When Elise Will, of Dowagiac, and Sara Bevans, of Buchanan, formed a friendship years ago working side by side in the same salon, they dreamed of one day opening their own business.
When a former storage space for artwork opened up along Front Street in downtown Buchanan, the pair sensed an opportunity in the making.
After two months of repainting and designing the storefront, Bevans and Will opened the Autumn Moon Hollow Spa and Salon at 105 E. Front St. On Feb. 15, they started taking clients.
“It feels like home,” Bevans said.
For Will and Bevans the benefits of beautification go more than skin deep.
“I just think that what we do is so different,” Will said. “There are spas and salons everywhere, but I think a lot of it is the atmosphere is so different. It is a really laid-back atmosphere. People leave her feeling good.”
Bevans also enjoys seeing people leave the business feeling pampered.
“It is so nice just to take someone who, wherever they are at in life, and to make them feel relaxed and beautiful and they [see them feel] healthier when they leave,” Bevans said.
As partners, Bevans and Will each bring a different expertise to the business, which has already drawn a following of clientele.
Bevans is a skin care specialist and offers everything from facials, chemical peels and sugar hair removal to relaxation massages, while Will is the hair artist, and specializes in cuts, colors and styling for men and women. Manicures, pedicures and massages are also offered at the business.
Customers can also choose from a variety of Farmhouse Fresh brand skin care products for purchase.
Both business partners said joining the downtown Buchanan business district has been a rewarding experience.
“I just love Buchanan,” Bevans said. “It is just such a cute cozy town. All the businesses are so supportive of each other. Everyone has been so welcoming.”
Since opening up shop, many residents have expressed interest in the new business and have stopped by to check it out, making opening week a busy one.
“We have received so much love and support,” Will said. “It just makes us even more excited to start here.”
Bevans and Will said they look forward to meeting new people and broadening their clientele base.
The spa and salon is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
A grand opening ceremony for Autumn Moon Hollow Spa and Salon is planned for March 25. A time will be announced on the business’ Facebook page, which can be found at facebook.com/pg/Autumn-Moon-Hollow-Spa-Salon
Appointments can be made by calling: (269) 697-3629 or book online at squareup.com/appointments/book/E4NBR92CRPZ06/autumn-moon-hollow-spa-salon.