Caroline Dodig knew exactly what she wanted long before most people her age were thinking about owning a business. At just 22, she turned her dream of opening a salon into a reality.
Nine years later, that dream has blossomed into two thriving Soffiato Via locations — one in Moorestown, which opened in July 2017, and a second in Haddonfield, which opened nearly three years ago.
What gave her the confidence to take such a leap?
“It was always a dream of mine to have my own salon,” said Dodig, a graduate of Rizzieri Cosmetology School. “One of my clients told me a space that her family owned had become available on Main Street in Moorestown and encouraged me to take a look.”
She brought her parents to see the space, and their encouragement made all the difference. “My parents said they didn’t want to regret not letting me take the opportunity, and they promised to help me figure it out,” she said. “They were huge supporters and an integral part of getting me started.”
Today, Soffiato Via employs 20 stylists and beauty professionals across its two full-service salons, many of whom have grown alongside the business.
“A lot of my girls came straight from hair school, and I’ve loved watching their growth and their commitment to our clients,” Dodig said.
The original Moorestown salon began with just five styling chairs and a focus on blowouts, opening as a “style bar.” Today, it has tripled in size and uses Goldwell, a professional color line known for vibrant, long-lasting results.
Why Clients Keep Coming Back
For the past five to six years, Cherry Hill resident Annemarie Huber has made Friday blowouts at the Haddonfield salon part of her weekly routine. She also returns every three weeks for hair color.
“I highly appreciate the quality of the service from Caroline and all of the girls,” Huber said. “At one time or another I’ve been in nearly every chair at both salons, and whether it’s someone just starting or a seasoned stylist, it’s always a wonderful experience.”
Huber’s loyalty extends to her family. She brings both of her children and her 85-year-old mother, Grace, to Soffiato Via.
“There is a special commitment to the clients,” she said. “They are like family.”
Why does she recommend the salon?
“They have incredible expertise and treat everyone so well. They listen, they’re attentive, they guide you, and offer great advice. It’s always a great experience.”
Bridal Beauty
The expanded Moorestown salon now features a spray-tanning studio and SV Bridal, a dedicated bridal suite where brides and their wedding parties can relax, get ready and even welcome photographers to capture the day.
“SV Bridal emerged as the demand for our on-location bridal services continued to grow,” Dodig said. “We wanted to provide complete convenience for our brides while delivering exceptional service.”
Although she hoped to own a salon before turning 30, she never imagined achieving that goal years ahead of schedule.
Today, the Moorestown location offers hair services, spray tans, brow laminations, eyelash extensions and bridal styling.
Dodig has also become a sought-after hair extension specialist, spending the past six years refining her craft through advanced education in Chicago, New York, California and beyond. She also attended a hair show in Vienna, Austria, as part of her commitment to her salons and clients.
The Haddonfield salon offers hair services and select makeup applications in a more intimate setting.
“I chose to expand to Haddonfield to grow a new clientele in Haddonfield and the neighboring towns,” she said. “I wanted to open Haddonfield to grow in a new market, instead of expanding within Moorestown.”
She also appreciated the charm of downtown Haddonfield.
“I love being on Main Street instead of in a strip center,” she said. “It fits our brand much better, and I was excited to become part of the local business community.”
Giving Back
Supporting the community remains one of Dodig’s top priorities.
“We try to do everything we can locally by sponsoring school fashion shows and other community events,” she said. “We want to support other small businesses and give back to the towns that support us.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Dodig says passion — not simply the desire to own a business — is what she believes fuels long-term success.
“I do so much more than style hair,” she said. “Growing the business has brought incredible opportunities and plenty of challenges. Having support from family, friends and the people closest to you is incredibly important. That support helps you navigate the journey and build something lasting.”
From the beginning, her vision extended beyond beauty services.
“I wanted to create a place where women feel comfortable expressing themselves to their stylists,” Dodig said. “I want every client who walks through our doors to feel secure, welcomed and cared for. Building that trust is what matters the most.”
That philosophy has transformed one young stylist’s dream into two flourishing salons — and a loyal clientele that keeps coming back and referring their family members and friends.
“At Soffiato Via, we believe beautiful hair is only the beginning,” Dodig said. “We’re committed to creating a space where artistry, education and genuine relationships come together to help every guest feel confident, cared for and truly seen during every visit.”
