Douglas Jay Weaver

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas Weaver, the founder of Douglas J Companies, at the age of 77.

Doug was an entrepreneur, innovator and mentor. As the son of two hairdressers, he developed a passion for the salon industry early on. In 1967, Doug, along with his wife Sharon, established the Village Hair Shoppe, now known as Douglas J Salon & Spa – bringing to life his vision of developing talented team members who understood the value of caring for their guests' needs and focusing on community and social responsibility.

Doug wanted to bring the styles of the big city to a community more accustomed to the weekly wash and set. While most salons were curling and styling long hair, Douglas began to cut strong lines and shorter styles. For this, he was recognized for pushing the boundaries of hairdressing. He also was a pioneer in guest care setting the bar for providing an atmospere guests looked forward to with each visit.

In 1986, he opened a new chapter for the company with the inception of the Douglas J Academy of Cosmetology, now Douglas J Aveda Institute. With a world-class beauty school, Douglas J succeeded in taking the technical and business skills perfected for nearly half a century, and passing it on to new generations of aspiring stylists.

Anyone who knew Doug knew his highest priority was always his staff and guests. He loved being in the salon and seeing the many familiar faces of those he had cared for over the years. He was always happy to give advice to a young stylist, sweep hair or to open the door for one of his welcomed guests.

Doug's work has been published in several national and International magazines including American and Modern Salon. He also trained alongside many internationally known hairdressers including Yves Durif, Billy Wallace, Jon English, and Oscar Bond.

In 1998, Doug was awarded the Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Award in the Service category. In 2003, after 30 years of service to Intercoiffure America and Canada, he was recognized for his continuous contribution and dedication to the advancement of the salon and style industries with the prestigious Intercoiffure Service Award.

Doug taught the company that good will does not just exist in the realm of salon and spa care. Giving back was always front and center to his vision. The company has donated more than $1.8 million dollars to charities worldwide.

Doug's legacy continues to grow and live on through his two sons, Scott and TJ Weaver who currently run the family business of nine locations including three salons and six schools.

While we mourn the loss of our great founder who has touched so many within our industry, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people that hard work makes dreams come true and that selflessly serving a cause greater than themselves is the best life lived.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 25th at the Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Road, Okemos, MI 48864. A Celebration Memorial will immediately follow at 4:00 pm at the University Club - Henry Center Atrium, 3435 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Hospice of Lansing - Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI 48910.