Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:00 am
Change has paid off for salon owner Kathy Brown.
Brown decided in 2007 to open a business in Lebanon; since December of last year, she has operated Cheveux-Cheveux salon. The business offers manicures, pedicures and a full range of hair services, from cuts to coloring. Cheveux-Cheveux is located at 744 S. Main St., in the building formerly occupied by Curves.
Joining Brown are friends and colleagues Carrie Weber and Aimee Farrell.
"We worked previously at another salon for many years in Albany, and now we're all over here," Brown said. "We've known each other for probably 10 and about 18 years."
That adds up to a lot of combined experience in one salon.
"We've been collectively doing hair for, oh my goodness, about 40 years," Brown said.
Brown is responsible for 17 years of that experience. This is the first time in her career she's owned her own business.
"I've always been an independent contractor," she said. But she wanted to work with her friends and have the opportunity to control her working environment.
Both Farell and Weber wanted to join up with Brown, and suggested Lebanon as a good place to start the business.
Their advice has proven to be on target. Brown has been pleased with the sense of community she's found downtown.
"The businesses have been so welcoming and helpful," Brown said. "They've been really, really good to us. It's just been a really welcoming experience," she said, naming neighbor Nancy's Floral as one of several stores that made Cheveux-Cheveux feel at home.
"It seems like everyone downtown watches out for one another," she said.
She doesn't have any short-term plans for expansion, but said anything is possible. The salon currently operates four chairs and is looking for a nail tech and stylist.
Cheveux-Cheveux is open Monday through Saturday by appointment and may be reached at 258-2191.