Welcome to The Eclective, Water Street’s New Styling Companion
Katelynn Taylor, founder of Good Ass Hair Day, has expanded the business’ reach to offer in-person retail and community events
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
“A space for style, connection and creativity.” These are the foundations which guide Good Ass Hair Day’s founder, Katelynn Taylor, in her latest business expansion in downtown Eau Claire.
The Eclective (located at 403 Water St., Eau Claire, the former home of VER Salon) — whose name combines Katelynn’s passions for all things “eclectic” and “collective” — has been designed to cultivate an in-person community, a contrast from the Good Ass Hair Day social media following online.
Its goal is to offer immersive experiences focused on self-care and personal style, allowing people to connect and engage with one another, she said.
“As a society — and as a human who has been online for so long — I'm really craving that community aspect,” Katelynn said. “The hope is that you come to The Eclective for a chance to be yourself and connect with other people.”
Since its ribbon-cutting in October, The Eclective has expanded its offerings to include new locally-centered retail — with the chance to purchase Good Ass Hair Day products in person — events and styling services. These additions are the result of Katelynn's continuous manifestation and relationship-building efforts, which have been at the core of her brand since the 2023 launch of Good Ass Hair Day, she said.
Katelynn will personally offer hair styling services such as shampoo blow dries, updo styles and two-hour blocks where individuals can learn to style their own hair. These services — complemented by her decades of experience with haircuts and coloring — provide even more opportunities for in person interactions and builds confidence for customers.
“I'm very big on educating people (on) how to style their own hair; (your hair) shouldn't only look good when they leave the salon,” Katelynn added.
To fit the needs of her online community — bolstered by the hair-product business — The Eclective will also serve as a content creation studio and expanded offices for her and the Good Ass Hair Day team.
“Good Ass Hair Day wouldn’t be what it is without social media,” Katelynn said. “We know that showing up on social media makes all of the difference and so to have The Eclective — to go down and create content there — (it is all) obviously very aligned.”
The Eclective’s events calendar will not limit itself to solely hair care services, Katelynn added. Examples of its “Education Series” in motion — and slated for the New Year — include a “Paint Your Partner” workshop, “Sushi Making One-On-One” and “Budgeting For Baddies.”
Katelynn will also offer courses focused on styling, such as “The Basics Of Braiding,” with more classes to be announced soon.
Experience will never be expected for courses and experiential events with the business; all offerings are intended to be beginner-friendly and amplify curiosity, Katelynn said.
As The Eclective soon surpasses its first month in operation, Katelynn and her team hopes to continue building relationships with its neighboring storefronts along Water Street. With the tangible success of Good Ass Hair Day, she plans to use this platform to uplift and support other small businesses in the area, The Eclective included.
“I'm passionate about bringing some life back to Water Street,” Katelynn said. “If you really want to have relationship(s) in your life — where people are showing up for you — you have to do the same thing in return.”
The Eclective, located at 403 Water St. in Eau Claire, is open from Thursday through Sunday, 10am-6pm and Wednesdays from 10am-6pm. Follow along with the creative studio's new announcements and events calendar online through social media (@the.eclective.ec).
