When Jeannie Case opened Envy Salon and Tanning last August, she knew she would have to offer more than one service to survive in a small town like Galesburg.
She has survived and she has thrived in the salon she operates with another stylist. Her salon combines full service hair and nails with tanning, movie rental and a small retail shop. Having it all means customers who visit for one service may discover another. Multiple ventures also ensure year-round sales with seasonals alternating the boost of business during every season.
"We do a lot of color and highlights, so hair is a good portion of our business and has been a steady climber," says
Case, who is both a stylist and nail technician. "And tanning has been huge since February because of vacations, proms and weddings. It’s definitely tanning season right now."
The salon’s retail shop is full of what Case calls "gifty-stuff" like figurines, jewelry and other hand-created craft items that customers snapped up like mad for the holidays.
"Gifts sold like crazy here at Christmas time," she says. "I’m getting ready to add some purses to the retail area."
Case relies on getting to know those she serves with a warm smile "hello!" and a hearty "goodbye, thank you!" that keeps them shopping, tanning, cutting, coloring, and renting movies. She eyes the future for expansion.
"I’m not going to add employees right away, but I’m hoping that down the road I won’t have a choice," Case says. "We’re here to stay."
Writer: Kelle Barr, Second Wave
Source: Jeannie Case, owner, Envy Salon & Tanning
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