By Charlene Dean

Although two local styling salons have closed, the people working for them are still styling hair, offering manicures and pedicures and massage therapy. It’s just under a bigger roof.

Shear Talent Salon has been in business here for 20 years. The original owners Bob Paynter and Bill Howard sold it to current owner Anna Fanning in 2006, and it’s growing.

Fanning said she was a client before she was an owner.

With the economical downturn, Absolutely U and Hair Affair closed their doors leaving the stylists who wanted to continue their careers to seek another wall on which to hang their licenses.

Fanning found it a prime opportunity to grow her business and add services but her location on Loop Road was too small.

Location being a key point in consumer visibility, Fanning signed a lease in Wheeler Springs Plaza, 921 S. Highway 160, Unit 201, where Radio Shack used to be.

“We started the construction process in June,” Fanning said. “We moved into the space in August.” Fanning said she contracted every piece of remodeling to local companies.

“We support the local businesses here,” she said, “and just recently joined the Chamber of Commerce.”

She said Shear Talent also works with local charities. “We have so many clients who are members of various organizations and we’re always willing to give gift certificates or donate services for raffles.”

She said the salon also works to provide free services for various events for local students and seniors.

The new salon and spa work added a massage room and made a separate “wash house” or shampoo room.

“We have all new equipment, state-of-the-art,” Fanning said. “The shampoo stations are new and we’ve installed two new pedicure chairs with shiatsu massage.”

The salon offers manicures as well and a separate space has been allocated to Shear Talent’s nail technicians.

Those wondering where their favorite stylists and technicians are may find them with Shear Talent’s current staff.

Stylists include the former owners of the salon Paynter and Howard, Angel Harvey, Debbi Hewes, who is also a nail tech; Michael Kinkade, Rikki Simmans and Rose Cusick.

Nail techs are Stephanie Hetrick Moore, Naomie Hulderman and Kelli Nelson-Benoit.

Two massage therapists, Susan Richardson and Heather Williams, also have their licenses with Shear Talent.

Fanning said she still has room for two more stylists and one more nail technician.

Her staff attend seminars and regular education classes to keep up with trends and techniques.

Fanning has more expansion plans as well. “We have the option to lease the empty space next to the salon,” Fanning said. “I had thought about opening a boutique with clothing and accessories, but it will be awhile. I want the salon to be up and running first.”

She said hair care products from Paul Mitchell, ENJOY and JOICO are available.

Men will find Mitch, American Crew and It’s a 10 on the shelves. Fanning also retails various hand and foot care items.

“We also carry handmade jewelry and plan to add more from local artisans after the first of the year. I need to get display cases in place before I take on any more.”

Fanning said she is not a stylist. “I’ve thought about going to school, but just being an owner is a full-time job.” She cited “having too much to do” as one of the reasons Paynter and Howard were willing to sell the salon to her.

The salon is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Call 727-4496 for more information.