The moment is here. Voting for the 2026 Best of SLC Awards is officially open, and this is when the Salt Lake City community gets a say in recognizing the businesses that truly stand out.
From longtime favorites to trusted local service providers, voting is your opportunity to support the companies that consistently deliver great experiences across Salt Lake City and surrounding communities.
Voting is open March 17 through April 2.
During this time, residents can visit our website and vote for their favorite businesses across multiple categories in the 2026 Best of SLC Awards.
How voting works
Voting is simple, but meaningful:
• Each person may vote once per category • Voting must remain fair and cannot be incentivized • Votes are combined with Google reviews from the past 12 months
Together, these factors help identify the businesses that have earned strong customer support and community trust.
Nominees: now is the time to spread the word
If your business is an official nominee, this is the moment to let your customers know.
Helpful ways to encourage participation include:
• Sharing your nomination on social media • Using complimentary voting graphics in your dashboard • Mentioning your nomination during customer interactions • Sending a short email or text inviting customers to vote
Support local. Make it count.
Voting is open now. Visit the Best of SLC website and make your voice heard before voting closes on April 2.
We’re officially in countdown mode. In just a few days, voting for the 2026 Best of SLC Awards will open, one of the most important stages of the entire program.
If your business is an official nominee, now is the time to prepare. If you’re a supporter of local businesses, get ready to make your voice heard.
When does voting open?
Voting runs March 17 through April 2.
During the voting stage, Salt Lake City area residents can visit our website and vote to support the businesses they believe truly stand out. Voting is combined with Google reviews from the past 12 months to help determine which nominees rise to the top.
Voting must remain fair and cannot be incentivized, but nominees are encouraged to spread the word. A little preparation now can make the voting period even more impactful.
Here are a few effective ways to prepare
• Share a post letting customers know voting opens soon • Download complimentary voting graphics from your dashboard • Mention your nomination during customer interactions • Plan a short email or text reminder once voting begins
Voting opens soon, and this is when the Best of SLC community really comes together. Whether you’re preparing to share your nomination or planning to vote, now is the time to get ready.
The official nominees for the 2026 Best of SLC Awards are here.
Each category includes up to 10 businesses selected primarily based on Google reviews from the past 12 months. Earning a spot as an official nominee means your customers showed up for you in a big way.
If your business made the list, congratulations. This is already something worth celebrating across the Salt Lake Valley.
What to do next if your business is an official nominee
If you have not claimed your nomination yet, now is the time. Claiming only takes a minute and gives you access to your business dashboard.
Why claiming your nomination matters
Once claimed, you can:
• Download complimentary Best of SLC nominee graphics • Access important program updates • Purchase tickets for the Best of SLC Awards ceremony on May 4 + 5 • Order plaques and recognition items • Review and update your business information
Claiming your nomination also helps make sure your business details appear correctly throughout the program.
It also helps keep the program running smoothly. While ties are rare, they do happen, and in those cases preference may be given to businesses that have claimed their nomination.
Start getting ready for what comes next
The next step is the finalist stage, where top scoring nominees move forward in each category. Winners will be announced live at the Best of SLC Awards ceremony on May 4 + 5.
In the meantime, nominees can download their complimentary graphics and start sharing the news with customers, friends, and followers.
Salt Lake City has an incredible business community, and we are excited to celebrate the companies that help make it thrive.
When Kenny Isakson founded Po Boyz Flooring in September 1998, he wasn’t handed a roadmap or a safety net. All he had was a dream, and the courage to chase it. After years of working in the flooring industry under someone else’s roof, Kenny made the bold decision to step away and build something of his own. With no investors and little more than a vision and a strong work ethic, he launched Po Boyz Flooring from scratch. It was a leap of faith, one that would define the rest of his life.
From the beginning, Kenny’s goal wasn’t just to install floors. He wanted to build a company rooted in integrity, quality craftsmanship, and genuine relationships. It’s that commitment that has allowed Po Boyz Flooring to thrive for more than 25 years, becoming a trusted name throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
Po Boyz is more than a business, it’s a family. Literally. The company is family-owned and operated, and that sense of closeness radiates through everything they do. Beyond that, Kenny makes it a point to treat both employees and customers like an extension of his family. He recalls the very first client who walked into his showroom. That customer is now living in their fourth home and continues to rely on Po Boyz Flooring for every new space they create. Their loyalty means everything to Kenny and shows that Po Boyz is still doing right by their customers 25 years later..
In 2017, Kenny reached a milestone that felt like the culmination of years of sacrifice and hard work: he bought a building in Sandy to house the business. No longer leasing space, Po Boyz finally had a place to call its own, a symbol of permanence and progress. That moment was a true sense of accomplishment for Kenny. More than just a real estate transaction, it was a clear sign that his vision had taken root and grown into something lasting.
While Kenny may be a second-generation entrepreneur, he forged his own path. He didn’t inherit a business, he built one. And he did it by showing up every day, tackling challenges head-on, and staying true to his values. That independent journey, he believes, is what shaped his success and made him a better leader.
At the heart of the company is an unwavering focus on the customer. Kenny and his team don’t believe in one-time transactions, they believe in relationships. Every client is treated with personalized care and attention. Whether it’s a small residential project or a large commercial job, Po Boyz Flooring is committed to delivering results that not only meet but exceed expectations.
What sets Po Boyz Flooring apart is their strong commitment to giving back to the community. Kenny and his team actively support local schools and youth sports programs by providing resources and encouragement. They’ve also partnered with the Milestone House in Sandy, a nonprofit that helps boys aging out of the foster care system transition into their independent adult lives. For Po Boyz, being part of the community means making a real, positive impact where they live and work.
As for what’s next, Kenny hints that there’s more on the horizon. “We’ve got a growth plan in place,” he says with a smile. “Stay tuned for a big announcement.”
From humble beginnings to a thriving, community-rooted business, Kenny Isakson’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Po Boyz Flooring isn’t just a success story, it’s a reflection of the values that built it: family, hard work, and heart.
Confidence is key to success, especially in the beauty industry. Clients want to feel great walking out of a salon, and that only happens when their beauty professional is confident, skilled, and well trained. That’s exactly the kind of talent COLLECTIV Academy aims to develop. Nestled in the hills of Sandy, COLLECTIV is a highly respected beauty school focused on shaping the next generation of professionals with elevated standards and real-world readiness.
Success in any field takes discipline and accountability, and COLLECTIV expects both from the very beginning. With GPA and attendance requirements that exceed those of most beauty schools, COLLECTIV ensures its students are serious and ready to rise to the challenge. These high standards not only set the school apart but also set students up for success, building a confidence and quality clients can truly feel.
So who’s behind this level of excellence? That credit goes to Lenore and Kenny Gibson, the duo who own and lead COLLECTIV. They began their careers working for an international salon company, gaining hands-on experience with clients from all over the world. The exposure to a wide range of techniques and expectations helped them sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding of the beauty world.
After 25 years in the industry, Lenore and Kenny had gained extensive experience and success, but they wanted something more. They wanted to create a space where they could share their knowledge, elevate industry standards, and mentor the next generation of professionals. That desire evolved into COLLECTIV Academy, a school built to reflect their passion, values, and commitment to excellence.
But COLLECTIV isn’t just a place to learn how to cut, color, and style. While its curriculum is known for being intensive and producing top-tier results, the true goal goes deeper. Lenore and Kenny know what it takes to succeed, so they designed the academy to instill self-assurance, creativity, and business savvy in every student. These qualities help graduates thrive not only in their first job but throughout their careers.
Of course, a good education is only half the story. What truly matters is how well that education translates into real-world skill. At COLLECTIV, students don’t just memorize techniques, they master them through consistent practice and application. The goal is for every student to leave the program confident in their abilities and prepared to grow within the beauty industry.
From the first day of class to graduation, students are immersed in an environment that demands professionalism, encourages creativity, and values independence. They’re taught to think critically, solve problems, and push their skills further. With this approach, graduates aren’t just job-ready, they’re set up to make a lasting impact on the industry.
Lenore and Kenny’s journey serves as an example to their students. They’ve shown that it’s possible to leave your comfort zone and pursue something more meaningful. They want every graduate of COLLECTIV to take what they love, work hard, and turn it into a fulfilling career.
In today’s beauty industry, talent and creativity matter, but so do skill, discipline, and trust. Clients are looking for providers they can count on. That’s why the team at COLLECTIV is so committed to their craft. From students to staff, everyone is working to deliver high-quality results and build real, lasting relationships with their clients.
At COLLECTIV, excellence isn’t just the expectation, it’s the culture. And with every class of graduates, Lenore and Kenny are raising the bar for what beauty professionals can achieve.
Frantically running from room to room trying to gather the toddler’s shoes, her husband’s wallet, a favorite binky, and other essentials for a trip to the zoo, Elena felt overwhelmed. No matter how much she cleaned, she could never find what she needed when she needed it. Her Instagram feed didn’t help—it was full of other moms with labeled containers and picture-perfect pantries. Elena didn’t need that level of perfection, but she did need something to help her feel in control. That’s when she stumbled across Tracy Bowers’ account, @organizewithtracy, filled with practical organization systems. Inspired, Elena reached out to book a service with Tracy’s company, Organize Simply.
Founded in 2014, Organize Simply was born from Tracy’s lifelong passion. Even as a child, she loved bringing order to chaos. Long before launching her business, she often helped friends organize their homes—and word spread. Recognizing the demand, she turned her passion into a career.
One of the biggest barriers for clients is the fear of being judged. Many are nervous their homes are too messy or disorganized to fix. But Tracy and her team meet clients exactly where they are. Life is messy, and that’s okay. Organize Simply focuses on creating long-term systems that reduce stress and bring peace to the home.
Tracy recalls an elderly man she helped shortly after his wife passed away. While organizing, Tracy uncovered a small box tucked away in an unusual spot. Inside were tiny keepsakes—souvenirs from trips he had taken with his late wife. When she showed him, his eyes filled with tears. He thought the box had been lost during a move years earlier. Those items brought back joyful memories and underscored how meaningful organizing can be—it’s not just about neatness but about reconnecting with life’s most cherished moments.
Beyond organizing homes, Tracy is committed to serving the community. For the past four years, Organize Simply has partnered with Christmas for Cancer Families (CFCF), a nonprofit that supports families dealing with pediatric cancer. This year, Tracy’s team helped raise funds for the Bird family, whose 9-year-old daughter Bri is battling stage 4 cancer. Bri’s wish was simple: for her family to have a home. CFC is making that dream come true, and Organize Simply stepped in with an offer to help create a functional, calming space for the family—a sanctuary during a time of immense hardship.
From helping moms like Elena regain control of their routines to supporting families through heartbreak and healing, Tracy’s work is rooted in compassion. Her goal is to create systems that not only declutter spaces but improve lives. Organize Simply helps customers feel capable, supported, and at peace in their own homes.
Over the past decade, Tracy has transformed the spaces of countless customers into calm, livable environments. For her, the reward isn’t just a tidy home—it’s knowing that her work continues to support clients long after she leaves. Every labeled container, every rediscovered keepsake, every grateful smile is a reminder that sometimes the smallest changes bring the biggest relief.
With every project, Tracy holds on to one core belief: people are good, and they deserve good things—including a home that feels peaceful, functional, and full of love.
There’s something magical about the way food can take us home. A single bite can carry us across oceans, back in time, and into the heart of a memory—where a mother stirs a bubbling pot and the smell alone fills the room with love. At Mak Mak Thai Cuisine, that magic lives in every dish. Here in Bountiful, you don’t just eat, you’re transported.
For Osmond Seangsuwan, food and family have always been inseparable. His mother, Nadda, opened Bangkok Aloha Market and Deli in 1992 with one simple hope: to share her Thai heritage with her community. Her kitchen wasn’t just a business—it was a gathering place. A place where strangers became family and where every dish told a story.
That legacy didn’t end there. Years later, inspired by his mother’s passion and her belief in food as a bridge between cultures, Osmond teamed up with Lynzie Johnson to create something new: Mak Mak Thai Cuisine, a fast-casual restaurant rooted in tradition but designed for modern life. Warm, welcoming, and filled with vibrant flavors, Mak Mak is where people come to slow down and savor something real.
But Mak Mak didn’t happen overnight. It began as a dream that seemed too far out of reach—a whisper of “what if?” met with long hours, uncertainty, and the steep climb that comes with starting from scratch. Osmond and Lynzie poured everything into the vision, building not just a restaurant, but a reflection of their heritage, their grit, and their hope for something meaningful.
And the community showed up.
From day one, the people of Bountiful embraced Mak Mak, not just for its food but for the heart behind it. That connection fuels everything they do. The team’s favorite compliments aren’t about spice levels or presentation. They’re the heartfelt comments from Thai customers who say, “This reminds me of my mom’s cooking.” For a moment, they’re back home—miles and memories melting away with each bite.
That’s the power of Mak Mak. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to remember, to connect, and to belong.
Beyond the kitchen, Osmond, Nadda, and Lynzie make it a point to stay rooted in their community. They support local sports events, sponsor Bountiful Handcart Days, and show up for city celebrations, always with the belief that food and culture should be shared openly and generously.
Outside the building, a bold mural reads “Tomorrow I’ll Be Famous.” It’s a promise. A message to every dreamer who walks through the door: your dreams are valid, and they are possible. Just like Mak Mak.
In under a year, Mak Mak Thai Cuisine has become a place where culture, community, and comfort come together in every dish. A place that reminds us that food can do more than fill a stomach. It can fill a soul.
So come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to be inspired.
At Mak Mak, every meal tells a story—and every story begins with a dream.
Dr. Scott Thompson places tiny incisions in the thinning areas of the patient’s scalp, visualizing the precise pattern needed to achieve the most natural result. For years, his patient has watched their hair gradually thin, each new photo and reflection a reminder of something they felt powerless to stop. After trying various over-the-counter solutions with little success, the patient finally decided it was time for something lasting, something that would help them feel like themselves again. For this patient, the decision to pursue hair restoration reclaimed their sense of identity and confidence.
Dr. Thompson and his team approached the treatment with the same care and precision they bring to every procedure: developing a personalized plan, performing the restoration with expert technique, and offering consistent support throughout recovery. As natural growth returned, so did the patient’s self-esteem. What was once a daily source of insecurity became a reflection of progress and renewed self-image. At Utah Facial Plastics, it’s not just about restoring hair, it’s about helping people change the way they see themselves.
Dr. Thompson, a facial plastic surgeon at Utah Facial Plastics, didn’t follow the most conventional path into medicine. With early passions for both music and science, two seemingly opposite fields, he initially felt torn between a creative career and clinical care. It wasn’t until his medical residency that he discovered facial plastic surgery, a specialty that perfectly combined both worlds. Here, he found the opportunity to apply his surgical skill and artistic sensibility side by side, working closely with patients to visualize and create results that not only heal but transform.
That dedication to helping patients feel like the most authentic version of themselves is what drives Dr. Thompson and the entire Utah Facial Plastics team. After leaving a previous practice, Dr. Thompson founded Utah Facial Plastics to build a space where innovation, artistry, and compassionate care could thrive. The practice doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all version of beauty; instead, they focus on each patient’s individual goals. Their empathy and commitment to truly listening leaves a lasting impact.
While many patients arrive with clear hopes for what treatment can do, the team ensures full transparency from the beginning. They make a point to over-communicate details and potential limitations before any procedure. This openness builds trust and comfort, not only in the care being provided but in the team itself. At the core of Utah Facial Plastics are the values of safety, compassion, results, integrity, professionalism, and teamwork. Clear and honest communication between patients and staff is what makes it all possible.
Whether a patient is seeking a med-spa service or complex reconstructive surgery, they can expect the highest level of respect and medical expertise at Utah Facial Plastics. Every staff member upholds this patient-centered philosophy: all the doctors, aesthetic injectors, laser specialists, estheticians, and support team members. That kind of inclusive, collaborative environment ensures every patient receives attentive, expert care, no matter the treatment type.
At Utah Facial Plastics, it’s not just about outward transformation—it’s about helping people change the way they see themselves. The goal isn’t simply to perform procedures; it’s to restore confidence, foster healing, and help individuals feel like the most authentic version of themselves. That balance of medical expertise and empathetic care is what truly sets them apart.
This fall, Utah Facial Plastics is opening a new location in Heber—and the team couldn’t be more excited about the expansion. They look forward to bringing their signature level of care to Wasatch County and helping even more people feel confident in their own skin.
When Rickie picks up Rene for her weekly beauty appointment, she listens to Rene’s stories, just like she did decades ago. The tradition began when Rickie was about ten years old, shortly after her family’s business, Cameo College of Essential Beauty, moved to a new location. The move disrupted the routines of her mom’s beloved “shampoo set ladies,” whose bus line no longer reached the school. So Rickie and her mom stepped in, driving them to their standing appointments and back home afterward. One by one, the women would climb into the car wearing bright prints and big smiles, ready to chat. Most of them are gone now, but Rene remains—and Rickie has lovingly maintained their old routine. These days, Rickie and her team take turns picking Rene up, and they all love it. The time together has become something each employee looks forward to.
For Rickie, what began as a simple childhood carpool turned into something more: the beginning of a lifelong journey in the beauty industry, one that would shape Rickie’s future in ways she had never imagined.
Those early mornings left a lasting impression. Rickie saw, even at a young age, how powerful a beauty service could be—the way someone’s face lit up after a new haircut or color and the confidence that followed. That spark never left her. Today, Rickie Farmer is a third-generation co-owner of Cameo College of Essential Beauty, the very place where those childhood memories were made. Having witnessed the impact of beauty and self-care firsthand, she’s made it her mission to share that experience with as many people as possible across the Salt Lake area.
After working behind the chair for two decades, Rickie understands how essential the beauty industry truly is. For some, a beauty service is a time to relax and confide in someone they’ve come to see as a friend. For others, it’s preparation for a big event or a much-needed confidence boost. Whatever brings a client in, Rickie and her colleagues do more than just help someone look their best—they provide connection and emotional support. They don’t just hold a vision for a client’s haircut or color, they hold their stories, their emotions, and their trust. The team at Cameo College takes great care with that responsibility.
After 17 years in the industry, Rickie realized her greatest impact wouldn’t come solely from working behind the chair, but from guiding the next generation. Stepping into a teaching and mentorship role at Cameo College allowed her to give back—to help students discover their strengths, follow their passions, and achieve proper licensure. She works closely with each student to ensure they’re not just technically skilled but deeply connected to the heart of this work.
Helping others be the best version of themselves has become Rickie’s mission, and it’s a belief she passes on to every future beauty professional she mentors. She lives by the motto “Always leave people better than you found them.” Beauty professionals are more than service providers—they are listeners, visionaries, and artists who help clients feel seen, heard, and valued. At Cameo College, a client feels that spirit of care and compassion the moment they walk through the door, and long after they leave.
That same spirit shines through in the success stories that walk out of the school’s doors. One recent graduate had spent years as a wife and mother while facing the unimaginable challenge of being completely unhoused. Determined to change her circumstances, she pursued a new path in esthetics with the goal of building generational wealth for her family and uplifting others in the industry. Within a year of graduating, she opened a beautiful salon in downtown Salt Lake City—and filled the stations with fellow Cameo grads, offering them the same chance to grow.
From childhood car rides filled with laughter and gossip to leading one of Utah’s most respected beauty institutions, Rickie’s journey has come full circle. Her story—and the stories of those she teaches—are proof that beauty is more than skin deep. It’s creates connection, empowerment, and opportunities for others to thrive.
Laurel Herbert was just 17 when she began designing wedding gowns. While most teenagers were focused on school dances or summer jobs, Laurel was sketching silhouettes, selecting fabrics, and stitching dresses with the kind of quiet determination that only comes from doing something you truly love. Even then, it was clear she was not just learning a craft. She was building something much bigger.
That passion followed her into adulthood, where she spent years working from home, altering hundreds of gowns for brides all over Utah. Her basement became a revolving door of lace, satin, and sentimental stories. Brides came looking for expert alterations and often left with something more: a dress that honored the past while being completely transformed for the future. Laurel became known not just for her skill but for her ability to breathe new life into heirloom gowns, turning old family dresses into meaningful modern pieces.
Eventually, the business outgrew the basement. She needed more room, and she found it in the historic Old Draper School. As construction crews and interior designers worked on the space, they casually referred to it as “the bride room.” The nickname stuck, and it turned out to be the perfect fit. When the boutique officially opened its doors in 2017, the name stayed with it.
At first, The Bride Room focused solely on alterations. Brides traveled from across the state for Laurel’s detailed craftsmanship and eye for design. But as the boutique found its rhythm, Laurel’s vision expanded. She started searching for bridal designers whose work aligned with her love for authenticity, elegance, and individuality. One by one, she brought in gowns that felt different and special. These were gowns with character, personality, and presence.
Over time, The Bride Room became more than a place to alter a dress. It became a place to find “the dress.” The boutique has evolved into a thoughtfully curated space where brides can browse a handpicked collection of gowns in an environment that feels relaxed, inviting, and entirely their own. The shop’s vintage-inspired charm, paired with its warm and personal approach, make it stand out in the bridal world.
Everything inside the boutique is designed with intention. From the way appointments are scheduled to the layout of the space, every detail serves a purpose: to make brides feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated for exactly who they are. It is not about trends or expectations. It is about helping each bride find the gown that feels like hers.
The journey behind The Bride Room is as meaningful as the gowns hanging on its racks. Laurel’s connection to bridal fashion runs deep. She designed her own wedding gown when she married her high school sweetheart, Chet, in 1990. What started as a personal dream has grown into a business rooted in heart, creativity, and a love for celebrating life’s most memorable moments.
These days, Laurel splits her time between the boutique and her family. She travels to find new designers and bring back unique pieces for her brides, but her favorite place to be is with her grandchildren in Florida. With nine children, four daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren, her family continues to anchor her. That spirit of care and connection is woven into everything she does.
The Bride Room the result of years of work, love, and vision. For the brides who walk through its doors, it offers more than a dress. It offers a memory, a moment, and an experience that celebrates who they are and the story they are about to begin.
