The Salon on Middle was founded in November of 2020 by Laura Lane, a color theorist, former beauty educator, and creative director with over two decades in the beauty industry. Her work spans music videos, documentaries, and editorial features in Alternative Press and 7Hues, shaped early on by working alongside Bradley Tuggle, lead creative director and stage artist for CHI and Farouk. Before bringing her vision to New Bern, Laura absorbed everything she loved from every salon she worked in and left behind everything she did not, creating a space that is intentionally different. TSOM is fashion house energy without the attitude, elevated yet welcoming, where craft, honesty, and individuality come first. Laura does not operate as a boss, but as an equal, building a team of experts who lead their respective disciplines and collaborate to deliver highly personalized hair. Sick of products being pushed and sales boards filled with pressure, Laura made a firm decision to eliminate forced retail culture. There is no sell sell sell mentality here, only thoughtful recommendations when they truly serve the client. Communication is central, not just between stylist and client but across the room, encouraging conversation, comfort, and a space where every voice is heard. Integrity is nonnegotiable, if something cannot be done correctly, it will not be done at all, and mistakes are treated as discoveries, learned from collectively. All work at The Salon on Middle is guaranteed for two weeks, because confidence should never come with hesitation. The result is a salon experience that feels intentional, refined, and human, one that has quietly positioned The Salon on Middle as one of New Bern’s top destinations for hair done right.