"Every woman and every client should be a muse ... a lot of women don't know the power in their own beauty."

From that idea, owner and stylist Marci Landgraf (pictured) came up with the name for Muse Salon and Hair Boutique, which opened Tuesday and joined a string of eateries and bars on the thriving R Street corridor.

When the space became available, Landgraf says she jumped at the opportunity and echoes the sentiment of other business owners on the corridor who believe that the growing strip is a great location for business, especially being in such close proximity to one another.

"More business brings more business," said Landgraf.

Muse's walls are bare and the decor is simple with white walls, black styling stations, concrete floors and a few scattered plants adding a few subtle splashes of color.

Landgraf plans on keeping the minimal look, explaining that it's all intentional because "the client is the art."

Located just steps away from Space 07 Salon and only minutes from Downtown's numerous other hair salons, Muse sets itself apart from the rest by focusing solely on hair and creating an individualized and upscale experience for the client instead of a factory line of snip, color and dry.

All of the stylist stations have been custom-designed and despite the small 800-square-foot space, there is more space per stylist than most salons that are closely crammed together, which contributes to an intimate setting for each client.

"We cater to our clients and want to offer a sophisticated, high-quality service," said Landgraf.

Landgraf brings with her an impressive résumé with more than 18 years in the hair styling industry. Most recently, she worked at Downtown's Senses Salon and has traveled the world with Sebastian hair company as an artistic director. Her impressive work has scored her a spot as a stylist for New York Fashion Week and her styling has been featured in Vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazaar.

Landgraf's experience along with the other two stylists, Heather Andersen and Curtis Gayden, offer a high level of technical and artistic expertise.

While Landgraf plans on adding to their small team, she will keep the amount of stylists to a minimum as she is focused more on quality than quantity and hopes to find stylists that possess unique and special personalities, helping to create a one-of-a-kind styling experience for clients.

Landgraf will also be working to bring back the actual concept of getting hair styled for a night out or a weekly blowout. While this used to be very common in previous decades, the trend is somewhat lost in the industry now. She hopes her location in the middle of Downtown's nightlife will be conducive to bringing customers in before nights out on the town.

The salon's current business hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. with plans to extend hours until 9 p.m. as the salon moves forward and builds its staff.

Muse Salon is located at 1409 R St. To see Marci Landgraf's hair designs, visit hairbymarci.net