In every small town across America, there's at least one salon that raises the bar for everyone else. Carson City, NV, (population 55,176) has Salon Chocolat.

When Nevada became a state in 1864 during the Civil War, Carson City was confirmed as its capital. Previously dependent on the mining industry, Carson City then became a driving commercial center. Today, businesses like salon Chocolat offer clients a taste of big-city style and are enjoying sweet success.

"I credit Salon Chocolat's success to its clients." owner Sarah Zeron says. "If you can keep your clients feeling and looking beautiful, they will be the best representation and form of advertisement out there." The 1,750-Square-foot salon, which opened in 2008, offers cut, color, Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatments, hair extensions and skin care services. Featuring a decor that's a modern twist on Baroque style, the salon boasts a velvet diamond-tufted sofa, flocked damask wallpaper, custom-made black cabinetry (by Denton Cabinets, also local) and chandeliers. Free stylist blow-dryers hang from the ceilings, adding to the modern ambience. A Lather Lounge is surrounded by glass and etched-metal tiles with a silk tent covering the ceiling. In addition, a full color bar stocked with Paul Mitchell color allows clients to watch s their color formula is customized. "It gives them the knowledge that they can't get professional color out of a box." Zeron says.

Recently, Salon Chocolat had the opportunity to shot a reality TV show thaT aired in May on the Oprah Winfrey Network. The show gave two of Carson City's female residents a makeover. "It was an amazing opportunity to give back to our community in such a hugh way," Zeron says. "Salon Chocolat is going to try and continue offering makeovers to well deserving members of the community."

Named after a passion for hair and chocolate, Zeron got the idea to incorporate the chocolate aspect by offering Xocai healthy chocolate in the salon. "Xocai makes you beautiful on the inside by warding off free radicals and other toxic elements in our environment," Zeron says. "We wanted to offer chocolate to elevate the experience of coming in for a new look or to just have a feel-good day at the salon. Our motto is "Indulge yourself in beauty and chocolate,"' - Nicole Altavilla

IN STOCK: Jan Iredale-The Skin Care Makeup, Moroccanoil, Paul Mitchell

40 American Salon June 2011