Kismet Co. to relocate gender-neutral salon to 17th and Market in Ballard

Meghan Walker Ballard

The Kismet Co. salon has found a new home in Ballard, set to open later this summer at 5512 17th Ave NW.

Kismet owner Lisa Clarno had to pivot last year during the pandemic and started offering outdoor haircuts and color services at her salon (1464 NW 49th St) late last summer. She also launched mobile salon services, visiting over 200 backyards and patios in Ballard throughout the last year.

“It’s been a ride, but the importance has been evident for clients that are high risk and immune-suppressed—also many with a terminal illness—that they receive professional haircuts as well.”

Kismet’s current location is in a building located next to Stoneway Hardware; the landlord of her building told her she would have to move because he’d sold the property and wasn’t willing to renew her lease. Clarno started an online petition in October last year to try to save her small studio on 49th, and gained over 800 signatures. Despite her efforts, she was forced to find a new home in Ballard.

Clarno’s new location is on the ground floor of the Vitality on 17th, one of the recently built apartment buildings just off NW Market St and just north of the 7-Eleven on Market and 17th.

“When the opportunity for this new location opened up I knew I had to act quick,” Clarno told My Ballard. “The new larger space will have me and three other stylists, also a very rare private back secured patio for outdoor services.”

Kismet will continue to offer gender-neutral services. “This means haircut costs are based on length, not gender,” Clarno said. “It’s time we start to be progressive and I stand very firm on that.” With the private outdoor patio space, customers can choose outdoor salon services when booking their appointments.

Kismet is known for its color services that are outside the norm—all the colors of the rainbow, if you will—and Clarno is adamant about creating a space where clients “feel safe and cared for.”

The new location is still being renovated, but Clarno says she’s aiming to be open by August or September. She plans to host a grand opening party to celebrate the new spot; keep an eye on Kismet’s Instagram page for details. Until then, customers can still book services at the original studio on 49th St.

All photos by Kismet Co.