Get Gorgeous Salon & Spa: Building Beauty and Community in Rondo

lka Bird is the owner of Get Gorgeous Salon & Spa, a multicultural salon in Saint Paul’s historic Rondo community. Since opening in 2007, Ilka has created a space that celebrates all hair types and styles, serving both men and women in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. 

“We do hair of all types, both men and women. All services whether it’s long, natural, relaxed, short, blonde, or blue—we do it all,” she said. 

Her journey began after taking a business class through the Neighborhood Development Center in 2006. “It was very informative. I got to learn a lot about business in that time of growth, as well as about people and how to educate them,” she said. “I opened the salon in 2007 a year after taking the class and it was great information to learn about how to move forward.” 

Ilka started Get Gorgeous in a 550-square-foot space, running everything herself for two years before expanding to 1,100 square feet and bringing on another stylist. “I’ve been here in the Rondo community, they have accepted me, I am a community-based salon, I’ve been here for generations, and I just thank everyone who has continued to support me for the 18 years and then some,” she said. 

Support from the MN Promise Act Grant is helping Ilka continue to grow and reinvest in her business. “These funds will help the ongoing success of my business and revitalization of the community by making sure I have the necessary equipment to make sure all clients are left feeling and looking gorgeous,” she said. “As my clientele grows I will be able to do from dreadlocks to buzz cuts and build a stronger clientele while inviting future cosmetologists and barbers.” 

Ilka hopes to expand and include barbers in her already multicultural salon. “As God blesses me with improvements to the salon environment this also lets clients know that they’re being touched not only in beauty, but in love,” she said. “I feel that this love and safe environment with beauty healing brings more clientele to my salon. Everyone deserves to Get Gorgeous.” 

📸 See photos from Get Gorgeous Salon & Spa below!