With 37 years of hairdressing under her shampoo cape, Rose Ross never expected to open her own beauty salon.
But on March 4, she opened the doors to The Plaza West Salon, formerly owned and operated by Patricia Swindell and Evelyn Butts since 1995.
In fact, the two former owners now work at her salon, which features the sign from the previous ownership.
“I decided to keep the same name,” Ross said, “except I’m not incorporated.”
Swindell and Butts were looking to get out of ownership, but not out of styling hair, she said.
Ross spent 27 years of her cosmetology career at Jacqueline’s at Frenchman’s Creek.
“Initially,” she said about being approached to buy the business, “I wasn’t sure that I wanted to take it on. But, I prayed about it.”
Now, she said she’s glad she bought the shop because the salon where she used to work has been torn down.
“It’s been a really good venture,” she said.
With the support and manpower of her boyfriend, Dennis Jones, an electrician and contractor, Ross has renovated a good portion of the shop.
“We wanted to make a change,” she said, “so people would know it was a new business.”
They painted bright and cheerful colors, changed out the carpet, put laminate in the front and built a reception desk.
One room features a selection of wigs — Jon Renaw from California.
“I started that years ago for some of my clients that were going through chemo,” Ross said, adding anyone can purchase and wear the wigs.
The full-service hair salon also offers manicures and pedicures, as well as Artégo color, an Italian-based hair color from California.
Ross plans to create a spa and provide esthetic services.
“This is my goal,” she said, “to be a full-service salon.”
Jackie Parrott, who worked with Ross at Jacqueline’s, now works at The Plaza West, as well as Carrie Garris, who is available for walk-ins.
The Plaza West Salon, 704 Suite P, Plaza Blvd., faces West Road. The shop is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or later by appointment, Monday through Friday. For information, call 252-523-7007.
Nnn
Valpak, a direct marketing company owned by Cox Target Media, is presenting its Dough to Grow Award for 2013, a contest that awards cash to small businesses striving to expand.
“Last year’s contest saw a great response from small businesses and their social media fan bases,” said Michael Vivio, president of Cox Target Media. “We were able to award $10,000 to a dynamic entrepreneur who started his CrossFit business with one client in the park and now has a brand new facility with a full roster of staff members.”
To enter Valpak’s 2nd Annual Dough to Grow Award, business owners can visit doughtogrowaward.com and write an essay describing how they plan to grow.
Once nominated, a business needs to receive at least 100 votes in order to qualify. Businesses are encouraged to share their entry with friends, family, loyal customers and local supporters across social media networks to build up their votes. The businesses with the most votes become finalists and eligible to win $7,500, $1,500 or $1,000.
Voters can visit the Dough to Grow Award website and vote for their favorite business. Voting is limited to one vote per day per Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and email account.
Being a Valpak customer is not necessary. The contest runs from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31.
The winners are chosen by Valpak with consideration given to the number of votes, creativity and energy in business growth strategy, demonstration of solid leadership and management, and positive impact on the community. Valpak will notify nominees on Nov. 4 and the top 10 finalists on Nov. 11. Winners will be announced around Thanksgiving.
Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or Margaret.Fisher@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargaretFishr.