WS Chronicle

By Tevin Stinson

The Chronicle

The Ogburn Station Business Corridor received a major face lift on Tuesday, Oct. 6, when Essence of Beauty Studio held its grand opening.

Essence of Beauty is owned and operated by licensed cosmetologist Yasmine Crowell, who is also studying for her Masters in Business Administration degree with a concentration in management.

During the grand opening, Crowell said that she is excited to see her dream of owning her own salon become a reality.

“I always knew this was what I wanted to do,” said Crowell. “I remember making drawings of my ideas when I was in the first grade.”

According to Crowell, reconstruction on the old building located at 4221 North Liberty St. began in early January.

The designer for the salon, Donald Banboo, said after getting Crowell’s drawings and ideas, making the designs was easy.

“Yasmine had some wonderful designs and ideas, which made the job a lot easier.”

Unlike most beauty salons, Essence of Beauty welcomes mothers to bring their children along. With a play area for children, kids who aren’t receiving service have a place to have fun while their mothers get work done.

Crowell said being family friendly was one thing that was very important to her.

“Most salons don’t allow you to bring kids if they aren’t receiving service.” said Crowell. “Being family friendly is one of the many ways Essence of Beauty is different.”

The Salon is full service and offers personalized styling, and hair coloring. In addition to hair care, Essence of Beauty provides body waxing and razor eyebrow shaving.

Experienced technicians also offer soothing manicures and pedicures, as well as color changes and gel polishing.

Essence of Beauty has something for the men as well. The studio has a barber shop.

“I think having a barber shop is something that will make us stand out as well,” Crowell said.

When construction is complete, the barber shop will have its own entrance at the back of the building.

“I think having separate entrances was a good idea because the women still want their privacy,” Crowell laughed.

The mission of Essence of Beauty is to ensure each customer experiences the essence of beauty that transforms self images and destinies one experience at a time.

Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian Burke stopped by the grand opening ceremony to wish Crowell much success with her new business.

“The salon is just beautiful,” said Burke. “I am happy to see Yasmine reach her goal of being a business owner. We need more black-owned businesses, and most importantly, we need to support black-owned businesses.”