Mūni Haus of Beauty is More Than a Salon
Jamie Millmather's hair headquarters is a place for collaboration, inspiration and educational workshops.
A backsplash made from hand-painted tiles from Portugal is a focal point at Muni Haus of Beauty. Photo courtesy of Jamie Millmather.
Mūni means “renewal” and “rebirth.” It was the perfect word to describe what salon owner Jamie Millmather was feeling when she decided to open Mūni Haus of Beauty, a new hair headquarters on the West End of Providence that provides hair cuts, color and styling.
“I felt such a personal connection to that name, because it was something I was going through. For a lot of people that are getting a big hair transformation, it is kind of like a rebirth,” Millmather says. “You’re stepping out into a whole new chapter of yourself.”
The corner space, steps away from Federal Hill, is more than just a salon. “I decided to go with haus of beauty instead of salon or studio, because I wanted the space to lend itself to more than just hair, including different events or collaborations, a place where the community can come and feel inspired, feel supported and feel empowered,” she adds.
The space is awash in bright white, taupe, peach and rose tones complemented by exposed brickwork, and a plethora of live green plants. Millmather designed Mūni Haus of Beauty herself. “When you walk into the space, I want guests to feel like you transcended, like you just stepped through to another world,” she says. “It’s such a nice moment when you walk into a space and you can leave your life behind for a minute.”
The gold arch mirrors and chairs at Muni Haus of Beauty.
Mauve, grey, gold, powder pink and white glass tiles create the elegant and earthy backsplash behind the salon’s sinks. The tiles were hand-painted in Portugal, and inspired the rest of Mūni’s design. Millmather incorporated the original exposed brick walls from the building, adding texture, coupled with visual elements derived from her around-the-world adventures to South Africa, Paris and Japan.
Natural daylight streams in from expansive windows, giant gold arch mirrors are illuminated, and art pieces grace shelves with greenery. All of the design elements combine to create a relaxing spa-like atmosphere that caters to guests of all hair types and textures to help them achieve their best personal style.
Mūni Haus of Beauty also prides itself on pampering guests when they walk in the door. The shampoo chairs are activated with massage features, and clients can always expect a luxurious head massage with most services, as well as essential oil-steeped towels and a warm neck wrap. “I wanted to create a space that feels like an escape, where everything can slow down a little bit,” Millmather says. “I make a point to have mindful consultations, and take extra time to add to the experience.”
Jamie Millmather, owner of Muni.
Millmather also inspires the next generation of stylists and colorists through Mūni. The Exeter, Rhode Island, native has earned over twenty years of experience and is Master Color Certified and Master Stylist Certified through Wella, and she continues to host educational workshops at the salon. At Muni, she works with stylists Lexee Domenicone, Amanda Ring and Lauren Billingsley.
“I always say I’m so spoiled. I have the best team. My girls are the absolute best. They’re such a huge part of what makes the salon work the way that it does,” Millmather says. “They are such a huge part of my inspiration, too. They keep me going.” 73 Kenyon St., Providence, munihaus.com
