Mary Buckwalter has been owner of the Beauty Hutch salon for the past 40 years, since 1976. Cosmetologist Kathy Polson, left, began working for Buckwalter 28 years ago, in 1988. Cosmetologist and Nail Specialist Rachel Wiersema, right, was hired a decade ago, in 2006. The trio has been–and will remain–a successful team at 119 W. Main Street, Morrison, IL. Although the business name, location, phone number, and staff continue unchanged currently, Beauty Hutch was sold to Polson and Wiersema on Tuesday, June 7, 2016.
The public is invited to the Grand Opening on Friday, July 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Included in the celebration will be door prizes, refreshments, gift baskets, and free samples.
Continue to call 815-772-2745 to arrange an appointment.
- Polson is available Tuesday through Saturday.
- Wiersema works Tuesday plus Thursday through Saturday.
- Buckwalter is available Thursday and Friday.
“Mary will continue with her clients, because she likes to stay busy and active,” Polson said.
Beauty Hutch is a multi-dimensional salon, serving the general public–children, adults, males, and females. Prices will remain the same.
Spray tanning is an option which only Beauty Hutch offers. The cost is $30 for a “special occasion” coating process. The sun-kissed look “lasts a week, but offers no SPF protection.” It would be ideal for a reunion, wedding, interview, vacation, photo session, or simply to “feel good.” Wiersema is the technician and will train Polson soon.
Currently the salon offers
- spray tanning
- haircuts and beard trims
- shampoos
- hair styling and updo’s
- facial waxing hair removal on eyebrows and lips
- deep conditioning hair treatments
- perms
- manicures/pedicures; moisturizing paraffin dips
- coloring; highlights/lowlights with foils.
Wiersema noted, “I’ve worked with every color out there, all the crazy colors–pinks, teals, blues, and purples!” She is shown with recent additions to the shop: her comfortable mani/pedi chair and a refreshment center. Free coffee is available. The refrigerator holds water, pop, and candy for $1 each.
It was a comfortable transition, initiated by Buckwalter. Polson and Wiersema discussed with their families forming a partnership. “Our families,” Polson stated, “were very supportive” of the new venture. “So much positive feedback” also has come from the community.
During the first month, the duo allowed word-of-mouth to let people know they are now owners. “It hasn’t really sunk in,” stated Wiersema. Polson explained, “Rachel and I bounce ideas off each other,” and they split business chores, cleaning, banking, etc. “We kept our insurance, advertising, and banking in [Morrison. Because] the shop was so well taken care of,” redecorating was minimal. “We redid the cabinets and added wall art.”
A trio of complementary goals are being explored to expand clients, staff, and services. New hires will include a fourth Cosmetologist, a second Nail Technician, and a Massage Therapist.
On Tuesday, July 12, Todd Mickley received a haircut and eyebrow waxing. He prefers to groom his mustache and goatee.
