By KRIS YANIELLO
Daily Herald Staff Writer
For 18 years, Holly Hampton has worked in the beauty salon business from her start in 1984 at the now closed Center Salon in the Tyrone Shopping Center to her most recent employment at Highlights Hair Salon, which is also non-existent today.
Hampton developed her trade at Empire Beauty School, but after years of work for other businesses, she decided to try her luck with her own. On Sept. 24 she opened her very own shop at 1065 Logan Ave., First Floor, called Holly’s House of Style, where Hampton is sole owner and operator.
The building is owned by Hampton’s brother Scott Bonsell, owner of Cornerstone Builders, and he told Hampton to go ahead and change the building over from an apartment to a salon, and the rest is history for Hampton.
“I worked for other people on and off for over the 18 years that I’ve been in the business, and I’ve been off previously the past two years,” Hampton said. “So when I came back into the business I figured I’d go in for myself and give it a shot, and see how I can do.”
From the looks of it so far, Hampton made an excellent decision. The salon offers a warm, family atmosphere and there is a wide variety of beautifying opportunities at Holly’s House of Style.
“I try to make everyone feel at home and I have a lot of followers from my previous jobs,” said Hampton. “I think once people come in and see how roomy it is here and with word of mouth advertising, they’ll keep coming back. I make people feel comfortable while they are here.”
Hampton said a lot of people might remember her face but not her name, or vice versa, and now that she has her own place established, she feels like that will pull some people into her salon.
Holly’s House of Style offers many opportunities for customers. Hampton’s low prices and variety will attract people to her salon. Styling prices include: women’s cuts are $12, which includes shampoo style, and $10 without shampoo and blow drying. Men’s cuts are $8, and children’s cuts for ages 12 and under are $6.
Hampton also does color, highlights, foils, shampoo sets, updo’s, manicures, waxing, perms, spirals, piggyback wraps and directional wraps. Whatever a person’s need is, Hampton can provide services for it.
Tanning hopes to be a big business for Holly’s House of Style. Hampton has a brand new tanning bed that has 32 bulbs instead of the usual 24 bulbs most salons have. It’s one of the best tanning beds on the line, and she hopes everyone comes in to try it out.
“Usually tanning beds have 24 bulbs, but I have the better one with 32 bulbs because it’s wider and it doesn’t matter what size you are, you can still fit in it,” explained Hampton.
She anticipates tanning to pick up over the winter months, but has been told this is not the right time of the season to tan. People usually choose to tan in the spring, but she says if someone wants to get his or her tan for the holidays to come and get it at Holly’s House of Style.
“Tanning is a stress relief also,” said Hampton. “It gives you that little time to relax and have your own personal time, and with the cold weather, come warm yourself up, kick back, and relax a little bit.”
In December, Hampton plans on running a special on tanning for three visits at $5. She urges people to come in and take advantage of the fine deal. Hampton is also looking forward to the prom season and plans on running specials for the high school students who plan to tan for the prom.
“I regularly advertise and run specials in the paper,” Hampton stated. “I’ll be picking out something different each week, either on products or different specials on perms or something of that nature. Right now I’m writing up an ad for the paper, so we’ll see what I can come up with.”
Tanning prices include: a single session for $5, six sessions for $24, ten sessions for $35, and unlimited sessions for $45. All packages are monthly deals only.
Among Holly’s House of Style’s low prices and variety, Hampton also sells hair products out of her salon. Some of her products include Back to Basics and a new product called Head Games, which is a popular product for the younger generation.
“I’m trying out different things and if anyone has any suggestions on products or wants a certain product, I’m willing to order it and bring it in,” Hampton noted. “My color line is Matrix So Color, but if someone likes something else I’ll get it for them.”
Hampton added, “The customer’s the boss here at Holly’s House of Style.”
Holly’s House of Style does provide a family atmosphere, and Hampton works with all ages from babies up to the whole family. The salon is not just for women, but for everyone.
Presently, Hampton runs the salon by herself, but if it seems like it’s going to pick up and go, then eventually she may have to expand and hire. With her continuous advertising and family atmosphere, there’s a good chance of Holly’s House of Style growing and becoming more and more popular.
“I’m happy, so far so good,” said Hampton. “I just hope to continue to increase my clientele and get the word of mouth out there, and let everyone know that I’m back in business.”
Holly’s House of Style is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
