While many businesses have come and gone in Pasadena over the last nearly four decades, one particular establishment continues to stand the test of time. Rumors Remix, a one-stop salon for hair, nail, and skin care services, celebrates 36 years of beautifying the Pasadena community this month, and owner Renee Livingston has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
“We take our “jobs” here to another level, by not only offering our professional services, but our friendships. We talk to one another’s’ clients, we laugh, and we help each other out. We are not afraid to ask other stylists for advice with any challenge that we face. I can learn things even from our youngest employee, who is 15 years old,” said Livingston.
Originally named Rumors Salon & Spa, Livingston opened the salon with her mother, Helen Neisser, in December 1987, starting with three employees. The original location was in Painters Plaza (the plaza where Calvert Veterinary, Edwin Jones and Vinzini’s Pizza are located). Neisser had worked in the beauty industry for most of her life as an educator, and while managing a beauty supply company, she decided to open her own salon. It was Helen’s husband and Renee’s father Harry Neisser who thought of the name “Rumors”. The name was inspired by the song “Rumors” by the group Timex Social Club. Livingston explained that Harry had said, “What do people do in a salon? They gossip, and spread rumors.”
Over the course of Rumors’ 36 year-journey, the salon has evolved in many ways. In 2007, Rumors moved to a new location next to the Pasadena YMCA, where it remains today. Then, in 2017 Neisser retired, and Jessica Kenealy took over. “Two of the smartest women in business that I know are Helen and Jessica, I have learned so much from each of them,” said Livingston.
“They both helped Rumors thrive and succeed even throughout some of the hardest financial times – including Covid.”
In November 2021, Livingston took over ownership of the salon, and put a new spin on the name. “We have kept our doors open to many former stylists and employees, hence the renaming to ‘Rumors Remix’,” Livingston explained. “Change is a part of the industry and we have definitely continued to further our education and keep up with the changing times.”
Today, the Rumors Remix team consists of 25 employees. “We are a hybrid salon made up of renters, commission employees, and support staff,” Livingston noted. “We have had employees leave and return to work at Rumors because they love their work home. We treat our team as though we are family, if we disagree, we work through our challenges, learn and grow.”
As far as client services go, Rumors Remix offers an extensive menu. They offer specialty hair cutting, coloring, foiling and highlighting techniques. There is also the relaxing spa area where specialty custom facial treatments, full body waxing, massage services, and spray tans are done. Rumors Remix also provides nail services. “We service clientele of all ages, our oldest client is 101 years old,” said Livingston. “Our services are extended not only to women, but children and men as well.” A few client amenities at Rumors Remix include a point system, in which clients can use points towards future services or products. They also strive for a welcoming atmosphere, offering wine, beer, coffee, tea, bottled water or light snacks to each client.
For Livingston, who has deep roots in the community, having a business in Pasadena has proven to bring her life full-circle. “I moved out of state a few times but always came back to my home. Even while living in Virginia and Delaware, I still managed to work at Rumors a few days a week, because this was always home to me. After coming back to Pasadena for good in 2015, to my surprise, clients came back to me from years past because of my availability and my love for my job.”
A graduate of Chesapeake High School, Livingston held titles in the world of pageants, and modeled for local agencies in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. She has three children, also all graduates of Chesapeake High School, and has been married to her husband, Brett, a captain in the fire department, for 7 years. “Sometimes he even has to put out my fires,” she laughed. “Without hesitation he is here for any of his ‘work wives’, whatever they need. I often call him my rent-a-husband, always willing to lend a hand, walk a client to their car in the rain with an umbrella, or bring his weekly donuts, and flowers.”
After so many years in the beauty industry, Livingston says she continues to truly enjoy walking into work each day and being able to stand alongside her friends and see some of the same clients she’s provided services for since 1987.
As for what the future holds for Rumors Remix, Livingston elaborated on her goals. “We will continue to strive to keep our growing community looking and feeling as beautiful as ever. Bringing our spa portion of our business back to life with our wonderful, knowledgeable estheticians, and massage therapist. Allowing our clients to focus on self care and relaxation in this hectic world in which we live. Collaborating with local businesses and building each other up while sharing ideas to help our local small businesses succeed,” she said. “I hope to be an inspiration to women of any age knowing that whenever you have a dream, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”
To schedule an appointment at Rumors Remix, Livingston says it’s best to call the salon at 410-360-0707 so that they can customize your service. To find them online, visit Facebook.com/RumorsRetreat or visit https://rumorspasadenainfo.wixsite.com/rumors-remix-salon.
