Sole scissors salon is located at 155 Main Street in Augusta. The salon has changed locations over the years but settled in its current location in 2016. The building was originally a drug store and was moved to Augusta from Gilman around 1916. It changed hands through the years and held many businesses. But eventually was custom remodeled to house the salon in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
The salon is owned by Cari Isakson, who has been a hairdresser for 23 years. The team also consists of Anna Lee (stylist), Kae Briggs (nail tech), Michelle Neckstad (massage therapist) and Jae Allen (stylist).
Cari stated, “After high school I went to college at MSU-northern and earned a business degree. My first job after college was at a law firm. I quickly discovered that I hated working in an office. It was too quiet, and I wanted a career that was more personable. So, I soon enrolled at Dahl’s College of Beauty in Great Falls. I graduated in June of 1999 and our oldest daughter, Rachel, was born 2 weeks later.
I’ve worked at salons in Augusta, Cascade and Great Falls. But in 2016, I became the owner of Sole Scissors and we moved to our current location.
I love my job! I like being creative and artistic. My clients and colleagues have become like family to me. It is also wonderful to have control over my own schedule. When my daughters were little, there were days that they came to work with me, it’s awesome to have that flexibility and freedom.
At the moment, I have taken some time off due to some medical problems, but I am optimistic that I will return soon. I can’t wait to be able to spend time with my clients and colleagues and catch up with them.”
Another part of the team is Anna Lee. Anna started doing hair in 1987. “Local gal that did hair was my mom’s best friend. I admired what she did, wanted to be like her, so I became licensed.
I have been doing hair in Augusta for 20 years now. Where the wine shop is now was the Post Office, and then became the beauty shop. I was asked to help out when it was there, then we moved where The Getaway Salon is now, and finally moved to where we are now.
Cari and I work really well together and always have. I love it here, you get to set your own hours, and we all get along so well.
I’m retiring next year in May, so I won’t be here after that. My husband and I are going to travel.”
Kae Briggs has been with Sole Scissors for 4 years now. She had just moved to Augusta from Great Falls, and they didn’t have a nail tech. Her first job after receiving her full cosmetology license was at a nail salon 35 years ago, which she enjoyed so much, she decided to make that her specialty and has been doing nails ever since. She loves being part of the Sole Scissors family and hopes to stay there for a long time. The only change being maybe a couple less days a week. At this time, she is booked out 2 – 3 weeks.
Michelle Neckstad started doing massage therapy and joined Sole Scissors in 2019. She enjoys doing massage therapy, the fun environment of Sole Scissors, and the flexibility that the job gives, allowing her to be around her family.
Jae Allen graduated from Augusta High School in 2020, and eventually went on to beauty school. She had almost started a new job in Great Falls, in September of 2022, when Cari got sick. Cari and Anna asked her to join Sole Scissors and help during Cari’s recovery time. Jae can do hair, nails, waxing, and facials but in augusta, sticks to hair and pedicures. She is enjoying being with Sole Scissors and hopes to continue in her career.
Sole Scissors offers services for women, men and children including haircuts, haircolor, perms, waxing, pedicures, manicures and massage. To make an appointment, please call 406-562-3337.