Member Spotlight: Marilena Lichon, Owner, M Squared Salon & Spa
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Lake/Forest Lake Bluff Chamber: Tell us a little bit about M Squared Salon & Spa and what makes your salon unique?
Marilena Lichon: Our salon is a welcoming neighborhood destination where every guest is treated like family. Under its current ownership for the past two years, we’ve continued to build a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes clients feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. Conveniently located within walking distance for many local residents, we offer a talented team of stylists with a variety of specialties to meet every hair care need. Whether you’re looking for a fresh new style or a trusted stylist for regular appointments, we have availability for new clients and are committed to providing personalized service and exceptional results.
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LF/LB: What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty industry?
ML: What inspired me to become a hair stylist was my lifelong passion for beauty, fashion, and creativity. From a young age, I was always interested in hair and nail care and loved keeping up with the latest styles and trends. I enjoy helping people look and feel their best while expressing their own unique style.
One of my favorite parts of this profession is that there is always something new to learn. I stay current with the latest techniques, products, and industry trends so I can offer my clients modern, personalized looks that fit their lifestyle. For me, being a hair stylist is the perfect combination of creativity, continuous learning, and building meaningful relationships with the people in my chair.
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LF/LB: What is your vision or hope for the future of your business?
ML: My vision for the future of our salon is to continue growing while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere our clients know and love. I hope to become the go-to destination for hair and nail services in Lake Forest—a place where people feel valued, confident, and cared for every time they visit. Building lasting relationships, staying current with the latest trends and techniques, and being a trusted part of the community are at the heart of everything we do. As we grow, my goal is to continue providing exceptional service while creating a positive experience for every client who walks through our doors.
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LF/LB: How does M Squared plan to support or give back to the community?
ML: At M Squared Salon, we are excited to become an active part of the community and build lasting relationships beyond our salon doors. We believe in supporting the people and organizations that make our town special. As we grow, we look forward to sponsoring local high school programs and sports teams, as well as donating gift baskets and services to community events, fundraisers, and charitable causes. Our goal is to be more than just a salon—we hope to become a trusted local business that gives back and contributes to the success and spirit of our community.
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LF/LB: Is there anything else you would like to share about your business?
ML: I am truly grateful to be a part of the Lake Forest community. It has such a warm, hometown feel, and the support we’ve received from our clients has meant so much. At our salon, it’s about more than just hair and nails—it’s about helping people feel confident and beautiful. My goal is for every client to leave feeling refreshed, uplifted, and proud of who they are. I look forward to continuing to build lasting relationships and being a trusted part of this wonderful community for years to come.