NEWBERRY — Illusion Hair Studio has been a business in the City of Newberry for about nine years, the first milestone of which was about six years ago when it moved from its old location across from Walmart to its current location at 1522 Main St.
“We opened on Jan. 19, 2008. Back then I always had a dream of owning my own salon. I lived in Columbia, and I had a vision to come back to my hometown and bring something back here, that I had a true passion and desire for,” said Christy Eigner, owner. “I wanted to give my kids the morals and values of a small town and what it is all about.”
During the nine years that Eigner owned the salon, she knew there was more to just ownership, as far as education, products and services.
“I did a lot of praying. My husband and I actually lost a child last year, and so we were at a point in our lives we just did not know which way we wanted to go — re-invest in the business or what our situation was,” Eigner said. “I feel like our prayers came through because it was by chance I found Dustin and Alex (of Alex Fuller Photo, which is also found in Illusion Hair Salon). Dustin came form the Redken industry, which is what our salon is converting to.”
Dustin Wills, team leader at Illusion, said that it is more of a Redken culture, and that it is a blend of behind the chair technical ability, with a business mind. He said it is taking traditional hair care and turning it into a profession. The next milestone is joining the Redken culture.
“We really wanted to create an environment that was a hub for our community, somewhere where they could come and have nice relaxing high-end services that they could afford to have. Our goal is to set the tone for all salons in Newberry to follow suit,” Wills said. “Our mission here is to develop a brand that people think elegant yet wholesome.”
Eigner said they will nstall an educational facility in the back of the salon, and will have training about four times a month. Eventually that training facility will be open to salons in the county and in surrounding counties.
“Redken has levels of advancement, and once you get to what they call an elite status, that is where your salon is doing a certain amount per year. You can then engage in New York Fashion Week, and out in L.A. they actually will provide that for you. They kind of grow with you. They give you a huge support system and I have never had that,” Eigner said.
Along with the Redken culture came a remodel that took about six days to complete. Eigner said that in those six days thy completely transformed the space.
“We had a lot of people pitch in and make it happen, like family and friends. We are so grateful for the people that surround us, we never would have gotten through it without them,” Eigner said.
Some changes include the installation of LED lighting and a change in the paint color, which Wills said inspires relaxation and is conducive to the visual of hair color.
“The front desk, it is reclaimed wood, over 250 years old, it came out of an old mill. A friend of mine custom built that desk, and used the reclaimed wood as accent pieces,” Eigner said.
Illusion has six stylists. Eigner said that she wanted to be the first salon in Newberry to specialize in Hispanic, Ethnic and Caucasian hair.
“Diversity means a lot to me, we are about the beauty of the hair,” she said. “One of the requirements of my salon, you have to specialize in all hair types and styles, men, women and children. We now offer men’s spa service, hot towel, shave, shampoo and neck massage, along with the hair cut.”
She added that her team has been with her for nine and a half years, and she is grateful to have been blessed with team members who have supported her through that time.
“I also do not think I would be where I am without my husband and God’s grace and mercy. I am truly blessed, and thankful to Newberry County for the dedication to our business,” Eigner said.
Illusion Hair Studio is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 803-276-7916, and walk ins are welcome.
