For decades, hair salons and barber shops have served as a gathering place for people from all walks of life. No matter what service a customer is searching for, hair stylists strive to make their clients feel welcome and confident.
For stylists at Mane Avenue Salon, on 22 W. Stimson Ave., uplifting Athens residents is not only a goal, but a priority. Andrea Leedy, owner of Mane Avenue, has been working in the cosmetology industry for 18 years. Leedy said she always had a goal to open her own business.
Mane Avenue opened in February, and when asked about the salon, Leedy said the people around her play a large role in her success.
“We have a really good clientele from the local community and the university,” Leedy said. “They’re supporting us.”
For locals or students in need of a haircut, Mane Avenue service prices compare to other Athens hair salons. The price for a woman’s haircut at Mane Avenue ranges between $45 and $47, depending on the stylist.
Women’s haircuts at Attractions Salon on Court Street cost $35 to $40.
Leedy works alongside her two friends, Rhawny Riley and Tricia Carano. The three stylists have known each other for 18 years, Leedy said.
Operating a small business can have advantages, especially in a town like Athens. Carano, who has been a stylist for 24 years, said she enjoys forming relationships with clients.
“I like working in a college town because there's so much diversity and so many different people coming from so many areas,” Carano said. “We’re able to stay current with trends. A lot of new people come in every year. We’re constantly getting new clients."
Riley is a stylist from Shawnee, Ohio, with 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. Like Carano, Riley said connecting with clients is important.
“You’re there for weddings, funerals, all the things,” Riley said. “You really get to know each other. They want to know what’s going on in my life, and I want to know what's going on in theirs. You form really good relationships.”
Whether a customer needs a root retouch, highlight or balayage, Mane Avenue stylists are ready to help. Riley encourages young cosmetologists to step out of their comfort zones and learn about the industry.
“Educate, educate, educate,” Riley said. “You learn the basics in cosmetology school. To get out of cosmetology school and just start doing hair, you’re not going to learn that way. You need to find somebody, try to assist somebody, which is what the three of us did.”
Leedy also said studying other stylists' techniques can be helpful for people searching for their creative spark.
“Keep working towards your goals,” she said. “Put in the effort and just keep going for it.”
Mane Avenue’s hours of operation also depend on the times stylists are available. The salon offers hair extension installations, haircuts, colorings, root smudges, balayage, Brazilian blowouts and more.
Leedy said the best way to schedule an appointment is through social media, on Instagram or Facebook.
“I started this at 17 years old and I’ve stuck with it ever since,” she said. “Come on in, we welcome everybody. Just DM us.”
