We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanya Rabinowitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tanya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The decision to start a business wasn’t just about owning a salon & spa – it was about realizing a shared dream and creating something meaningful. My business partner, Christina Critchell, and I had worked side by side for over a decade, managing other salons and spas, and seeing firsthand the challenges and opportunities in the industry. We both shared a vision of what a salon and spa could be: a place that not only delivers incredible beauty and wellness services but also fosters a culture of care, community, and connection.
When the opportunity to purchase Antoine du Chez came along, it felt like the universe was saying, “This is it. Take the leap.” The salon already had such an amazing legacy, and we saw the chance to build on that foundation while weaving in our own vision.
Starting a business wasn’t without its challenges, but our thought process was always rooted in creating something bigger than ourselves. We wanted to lead with heart, support the incredible talents of our team, and create a place where joy, collaboration, and meaningful experiences take center stage. Owning Antoine du Chez has been about building not just a business, but a thriving community where everyone can grow and feel at home.
What should our readers know about your business?
Antoine du Chez is more than a salon and spa – it’s a community! We’re a full-service salon offering haircare, massage, skincare, nails, and a retail boutique. What sets us apart is the culture we’ve built – a place where our team members are empowered to thrive, and clients feel like they’re part of something truly special.
As a mom to a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old, one of my biggest challenges has been finding balance between my personal and professional lives—knowing they’ll often mix! It’s been a journey of embracing the messiness and joy of balancing motherhood and business ownership. These experiences have taught me to prioritize what truly matters so I can show up with intention and love.
One of our core values at Antoine du Chez is “always evolving”. We honor the brand’s 50-year legacy by staying true to its timeless elegance while embracing innovation and modern trends. From integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the client experience to staying ahead of industry trends, we’re committed to remaining both classic and relevant.
At Antoine du Chez, we believe everyone deserves to feel beautiful, cared for, and connected. Our story is one of resilience, passion, and community—and it’s only just beginning!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a mix of my favorite places and experiences. We’d start with margaritas at Los Chingones in RiNo and wander around checking out the street art. Then we’d head to Cart Driver for pizza and oysters!
Since I used to work at The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon, I’d want to take them to LoDo to see Union Station, the historic buildings, and the Dairy Block. South Broadway would also be on the list for its used bookstores and quirky shops.
We’d spend some time outdoors at Cheeseman Park, soaking in the pretty scenery and its spooky history, followed by a visit to Garden of the Gods and a hike in one of the nearby state parks to take in Colorado’s natural beauty.
If the timing worked out, I’d love to take them to an event or women’s circle hosted by Cassia Collective. It’s such a unique way to connect and experience something meaningful together!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s incredible how life comes full circle! Christina and I both started our careers in this industry years ago, and those early experiences have shaped so much of who we are today. Christina worked as the GM for Antoine du Chez back in the early 2000s—a true full-circle moment now that we’re co-owners of the brand she once helped manage.
For me, I’ll always be grateful for my first industry job at Mosaic Hair Studio in Orlando, Florida. It was there that I first fell in love with the salon world—the creativity, the relationships, and the transformative power of this work. The lessons I learned from the owners, Mike & Kiri, continue to guide me in how I lead and connect with our team and clients.
And lastly, a book that deeply resonates with me is Beloved Economies: Transforming How We Work by Jess Rimington and Joanna Levitt Cea. Its ideas about leading with care, trust, and shared prosperity have profoundly shaped how we approach this business. The book reminds us that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating environments where people thrive and feel seen. That philosophy has been central to how Christina and I lead, and it’s something we’re constantly striving to cultivate in our team and with our clients.
Website: https://www.antoineduchez.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoineduchez
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antoineduchez
Image Credits
Shannon Liao