Empower

Empower opened its doors in January 2020 in St. Petersburg. Kerri Maphis and Vanessa Solomon founded the salon and co-own it. The salon describes its mission as supporting the St. Petersburg community with its time and talents, and says it aims to give each guest some working knowledge of self-care while welcoming every hair type and texture.

Community giving is part of the salon's identity. It states that it donates $1 from every service back to the community, and that as of December 2025 it had donated roughly $30,000 to the Tampa Bay area. The salon describes itself as Pinellas County's only community diaper bank, and says it hand-selects the organizations it supports based on the community's current needs.

Clients describe the space as fresh and cozy. Every guest receives a complimentary consultation. Prices are starting prices, confirmed only after an in-salon consultation, and reflect each stylist's experience and education and may change with the type and condition of the hair. Hair extension pricing is set only after an in-salon consultation.

The salon is open Monday from noon to 8 PM, Tuesday through Thursday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and is closed on weekends. Guests who are running late should call or text the salon; after 10 minutes the stylist may change the appointment. Cancellations within 24 hours may be charged up to 50% of the service, and a no-call, no-show is charged the full service. Cancelling within two hours of the appointment counts as a no-show. Refunds are not offered, though an adjustment may be made the same week as the service if there is an issue, within reason.

Built around naturally derived and sustainable beauty practices and products, with a focus on welcoming all hair types and textures.

Clients describe the salon as fresh and cozy.