AS YOU LIKE IT Testimonials

On 6/10/2009, Joe S. wrote (after spending the day hanging his painting show):

I enjoyed extended time in your salon, I realize that your services are ultimately about the soul and restoring the self as it buffeted about in our world. All of the elements of your space add up to this, yet you somehow avoided all of the cliche's that would push people's buttons in this realm. ...

Thank you! Joe

On 3/4/2009 Steve R. wrote:

As You Like It is a beautiful salon that reflects the personalities of the professionals who work there.

I have my hair styled by Patt Murray, who refers to my hair as "her work", which she takes great pride in. After each cut, Patt makes sure to check in, and offers to fix any little details in case there is anything that's bothering me, which there never is. Every cut has been great and has grown out perfectly! (I tend to go a long time between cuts).

For a mix of truly amazing customer service, a vintage small business approach, and vibrant artistic surroundings, I highly recommend As You Like It!

On 4/5/2009, Lila J.wrote:

Dear Patt:
You have a wonderful salon, and Liz gave me a perfect cut! I have already scheduled waxing for later this week, and am telling all my friends about As You Like It.

Thanks again.
Lila

On 6/28/2008 Isla E. wrote:

Now that I live further south, I really miss As You Like It. It might be the cutest salon ever. Such a peaceful, homey, gem just north of the bustling city.

They have a library in there where you can borrow books (with great titles!). There is the sweetest little playroom in an alcove where children can play. They display and sell local art. Everyone that I have met there seems to genuinely care about the services they are delivering.

I haven't gotten a haircut there, but I used to go get my eyebrows done all the time. Pamela was great. Very attentive. She also does a nice facial with attention to acupressure points.

On 8/2/2008, Janet G wrote:

Long ago, I gave sovereignty over my head -- or to be more specific, the hair upon it -- to Patt Murray. I am not one to spend a whole lot of time fussing in the morning, so having hair cuts that "work" without much attention on my part is a must. Here in Chicago, hair can change pretty dramatically from dry, "hat-haired" and wind-chilled winters, to humid, hot and sun-drenched summers. It's not just a matter of curly versus flat but even the rate at which hair grows. Patt's work takes that into account: It is designed for the person, the lifestyle and the seasons. It is not about a cut that looks good in a still photo, or hair that only works in front a stylist's mirror with a blow-drier at the ready. It's about hair that makes you look like your best version as you go about your life.

The salon's decor may not be for everyone, but then I don't think As You Like It *is* for everyone. It's an oasis without being a "spa". There is art -- real art -- on the walls. There is candy in dishes. There is a little nook for small fry to play while their "significant elders" get pampered. There is a mobile, fergoshakes, above the hair-washing sink. And there's music. Not too loud. World music. Classical. Lovely.

Recently, I had my first massage from Sam Murray, Patt's husband. She was telling me about his work for some time, but I just wasn't listening. Let's start by saying the proper phrasing should probably be, "my first massage *by* Sam Murray." The success of the massage had as much to do with the style (myofascial) as the practitioner. Myofascial massage requires the precise and strong application of pressure on muscles and tendons to work out -- for lack of a better term -- the kinks.

This isn't a massage about pampering. It's a massage designed to make you work better, feel better, and even think better.

Sam prefers a challenge, so when I told him I didn't think I had any huge problem areas, save some tension in my neck, he looked positively crest-fallen. Then I mentioned my knee, which had been bitten -- probably by a spider -- a couple of years ago. It tends to swell a bit and, if I'm not careful, hurt. I'd figured out how to live with it, so I didn't give it another thought. Sam's eyes grew wide: He could show me what he could do!

It never occurred to me I had tendonitis, but after Sam, not only do I know that's what it was, it's notably better. He suggested I ice it for 10 minutes morning and night, which has made a huge difference. I'm riding my bicycle and hiking and it's good.

Sam also worked on some muscles in the middle of my back that seem to be my personal magnet for tension. Even he was impressed by my storage capacity... And for show-off fun, he worked on some muscles about 3 inches below my armpits that immediately relaxed my shoulders. Who knew?

Sam, who is built like the football player his brothers always hoped he would be, has a personal understanding of where muscles and how muscles and tendons can go awry. His brothers, bless them, had him do "thumb push-ups" as a kid to improve his handling of the ball. Those years of digital workouts have paid off: He can apply pressure and hold it for an amazing amount of time.

Although some clients see Sam once a week -- or even more often -- many, like me, see him for periodic "tune-ups" : 3 or 4 sessions to work out specific problems. Why take drugs for pain when, with a little bit of work, you can address the problem directly?

Sam sent me on my way with a bottle of water, advising me to keep hydrated. Whether it was the hydration or toxins newly released wanting out, out, out -- well, let's just say they got out. Feeling better feels *good* indeed!

On 2/18/2009 Susana D. wrote:

The atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming, the styling thoughtful and attentive. As You Like It features interesting decor, a rotating gallery of compelling art, a full range of services. I've had some of my most illuminating conversations over the past 20 years with the owner. This place is a treasure.

On 5/18/ 2008, Mary D. wrote:

Patt,

This is the most amazing haircut - every day, every moment is perfect! I wake up and it looks great out of bed! I put a comb through it and it falls completely into place. It is such a relief and pleasure not to have to constantly be trying to "arrange it into place..."

Thank you so much.
Mary