A Family’s Dream of Beauty and Business Comes to Life
A mother-daughter duo brings new energy to Wasilla’s only full-service salon, guided by the Alaska SBDC.
When Rachelle Creech and her 21-year-old daughter discovered the opportunity to purchase a well-established spa in Wasilla, Alaska, they knew it could be the beginning of something truly meaningful. Drawn by their shared belief in the transformative power of the beauty industry, they set their sights on acquiring the thriving Blu Birch Spa & Salon, which had been open for 15 years — a local gem located in the plaza off Bogard Road, near the recognizable Little Miller’s drive-thru.
The Creeches had questions: How should they finance the purchase? Would a personal investment be enough? Should they pursue a traditional loan, or was owner financing a viable option? The complexities of acquiring an existing business felt daunting, and they needed expert advice to make confident, informed decisions.
To chart a clear path forward, Rachelle and her daughter turned to the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and scheduled a meeting with Misty O’Connor, Mat-Su Center Director.
With Misty’s continued support in navigating the acquisition process, the Creeches developed simplified financial projections and a business plan tailored to their situation. These tools helped them evaluate all the possibilities with clarity. Ultimately, the family chose to provide a substantial down payment and pursue owner financing, which was enthusiastically supported by the seller, who also agreed to stay involved during the transition period.
With ownership finalized, Blu Birch Spa & Salon remains a cornerstone of beauty and wellness in the Mat-Su Valley. Now operated by this dynamic mother-daughter team, the salon continues to offer a wide range of professional services—from hair coloring and foliage to extensions, skincare, and spa treatments. Under their leadership, Blu Birch fosters a welcoming space for clients of all ages and backgrounds, as well as a supportive environment for hairstylists, estheticians, and nail technicians to thrive.
By retaining the core team and expanding their offerings, Blu Birch has kept its loyal customer base while inviting new guests to experience high-quality care and rejuvenation. The salon carries a curated collection of premium hair and skincare brands such as Amika, Olaplex, Moroccan Oil, Davines, and Poppy & Pout—further distinguishing it as the Valley’s only full-service beauty destination.
“Misty, from Alaska SBDC, provided expertise, support, and consultation in our journey to become small business owners. Her guidance gave us the tools and confidence we needed to be successful.” — Rachelle Creech, Co-owner of Blu Birch Spa & Salon
From initial questions to a successful acquisition, Rachelle and her daughter’s journey with Blu Birch Spa & Salon exemplifies how community support and expert guidance can help entrepreneurs realize their dreams. With the Alaska SBDC and trusted local partners like FNBA by their side, the Creeches now lead a business that not only enhances beauty but also enriches lives, one client at a time.
Blu Birch Spa and Salon is located at 3030 N Lazy Eight Ct #15 in Wasilla. Connect with them on Facebook and Instagram, or learn more and make an appointment at https://blubirchspasalon.mysalononline.com/booking/
