Friends since high school, Megan Phillips and Amanda Rupprecht have bonded over a lot since their graduation days in 2009. The two attended Frankenmuth High School and Caro High School, respectively.
It’s their shared career paths that have brought the two longtime friends to Bay City.
Earlier this month, Phillips and Rupprecht celebrated the opening of their Artistry Lounge Hair Studio in the Davidson Building downtown. The full-service salon offers custom cuts and color services as well as a photogenic bridal lounge where wedding parties can get ready for the big day.
Artistry also offers on-site hair services for weddings, partnering with fellow downtown business Ocean Jasper for makeup services.
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Artistry is a full-service salon plus a bridal lounge. The salon offers on-site hair services for weddings. Nearby Ocean Jasper provides wedding day makeup services.Phillips has always had an affinity for Bay City, she says, and recalls family trips where she’d marvel at the big houses and downtown architecture. The Davidson Building is a perfect home.
“We ended up in Bay City because we knew it was growing and we wanted to bring a more exclusive salon to the region. There’s not many women-owned businesses around and we wanted to give it a go. We knew that this town is flourishing and growing,” Phillips says. Artistry also provides pop-up space for local women-owned merchants.
“I love the history and bones of the Davidson Building. I knew the history a little bit. It’s an old theater building and you can still find evidence of that in the basement.”
Phillips and Rupprecht found the studio space right before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. It’s been difficult at times, Phillips says, but the duo decided to push through and go “full force” in their efforts to establish Artistry.
Despite the challenges COVID-19 has wrought, Phillips and Rupprecht are already inspired by the support they’ve received from the community.
“We just want everyone to feel good about themselves, whatever it is that they need. We strive for positive vibes and kindness,” Phillips says.
“We want everyone to feel welcome at Artistry Lounge.”
Artistry Lounge Hair Studio is located in Suite 324 at 916 Washington Ave. in Downtown Bay City.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
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