Cosmetology comes from the Greek kosmetikos, meaning “beautifying.” Who doesn’t want a bit of that? A relocated Morrison, IL, business offers beautifying treatments to hair, nails, and skin, for men, women, teens, and children. Conveniently located at 207 W. Main Street, Extreme Image Salon has undergone construction kosmetikos for several months–from the underground foundation to its roof and along both fascades. Building owners Bob and Debby Vaughn created an attractive site for their new tenant, Erin James.
“The layout works very [well]. That’s probably why I had a headache designing it!” James stated after taking up residency in a completely renovated space, on Monday, July 1, 2013. She tranferred her business from 11464 Garden Plain Road. Call her salon at 815-772-3593. Hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays by appointment.
On October 11, 2010, Morrison business owner Anna Ryder opened her hair and nail salon at 207 E. Main Street. This summer she transferred the nail service to 207 West Main. She retains its name, annabella’s (no capital A.) Ryder is easily visible in the front window of Extreme Image Salon. Call her at 815-772-3593 or call or text to 309-235-7462.
The staff includes three Cosmetologists, two Nail Technicians, and–beginning Monday, August 12–a full-time Barber. On Thursday, July 18, they took a short break to introduce themselves to the public. Left-to-right are salon owner/Cosmetologist Erin James; Cosmetologist Callie Bush; Barber Eric Engaldo; Cosmetologist Brandy Darby; Nail Technician Anna Ryder; soon-to-be-licensed Nail Technician Kate Goodwin.
James has been a licensed Cosmetologist for eight years and began her business “in the country.” She built a clientele “by word of mouth and Facebook.” She also will advertise in the press when Engaldo begins work.
One service that is not offered is shampoos and sets under the dryer. James and staff will shampoo and style/blow dry hair. They cut, color, foil, or highlight tresses.
Hair removal is available, too, from armpits, eyebrows, and nostrils. “Nose waxing keeps nose hair clear for two-to-three weeks,” she said, and lets people “avoid nose trimmers.”
Ryder will attract clients to her new location with nail specials. She and Darby–who worked together 2.5 years–printed cards and used Facebook to notify customers. Ryder trained at Educators of Beauty in Sterling, IL, and has been a certified Nail Technician for nine years.
Has Ryder seen an uptick since the move?
“Oh, my gosh, yes! It’s so inviting [here]. Sanitation is an important reason people come to me.” She is especially pleased to work among others. “You have company, that’s what I like. I enjoy people; I’m a people person. I love it!”
Kelly Smith received a shellac manicure during her lunch hour. However, if ones nails are clean, application and drying take 40 miutes. CDN Shellac nail treatments last 14 days; Ryder does acrylics and regular polishes, too. Choose from over 300 OPI colors! Hand or foot massage is included in the pampering. Options are scrubs to exfoliate, and paraffin dips to moisturize, dry hands or feet.
Manicures and pedicures are a grooming ritual for both genders, with or without polish. “Winter pedicures are for foot maintenance; no polish is necessary,” Ryder added. Children receive a quick polish for $5. Bush has a summer pedicure special for $25. Regular fees are $30 or $33.
Goodwin has been developing her skills on both James and Ryder, while awaiting certification as a Nail Technician. She studied for 3.5 months. Darby noted, “You learn so much more by doing.” She has been a Cosmetologist for 16 years. Why did Goodwin choose this kosmetikos area?
“I’ve always liked nails and having them done. I’m artistic. I’m a people person, so it’s really great to be in an atmosphere like this.” As a new employee, how will she acquire clients?
“Erin, Callie, and I will do walk-ins. I’ll get the most, probably, because Callie does hair, too.” She will fill in for Ryder, “as she is so busy.” Does she prefer working on hands or feet?
“I like it all. I really like the hand massage part.” Goodwin grooms her own nails.
On Monday, August 12, Extreme Image Salon will include a full-time Barber, Eric Engaldo. He has worked over a year in Geneseo, IL, and “was very pleased to [get] a call from Erin. I have been looking forward [to] and waiting for an opportunity to work in Morrison and serve the community.” Engaldo will be on staff when you see the lighted “Barber” sign in the shop window: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
“Schooling is different for Barbers and hair stylists. Men can use a straight-edge,” he explained. Engaldo completed his 1500 hours of instruction in ten months; James trained for 2100 hours in Iowa. Call the salon at 815-772-3593 to schedule a haircut, straight-edge razor shave, or razor trim on the neck and earline–with hot lather. “[The] hot towel is [appealing]. A straight razor neck stays cleaner for a longer time,” he added. A shave or Barber haircut is $10; Engaldo trims beards and mustaches.
He soon realized, “I need a booster seat!” but five-year-old Silas Dolieslager sat very still for his haircut. Then he told his brother, nine-year-old Aiden, “You’re gonna be beautiful!” Aiden wanted a Mohawk and was allowed one, after some parental discussion. Father Mitch enjoyed his chair time, as both men share an interest in bow hunting and fishing.
Aiden was indeed beautiful. There was a Barber’s kosmetikos tip for Aiden to keep his hairstyle upright–Elmer’s glue. “It’s a [potent] hair gel and nontoxic.” Just use a little!
