A quaint salon located in Enon. Sporting a chic aesthetic, it is complete with paintings of infamous pop culture icons, like the fashionable Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” attire and the unforgettable Marilyn Monroe, hanging from cobalt blue walls, a small collection of mystery novels and magazines and a coffee nook welcome to all.
At the heart of this very establishment is a group of women, diligent and precise in their endeavors.
“Our salon opened over 40 years ago, but I bought it a little over five years ago,” said Monica Raquel-Layne, the salon’s owner.
She is a woman of many talents for Raquel-Layne is not only a mother of three children, a passionate baker and an active member of her community but a skilled cosmetologist and the owner of The Hair Company. For Raquel-Layne, purchasing the salon was a great opportunity to not only illustrate her craft but, in her own words, it was “a way to be around people in the community and be able to work and raise a family at the same time.”
Their mission is simple: to showcase and embrace one’s inner beauty. The Hair Company offers many services, from hair to nails and massages. The Hair Company staff consists of Monica Raquel-Layne, Diana Randall, Carla Lombardo and Tiffany Glen.
Described as light, fun and the life of the salon, Randall is a hairstylist with an impeccable 50-year career. Lombardo has been a hairdresser for 40 years and is noted for her caliber with chemical services. Among the four, Lombardo has been employed at the salon the longest. Glen, a licensed massage therapist, has provided her services to The Hair Company for four years.
Perhaps above all, The Hair Company is prized for its dedication to the community.
“Our salon works directly with the public in a very personal way,” said Raquel-Layne. “We make their day brighter by being a friend to talk to…[we] are a company who cares by turning their already beautiful face into a beautiful smile!”
In the first week of October, The Hair Company hosts their annual customer appreciation day, in which the salon provides and celebrates with food, drink and dessert. A discount is given to customers as well.
The Hair Company also partakes in Night to Shine, an occasion described on the event’s website as “an unforgettable prom night experience…for people with special needs ages 14 and older” where “721 churches from around the world…come together to host Night to Shine” through the Tim Tebow Foundation.
The Hair Company volunteers with the Lawrenceville Church of God by providing hair and nail services.
“It’s the most amazing opportunity every year,” said Raquel-Layne.
When asked about the previous five years, Raquel-Layne reminisces.“Owning the salon has been a rollercoaster…[There are] very happy moments that we share with our customers and also there are times that we try to help customers through tough times with a talk, a hug and prayer.”
“It is always an amazing experience when you get to know your customer,” said Raquel-Layne, “they become like family. I have brought my daughter Nora to work with me since she was born and the customers just love her. They play with her and miss her when she is not here. They have been a huge part of her life and all our lives. We have built bonds that most can only dream of over hair!”
“I hope to have many more days to build memories and provide great services to the public.”
Taylor Pendleton
Reporter