Click on the Flag for More Information
|
'Recycled' Building Houses 'Green' Salon
An 84-year-old building in the heart of downtown Hanover that was uninhabited for 10 years is now the home of New Image Salon. Owner Nettie Embry, born and raised in Hanover, is pleased to have been able to renovate the structure that was once a tailor shop, a dental office, and medical clinic. Nettie worked for 8-1/2 years at a salon in Galena before the "entrepreneurial spirit" got the best of her. "I've been in this line of work for ten years. I wanted to get out on my own." She bought the building in September 2008, and opened for business January 20. Nettie designed the salon to be a green business. "I am using all environmentally-friendly products to do my part in helping Mother Earth." For example, the CHI line of natural hair color used at New Image is an earth-friendly, ammonia-free product. "It has absolutely no fumes," Nettie said. "Even the hair lightener, which usually has a strong odor, smells like grapes!" CHI's shampoos, conditioners, styling aids, and nail polish are free of chemicals, too. Nioxin all natural hair products, is a line proven to re-grow hair without drug interaction. Deplieve wax contains all natural plant extracts. "I recycle, too," Nettie added. "All plastic bottles and paper products are recycled, water cups, coffee cups and wine glasses are washed and reused for less impact on the environment, and compact florescent light bulbs are used throughout the salon for energy savings. These are just a few of the things I am doing to provide my customers with excellent service while helping the planet at the same time."
The salon is designed for two stylists, utilizes two European backwash shampoo bowls, has 2 dryers in the processing area, a large waxing room, and a nail room with pedicure chair equipped with Shiatsu massage. The dispensing area serves as a break room and laboratory. "We also have an extra room that we will rent to a massage therapist," Nettie said. The salon is handicapped accessible, complete with washroom and handicap parking and access in the rear of the building. All of the construction and renovating was accomplished with the help of family and friends, including husband Kyle, her mom and dad Nina & Tom Richmond ("Mom is also my part-time receptionist," Nettie added), father-in-law Tom Embry, brother Tommy Richmond, sister Tammy Smith, and friends Mike Williams, Philip Kuntze, and Gerry Flores. "We removed four inside walls. Dad and I did that in only four hours! Gerry came in and did the drywall and patching. Tommy renovated the whole front of the building to make it more energy efficient. We put in sub-flooring with new laminate, and we installed the faux-tin ceiling to give the salon an antique look, "And a big thanks to my banker, Shane Gerber at the Apple River Bank," Nettie added. "He's been great." Nettie and Company invite you to their Grand Opening this Saturday, Feb. 21, starting at 5:00 p.m., featuring wine from Hanover's-own Rocky Waters Vineyard, hors d'oeuvres, drinks and door prizes. Regular hours are 9 to 5 Tues. and Wed., Thursday noon to 8, Friday 9 to 8, and Saturday 9 to 3. For more information, call Nettie Embry at New Image Salon, 111 Jefferson St. in Hanover, 815-591-2333.
|
