SPONSORED
In an industry where salon success is often tied to the quality of its partnerships, KEVIN.MURPHY MID-ATLANTIC (KMMA) is proving that distribution can—and should—be more than product placement and order fulfillment. With a high-touch, relationship-driven model informed by its stylist-first philosophy, KMMA is setting a new standard for what it means to truly support professional salons. At the heart of their approach are Salon Development Consultants (SDCs), whose work transcends the transactional, building partnerships rooted in trust, strategy, and shared vision.
Breaking out of the rigid, one-size-fits-all mindset, KMMA tailors its support to meet each salon’s unique needs. The results speak for themselves, as told by four standout salons across the Mid-Atlantic region. Through their experiences, it’s clear: KMMA doesn’t just distribute products—it cultivates success.
CURRENT SALON
Current Salon & SDC Linda Hutchins: Trust, Education, and a Shared Vision
For Nese Atlas and Ryan Mallard, owners of Current Salon in Ashburn, Virginia, the relationship with KMMA began well before the salon’s doors opened. “It was during those late nights, reviewing business plans and brand selections with Linda (…) that our journey truly began,” Nese recalls.
Fast forward to today, and Current Salon has grown from a team of four to a powerhouse team of thirty-five. Their brand portfolio mirrors their growth mindset: Alter Ego Italy, J Beverly Hills, Showpony Extensions, Ethica, Cezanne, KEVIN.MURPHY, COLOR.ME, and KEVIN.MURPHY + CODE. “From day one, we’ve been intentional about partnering with brands that support salons,” Nese says. “KMMA has always been more than a distributor. They’ve been a foundation of trust, education, and community.”
Linda Hutchins, their longtime SDC, has been central to that foundation. Her collaborative spirit and deep understanding of salon dynamics have helped shape every chapter of Current Salon’s growth. “KEVIN.MUPRHY isn’t just a product line—it’s a philosophy,” Nese says. “Their education, sustainability, and performance have helped define our culture. And Linda has been there every step of the way to ensure that culture thrives.”
KATE KANDEL SALON
Kate Kandel Salon & SDC Audrea Sherman: Consistency, Creativity, and Color Confidence
In Greenville, South Carolina, siblings Kate and Michael Kandel launched their namesake salon with a clear mission: to deliver modern, high-quality color and salon experiences from day one. Choosing KEVIN.MURPHY and COLOR.ME by KEVIN.MURPHY as their foundational partners was a strategic move that’s paid off in spades.
“What we value most about KEVIN.MURPHY MID-ATLANTIC is how they’ve respected and amplified our identity,” says Kate. “We’re not treated like a generic account—they listen, collaborate, and help us push our brand further.”
SDC Audrea Sherman has become instrumental in that journey. From designing impactful retail displays to navigating seasonal promotions and education, her support has been thoughtful and brand-aligned. “Audrea enhances—not overshadows—our systems,” the pair notes. “It’s a true partnership that honors both our creativity and our business goals.”
COLOR.ME, in particular, has helped the salon carve out a strong reputation in the market. “It allows our team to deliver dimensional, lasting color that our clients love,” Kate adds. “And the retail line continues that experience at home, building trust and loyalty.”
Eight years in, the Kandels are proud to grow alongside a distributor that “sees us, supports us, and helps us thrive.”
NORTH & COASTAL SALON
North & Coastal Salon & SDC Denise McClymont: Local Values, National Impact
In the heart of Ocean City, Maryland, North & Coastal Salon is more than a business—it’s a community hub rooted in eco-conscious values and exceptional service. When owner Brittany Cropper sought out a distributor, she knew she needed a partner who shared her vision. “We chose KEVIN.MURPHY MID-ATLANTIC because of their high-quality, eco-friendly products like Alter Ego Italy and their innovative approach to salon partnership,” Brittany explains.
With SDC Denise McClymont by their side, that partnership has only deepened. “Denise is present in the salon and always just a phone call away,” Brittany says. “She’s helped us streamline operations, boost sales, and enhance our services in ways that align with our brand.”
Technofruit by Alter Ego has played a key role in helping North & Coastal offer a more refined, consistent client experience. But it’s the educational and strategic support that Brittany values most. “Jennifer, KMMA’s Director of Education and Training, has provided resources that have elevated our brand identity and supported our team’s professional development.”
Through tailored promotions and seasonal planning, Denise and the KMMA team have helped North & Coastal build not just a salon, but a trusted brand in their community. “It’s a true partnership. We feel seen, valued, and supported in every way.”
INDIGO
Indigo Salon & SDC Al Talsky: Building More Than a Brand
With two thriving locations in Florence and Hartsville, South Carolina, Indigo Salon’s growth has been anything but accidental. Owner Jamie Kelly credits much of that intentional success to her relationship with SDC Al Talsky. “Partnering with KEVIN.MURPHY MID-ATLANTIC has been a natural and strategic alignment for us,” Jamie shares. “From the beginning, we were drawn to their brands’ commitment to world-class education and high-performing, environmentally conscious products.”
Indigo carries an impressive portfolio: Showpony Extensions, Cezanne, KEVIN.MURPHY, COLOR.ME by KEVIN.MURPHY, and KEVIN.MURPHY + CODE. But beyond the products, it’s the people that make the difference. “Al has played an integral role in our growth—not just in sales or promos, but through thoughtful strategies tailored to our salon’s needs,” Jamie says. Whether launching seasonal campaigns, enhancing team education, or refining customer experiences, Al’s consistent, hands-on support has allowed Indigo to grow with purpose.
Indigo’s partnership extends beyond Al. Strategic support from Kelie and Jessica on the KMMA management team has further fueled the salon’s momentum. “You get a sense of authentic engagement from the entire team,” Jamie adds. “What impresses us most is KMMA’s commitment to putting salons and their teams first—well ahead of revenue. It’s a forward-thinking, customer-centric approach we’ve been missing in this industry.”
KEVIN.MURPHY MID-ATLANTIC is more than a name on a packing slip. They’re redefining what it means to be a distributor in the professional beauty space—one relationship at a time. From the Carolinas to Virginia to Maryland, DC, and Delaware, their SDCs are shaping the future of salons by showing up, listening closely, and building real partnerships that last.
Because when distribution is personal, business becomes transformational.
