At Salon 512, Gail Sarvis cuts, styles and colors the hair of some of the best-known heads in Edmonds. But the Edmonds native (she graduated from Edmonds High School Class of 1968) says her motive for establishing her own salon on 5th Avenue South 15 years ago was simple: “I decided I wanted to create an environment where people felt nurtured and cared for,” Sarvis said.

Sarvis, who has worked in the hair care industry for 42 years, is proud of her team of stylists and salon support employees. Two of them — Stacee Grant and Donna Cathey —  have been with her since she opened Salon 512 or many others came shortly after.

Her success, she says “isn’t just because of me. It’s all the different people who work here who’ve created this wonderful family.” Sarvis also acknowledged “the community for their ongoing support of Salon 512. It is through their patronage and sharing with others that our business thrives.”

Asked about her most memorable moment since she opened her business, Sarvis said it was the Dec. 17, 2005 arson fire of The Gregory condominimum project, located directly across the street from the salon. She remembers receiving a phone call from then-Edmonds Mayor Gary Haakenson notifying her of the fire, and warning her to be prepared for the worst.

“We weren’t sure our building would be saved,” Sarvis said. As fate would have it, Salon 512 was untouched and after a few days of running fans to remove the heavy smoke smell, Sarvis was able to reopen.

In conjunction with Salon 512’s anniversary, the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 29. In addition, the salon is offering 15 percent off all retail products and complimentary refreshments through May 31 to thank the community for their support.