When a client enters Polished Salon and Spa, they can leave their cares at the door.
“In this crazy, hectic world, there’s not much time to relax and take time for ourselves,” says owner and stylist Rachael Hollingsworth, “so when our clients are at Polished, that’s their time to take a moment and relax.”
Hollingsworth calls her oasis of pampering “a hidden gem right in the heart of Gulfport.” She took over the business four years ago but has been in the salon industry for 23 years. Her family was stationed in Florida at Eglin Air Force Base when her husband decided he was ready to retire after serving for 21 years. At the time, Hollingsworth was seeking a salon to make her own in the Destin, Florida, area.
“We decided we wanted to move back to the Coast, so when I searched for the right salon in the Biloxi/Gulfport area, I found Polished,” she recalls. “From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew Polished was my salon home.”
With only a few stylists on the roster at the time, Hollingsworth knew it would be a challenge to get the business running at its full potential — but she also knew in her heart she would succeed.
“Yes, there have been a few growing pains over the last four years,” she acknowledges, “but it’s all been worth it.”
The salon’s original name was Polished Blowout and Beauty Bar, but Hollingsworth changed the name to Polished Salon & Spa to reflect that the business is a full-service beauty and pampering destination. She has built up a loyal clientele representing all walks of life, including teachers, doctors, nurses, caretakers, first responders, hospitality industry professionals and many others.
“These men and women come to us because they know Polished is a place we’re they can get away, relax and get a superior service,” she says.
Polished’s team includes several stylists, a manicurist and a massage therapist. The salon and spa offers a broad range of services, including cuts, coloring, manicures and pedicures, facials, makeup, tanning, waxing and full-body massage.
“Our core mission is to give each client a special experience each and every time she steps through our door.”
“Our core mission is to give each client a special experience each and every time she steps through our door,” Hollingsworth says.
As a stylist, the Polished owner loves everything about hair. From extensions to color to updos, she says, “it’s all fun to me.” For 10 years, she’s also been an educator for eyelash extensions.
Striving to always keep things fresh, Hollingsworth is excited about a new boutique product line coming out that will be offered to Polished clients.
“This will be a product you can’t get anywhere but in boutique salons,” she adds. “Stay tuned!”
Addressing those who haven’t checked out Polished yet, Hollingsworth urges them, “don’t wait another day.” Everyone is welcome, she adds, and guests are bound to fall in love with the space and its relaxing, friendly atmosphere.
“Of course, the biggest reward (for me) is seeing how happy our clients are when they leave,” Hollingsworth says, “and how excited they are to come back.”
IF YOU GO
POLISHED SALON AND SPA
1308 College St., Gulfport
(228) 206-5465
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday
Facebook: Polished Salon & Spa
Instagram: polishedsalonandspagulfport