time.
Lori knew she wanted to be a hairstylist since she was a young teen. She attended cosmetology school in Rapid City and graduated in 1990. After spending nearly a decade perfecting her technical skills and cultivating a deeper passion for her work, Lori’s began to feel that it might be time to start a new chapter in her professional journey.
Running a business is in Lori’s DNA. Her father, now along with her older brothers, owns a local auto body shop in Sturgis. Lori recalls the watershed moment for Mystique Edge; at lunch with her dad, he asked the million-dollar question, “What do you want to do?” For Lori, the answer came naturally; she said she wanted to open her own salon. With her family’s support and encouragement, Lori’s dream was set in motion.
Mystique Edge originally opened in the Sweeney Building downtown on 7th Street. Lori along with her family and close friends built out the space themselves. Fast forward to 2014, and Lori moved her team to their current location at 318 Mt. Rushmore Road, which accommodates an expanded salon & spa space and home to nearly 40 employees. “I wanted to create a place where people can come and get professional services done in a comfortable, relaxing environment,” she explained. “A place for them to escape.”
Outside of the salon, Lori delights in spending time in her garden and flower beds in the summer. Brimming with all kinds of vegetables, peonies, and hydrangeas, Lori’s garden is her “happy place”. Lori’s green thumb expands beyond just her garden: a few years ago, she started partnering with an organization called Green Circle, a recycling program for salons. Lori says it drove her crazy that there were so many single-use products used in her line of work. Green Circle recycles things such as foils, leftover hair color, and even hair to make products like combs & containers or turn products into a clean energy source. Lori is dedicated to waste reduction and would love to see more salons get involved in the program.
Lori is also extremely dedicated to her staff. “I have a great team in place; there’s a lead in every single department. We’ve put systems in place so that if I am gone and something needs to be fixed or solved, there is always someone who knows what to do.” She beams when talking about how the team feels like they work in an environment where they are more than just co-workers. She describes them as a working family who genuinely enjoy each other and spending time together.
Much of Lori’s success she attributes to support, whether it be from family and friends or from other business owners. “When you have help from those closest to you, they care about your business just as much as you do,” she reflected. She also acts as a beacon of support for others, especially when it comes to supporting stylists in their careers. “I love mentoring new and upcoming stylists. It’s such a proud feeling to watch people when they start and see them grow. I want to do what I can to help them succeed.”
With over 30 years of professional experience, Lori has an abundance of insight. To anyone starting a business Lori said: “Surround yourself with people who raise you up and make sure you have positive support. You can cry a lot, you can scream a lot, but don’t get discouraged; jump in and do it and don’t be afraid to fail to learn.”
This article originally appeared in the March 2024 issue of Elevate Magazine.
