CARROLLWOOD - When Inge Handing was 21 years old, she and a friend decided on a whim to move from Austria to Tampa.
Handing had an aunt who lived in the area, but she didn't have a job or much money.
"My goal was to learn to speak English and I wanted to travel around the United States," Handing said.
Quickly realizing that she needed money to travel, she got a job at a local salon. The extensive salon training she had received as a teenager in Austria laid the foundation for her career and led her to create her own salon.
But Handing's American Dream didn't occur without overcoming struggles. She had to borrow money, learn about financing and raise her daughter largely as a single mother.
But now Handing celebrates the 30th anniversary of Salon Ingá. The full service salon offers hair cuts, styling, facial treatments, nail care, waxing, and makeup. Handing credits a strong work ethic, education and training to her success.
"I was so determined," said Handing, 61. "Here I am. There's definitely been times when it wasn't easy. But then there's so many great times too."
Drawing upon her comprehensive training in Austria, she implemented a similar training program for her own stylists, writing a step-by-step training manual. It's broad, including things such as teaching the proper way to greet a client and how to shampoo hair correctly.
Employees appreciate the attention to detail.
"One of the greatest parts of the training is the consultations," said Victoria Slagter, senior stylist. "There aren't a whole lot of salons where they take you through a great training program from the beginning to the end."
When Slagter was 19, she began sweeping floors at the salon and was unsure of her career path. Now, 18 years later, Slagter grows emotional when she talks about Handing.
"She's the first one here and the last one to leave," said Slagter. "As a mentor, I would say it doesn't get any better. She has so much patience."
In 2009, Handing's daughter, Tanja Handing Catoe, also went through the training program and became a stylist and partner. Two years ago, Catoe, 34, and her mother expanded the business, opening up The Barbershop by Salon Ingá on Kennedy Boulevard
In addition to the training program, Salon Ingá distinguishes itself as a 20 year member of Intercoiffure, an international hairdressing association that requires members to meet specific criteria. According to the the Intercoiffure website, there are only two other salons in the Tampa Bay area that are members. Intercoiffure sets high standards for their members and holds workshops in America and abroad.
"We have a world congress every four years," said Handing, who has attended them in Japan, Brazil, Rome, and Berlin. "The big thing about it is the education part."
Though Handing has traveled the world, she enjoys being part of the Carrollwood community. Many of her clients have been with her from the beginning, and she has seen generations of families come to her salon.
"I used to want to have a big salon since that's how I grew up and it's so glamorous and it's so impressive, but over time I learned that I actually really like the boutique salon," said Handing. "I like to know the guests."
Inside the salon, you won't find Handing sitting behind a desk. Even after 30 years, she continues to work with clients alongside her stylists.
"When you have a craft, you have to practice it," said Handing. "I don't sit still. The thing that keeps me going is that I always want to learn."
Contact Danielle Hauser at hillsnews@tampabay.com.