Transcript Staff Writer

The JCPenney salon stylists at Sooner Mall knows it takes a team to produce a champion.

Teresa Hayes, JCPenney store manager, said the Norman salon has received the company's Champion Award for outstanding performance in 2007. She was notified about the honor in March.

According to a JCPenney press release, there are 900 salon locations nationwide. Less than 10 percent qualified for the honor.

The press release stated the Champion Award is earned based on sales and profit performance for the year.

Hayes said salon employees work together as a team to get the job done.

"They earned that honor," she said. "They are an outstanding group of stylists."

The store manager said she was impressed with the salon's order of business when she moved to Norman in February. She was previously manager of the JCPenney store in Paris, Texas. But the Paris store lacked a salon.

She said there are 10 stylists, a manager and receptionist who work inside the salon.

"It's like a big family in there, they worked very hard for this honor," Hayes said.

The store manager said the group's goal is to stay on target and do its best.

"They take everything that Penneys gives them, take hold and use it," she said.

Last month, salon manager Robin Pickup traveled to Kissimmee, Fla., for the awards ceremony. Pickup has been with the JCPenney salon for three years, and has served as manager the entire time.

"We all work together as one, flowing team," Pickup said.

Pickup said she joined the profession 20 years ago because she enjoys styling hair and finds fulfillment in helping others.