Blush Salon & Spa makes the move

WAITSBURG-Why did the salon owner cross the street? Bigger space, better opportunity, a building of her own and a location next door to a coffee shop. At least those were the reasons mentioned by Blush Salon & Spa owner Brooke Mikesell.

"Last year I earned my Farouk Phd.; this is my achievement for this year," said Brooke, who is a highest-level educator for Farouk Systems.

Last weekend Mikesell made the move from her former location at 141 Main to the other side of the street at 214 Main, where she opened shop this week.

Mikesell, who has been doing business in Waitsburg for just over two years, said her former location was great, but she has dreamed of owning her own salon since she was in beauty school. She and her husband, Greg, bought the former Nothing New Antiques building in May, which comes with a wealth of opportunity.

In addition to a larger salon space, the building has three rentals. A studio behind the salon and a one-bedroom upstairs apartment are already rented. A two-bedroom upstairs apartment is being renovated as a short-term rental.

Mikesell plans to finish the full basement for tanning rooms and possibly space for a massage therapist.

The Mikesell's have transformed the former antique shop in a matter of four weekends, while continuing business-as-usual at her former location.

"We did it, basically, in eight days. I was working about 30 hours a weekend," Brooke said.

Brooke retained the Blush signature style with decor in shades of glitter and grey. Her previous glitter wall is now a glitter alcove, the perfect backdrop to showcase her product lines.

Brooke is excited to have two large windows in which to display her ever-expanding jewelry selection. She said customer favorites include turquoise, squash blossoms, Apple watchbands and earrings.

Mikesell opened her new shop on Monday and has a grand opening celebration planned for July 13 at 3 p.m.

"Come and have some refreshments and check out the new space," Brooke said.