WRITEON FOR SEP 18
COMMUNITY BUILDING 5
These last four weeks I have endeavored to capture some of the positives, difficulties, and surprises of running a small business in a small town. This week is no exception. TESSIE LAUREN'S HAIR BOUTIQUE across from the walking track is a good place to start.
Since Jan of 2008 Lauren has welcomed hundreds through her always happily decorated doors to enter into a world of color and design.
“There are all sorts of colors and cuts and we offer a wide range from salon to spa.”
When asked, though, what makes her business and its participation in a small community fly she says “flexibility...especially hours folks can get to. A good business is reliable and has a friendly atmosphere so that the happy customer can just 'be' comfortable.”
Another thing we discussed were prices. She reminded me that if any business has fair prices and people are happy with the product they will come back! “We have the very best clientele...kids, couples, men, women, and elderly folks come our way.”
They say that location has a lot to do with how businesses survive and she feels being on the end of Main Street helps her. The road is not too busy, the park is there now, and the walking track.
“Hair is one of those things you have to do!And maybe even fingers and toes as well(and wax!). Of course I do 'morgue fixes' too and often for folks who have been our clients. I want them to look great for their home-going!”
“We have lots of out-of-town relationships...folks who have been coming here for years. I love to chat and have good conversations with my customers.”
“But it is sad to see all the buildings closed...what do we need?” I was interested in her interesting list of things that might encourage another to have a new business (we'll cover one soon!) “I miss the TIZZY LIZZY, for example, because I could do hair and then send them down the street for gifts or wedding prep. Maybe a coffee shop, a home boutique store, shoe store (remember Mrs. Skinner's?)...I guess I just want to get up and say...it's Saturday morn...let's go to town!”
“Watch for my advertisements between school and church...the football sign and program, annual ads, fees for kids, and the Booster club...mostly though it's personal...SUSAN RONE and MACEY GAMILL and I are all available...call for an appointment 285 9606 and someone will be here to help! We're closed Sundays and Mondays but open from 7:30-6pm the rest of the week.” A customer, Jeannie, joined us and reminded us that the atmosphere is so important as well as the product!
“It's not easy to live here...few amenities...I just want something to shout: COME TO ACKERMAN!”.
BLESSINGS.
