New York, New York: ICA’s Summer Regional Event Features Two Elite Salons

June 19, 2024

New York State of Mind

At Salon 718, Blissett-Williams shared how she built her culture and branding, including how she creates community and customer loyalty. And as a multi-location salon owner, Blissett-Williams advice on acquisition strategies and how she uses cutting-edge technology was invaluable.

Attendees also heard from the Salon 718 team about how they grew their careers in the salon with Blissett-Williams’ encouragement and empowerment.

At FEKKAI, the vibe shifted to style with a presentation on FEKKAI education from stylist Jonathan De Paca and founder Frederic Fekkai, followed by a product demo at FEKKAI HQ by Patrick Coombs, director of education and events.

“I had a great weekend full of valuable information, it was very inspiring,” said Nancy Cartonio, owner of Bei Capelli Salon in Scarborough, Maine.

Lisa Houser, owner of Utopia Salon & Day Spa in Vancouver, Washington, added, “The regional event was an incredible experience filled with valuable insights from the best in the industry. I feel motivated to take my salon to the next level and make changes, and am eagerly waiting for the next event.”

As with all ICA events, there was plenty of time built in to network with fellow owners. In New York, a dinner was hosted by Southern Security credit union, the first financial group to partner with Intercoiffure.

“The time we share with each other in an organic setting with open conversations creates a connection of friendship that is the very foundation of Intercoiffure, said Sheila Wilson, ICA president. “The members of this organization are some of the most brilliant business owners, and to have the opportunity to share the challenges of success with them is priceless.”

Interested in becoming part of the ICA community? Learn more here.

President and CEO
Southern Security Federal Credit Union

Dawn Graeter, President and CEO of Southern Security Federal Credit Union is an extremely accomplished, trailblazing finance executive who has led Southern Security to triple-digit growth since she took the helm in 2011. As one of the few female bank CEOs in the Greater Memphis area, Dawn has over 35 years in the finance and banking industry and has held almost every position there is as she worked her way from teller to CEO.

Dawn’s focus on the foundational pillars of people, community, and technology have ignited record-breaking results year after year and includes specific efforts for teamwork-building, employee relations, a genuine grassroots community outreach effort, and adopting technology solutions to provide greater functionality and service to customers. These efforts have increased the Southern Security full-time workforce by 37 percent and increased the annual net income of Southern Security by 127 percent poising Southern Security for even greater growth in the future. Dawn’s successes have not gone unnoticed as she was voted one of Power Poll Memphis’ Most Power People in 2023 and named a Superwoman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal in 2012. Also, named University of Memphis Outstanding Alumna in 2019. Dawn and her team are proud that Southern Security has been named Best Credit Union by the readers of the Commercial Appeal for six years running.

Dawn works tirelessly to support professional and community organizations close to the industry and community she loves. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Confluent Strategies, which specializes in consumer credit, commercial and mortgage credit reporting, background checks, employment screenings and association management. She also serves on the board for the Tennessee Credit Union League whose mission is to promote and support the success and advancement of credit unions in the State of Tennessee. Dawn correspondingly serves on the board for Share One which serves credit unions across the country with a comprehensive core processing system named New Solutions. As a credit union service organization (CUSO), Share One designed New Solutions directly alongside credit union clients.

Recently, Dawn was asked to serve on the Le Bonheur National Leadership Council, on the Youth Program’s Inc. Captain’s Club, charitable foundation and host organization of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and the Board of Carnival Memphis, all benefiting local children and children’s charities.

Dawn previously served as chairman of the board for HopeWorks, an organization that offers jobs and support to the under-resourced and recently incarcerated working in conjunction with the Shelby County Department of Corrections Hope 2 Hire program. Her work with HopeWorks is what she is most proud of, helping train adults for vocational careers and life outside of the Department of Corrections system. Dawn has a real drive to help adults help themselves, to be able to provide for their families, and find a skill or career they are proud of every day.

Dawn has served on various nonprofit boards over the years including Leadership Millington, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-South American Heart Association’s Executive Leadership Team. Dawn also served at the Greenshoe Gala, benefitting Shelby Farms.

Dawn gives back to her alma matter, the University of Memphis as she is serving as an Executive in Residence for the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, on the 901 Women’s Athletic Advisory Board, has served as a member of the University of Memphis Alumni Association from 2000-2003, serving as treasurer from 2002-2003. She continued her service as the University of Memphis Alumni Association President from 2004-2005 while also being a member of the Board of Visitors for the U of M. Dawn was a participant in the U of M Women’s Leadership Council and was chairman for Homecoming Golf Classic for the Alumni Association.

Southern Security Federal Credit Union and its employees support Mid-South Employee Resource Network, Big Brothers Big Sister of the Mid-South, Youth Villages, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, YWCA, American Heart Association, Keesha Warrior Princess, Collierville Education Foundation and many other local charities through monetary donations and volunteer efforts.