From thoughtful gifts and holiday self-care to Christmas tree mishaps and a love for Downtown Kenosha, Sarai Gillmore is celebrating the season her own way!
The holidays are a time for giving, gathering, making memories, and maybe treating yourself to a little something special along the way!
For Sarai Gillmore, owner of Salon on Sixth in Downtown Kenosha, the holiday season is about much more than finding the perfect present or getting ready for the next holiday party. It's about connection, kindness, and making people feel good inside and out.
And that's exactly what Sarai and her team strive to do every day at Salon on Sixth!
With an eclectic atmosphere, unique gifts, consignment clothing, plant-based products, and a growing selection of beauty services, Salon on Sixth is more than your typical salon.
We caught up with Sarai to talk about holiday traditions, shopping local, her favorite Kenosha experiences, and one unforgettable Christmas tree adventure!
A Little Beauty, A Little Shopping & a Lot of Heart!
For someone who has never visited Salon on Sixth, what can they expect when they walk through the door?
"A warm, eclectic vibe with grounding aromas that invite you to browse our consignment clothing and plant-based products. Bowie is here to announce your presence! You can enjoy coloring books at the big comfy couch while sipping comforting tea as you await your hair, skin, or nail transformations."
Sounds like the perfect place to escape a little holiday hustle and bustle!
And there's even more to discover. Along with hair services, Salon on Sixth now offers nails, facials, and body waxing, while its consignment shopping area continues to grow.
What do you love most about owning a business in Kenosha?
"I love providing a space for people to feel cherished, relaxed, and rejuvenated."
That welcoming atmosphere carries right into the holidays.
How does Salon on Sixth celebrate the holiday season?
"I feel the holidays are all about connection—feeling included, creating loving memories, and offering thoughtful gestures and gifts. I strive to maintain that atmosphere all year long."
Give the Gift of Feeling Good!
Still searching for that perfect holiday gift? Sarai has a few ideas!
Salon on Sixth offers one-of-a-kind consignment clothing, specialty products, unique aromas, and gift cards for someone who deserves a little pampering.
What makes Salon on Sixth a great stop for holiday shoppers?
"We feature unique aromas you can't find anywhere else, and we're happy to act as your personal shopper if you need help finding the perfect gift."
And Sarai's gift-giving philosophy is pretty simple: find something special your loved one wouldn't normally splurge on for themselves!
Even better, Salon on Sixth is offering some holiday shopping perks:
• 25% off the entire store: November 24–28 and December 15–24
• Free gift with every gift card purchase
• Complimentary gift wrapping
Whether you're shopping for a friend, family member, or yourself (we won't tell!), there's plenty to discover!
Christmas Memories, Cozy Fires & One Very Questionable Tree
Of course, we couldn't let Sarai get away without answering a few fun holiday questions!
What's one of your favorite holiday memories from childhood?
"Skiing and snowboarding with my friends and family."
What's a holiday tradition you look forward to every year?
"Sitting by warm fires in my fireplace."
One holiday treat you absolutely cannot go without?
"Homemade turtles."
What holiday movie instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit?
"Die Hard."
Well, there you have it. The great Christmas movie debate continues!
And when it comes to holiday music, Sarai is choosing "Christmas Conga" by Cyndi Lauper if she's stuck listening to one song for 24 hours.
But perhaps our favorite answer came when we asked about an unforgettable holiday moment.
Sarai recalled living with two girlfriends and one of their young sons, who was determined that everyone go shopping together for a real Christmas tree.
Unfortunately, the only night everyone was available was miserably cold and sleeting!
That didn't stop the young tree shopper, who insisted on examining every single tree before finally choosing the winner.
But once they got home, there was a slight problem.
The tree was too tall. And it had a giant hole on one side that couldn't even be hidden against a wall!
Their solution?
Cut the tree down to size, save the extra branches, wrap them in wet paper towels and tinfoil, and use them to fill in the missing section!
Now THAT is some holiday creativity. Clark Griswold would be proud!
Speaking of Christmas personalities, Sarai says she's more of a Buddy the Elf.
And while she waits until after Thanksgiving to decorate, she doesn't discriminate when it comes to Christmas lights.
As Sarai puts it, "As long as there are lights, lights, and all kinds of lights!"
Hot chocolate is her beverage of choice, too.
There's No Place Like Downtown Kenosha!
Sarai's love for Kenosha extends well beyond her salon doors.
When friends and family visit, she enjoys showing off the streets of Downtown Kenosha. For first-time visitors, she recommends exploring the Art & Sculpture Walk and discovering Downtown's haunted history.
Her favorite place to experience a little holiday magic?
The crashing waves along Kenosha's lakefront.
And if you're looking for another local business to explore, Sarai recommends The White Lilac.
Why is supporting local businesses so important, especially during the holidays?
"We have a special nook in Kenosha, and we need to support our local businesses so our area doesn't get taken over by big corporations or vacancies."
For Sarai, the strength of Kenosha comes from its sense of community, local celebrations, and people supporting one another.
It's also why giving back remains important to Salon on Sixth throughout the year.
Cheers to 15 Years!
There's plenty for Sarai to look forward to as 2026 comes to a close.
When asked what she's most thankful for, her answer was simple:
"The opportunity to keep learning, growing, and supporting our community."
And 2027 promises to be a particularly memorable year!
Salon on Sixth will celebrate its 15th anniversary, while Sarai will celebrate another milestone of her own: her 50th birthday!
Two great reasons to celebrate!
Make Salon on Sixth Part of Your Holiday Plans!
Whether you're getting ready for a holiday gathering, shopping for a thoughtful gift, or simply looking for a little relaxation during the busiest time of year, Salon on Sixth offers a welcoming place to unwind.
And while you're there, take some time to explore the surrounding Downtown Kenosha shops, restaurants, and attractions. You never know what little holiday treasures you'll discover!
Salon on Sixth Holiday Shopping Specials
• November 24–28: 25% off the entire store
• December 15–24: 25% off the entire store
• Gift Card Purchases: Free gift with purchase
• Gift Wrapping: Complimentary
Holiday Hours & Closures
• December 24: 9 AM–Noon
• December 31: 9 AM–1 PM
• Closed: November 26, December 25–26, and January 1–2
Learn more about Salon on Sixth: - 5038 Sixth Avenue Kenosha, WI 53140
Here's to a holiday season filled with kindness, connection, great hair, and maybe a Christmas tree that actually fits in the living room!
