Page 20 of Beck & Coll
“How many stylists does it take to run the salon here in the lodge?”
“I could run it with a good floor manager and three to four dedicated stylists. How many stylists did you have at your salon?”
“Five… and the most awesome floor manager in the city. I also had a receptionist.”
She nodded slowly. “I would need at least two girls that knew Black hair. One that could do wigs, weaves, and such. Somebody who could do… event hairstyles. You know… weddings, babymoon photoshoots, milestone birthdays… stuff like that. And one who could do natural hair and maybe braids.” She cut her eyes at me. “I haven’t thought about what it would take to reopen the salon in ages. I wasn’t sure I would ever reopen it.”
My eyes bugged. “Why not? That place has everything. The salon by itself could be a destination. Offering Olaplex, balayage, keratin treatments, low-level light therapy, scalp treatments… I mean, the list is extensive. Any of those services could encourage people to visit the lodge.”
“I like the way you think, Ms. Kingsley. Any chance I could talk you into considering a move to Jackson Falls to get that set up? I’d let you buy into the salon.” She held up a hand. “Not into the lodge but into the salon.” She gave me a winning smile.
I chuckled. “Itisbeautiful here.”
“It is.”
“But I haven’t seen anything but the lodge and the mountains so far. I don’t even know what Jackson Falls has to offer besidesManor at Sienna Sunset. And I have to be honest. I’m like your nieces and baby cousins. If I start considering getting a husband, I would really want me one of those Black husbands.”
“Well, I have four Black sons. Go ahead and claim you one. We’ll start working on him together.”
We giggled.
After my tour of the lodge’s property, I decided that it was time for me to see the town of Jackson Falls.
My GPS led me to Second Street. It seemed to be the main thoroughfare in town with lots of businesses and foot traffic. I pulled into the parking lot ofMountainside Market. It billeditself as a sustainable grocery store. When I looked up what that meant, I knew I needed to stop by and check it out. The store was modern and cute with a vibrantly colorful produce section as soon as you came through the door.
I wanted to pick up a few snacks for me to keep in my cottage. I headed straight for the produce. From my research on the store, I knew that the best prices would be on the fruit that was both in season and that they could get from a local grower.
I grabbed some fruit before I made my way through the store. They had plenty of things that I could snack on between meals or late at night when the lodge restaurants were closed. Leaving the grocery store with my bag, I strolled down Second Street people watching and taking in the local businesses. When I came upon a bakery,Second Street Sweets, I dipped in. The bakery wasn’t crowded, but there were patrons inside. I noticed a Black woman, probably a little younger than me, with two little girls. They sat at a table happily eating their treats. Both girls wore intricately designed French braids.
I stepped toward the lady and the girls. “Hello. I’m sorry to interrupt you, but the girls’ hair is beautiful.”
She smiled the wary smile of a person who wasn’t sure of what was coming next. “Thank you.”
“Do you get it done somewhere around here locally?”
She chuckled a little. “No. We don’t have any place around here that braids like this. I’m from Philly, so luckily I knew how to braid before we moved out here. I do it myself. Some of their little friends even ask me to do theirs, and I do a few women from church.”
“Do you have a card?”
“Oh no. I don’t work in a shop or anything. I do it in my living room.” She hesitated. “And I don’t do strangers.”
“I like your green hair,” one of the little ones said to me.
“Thank you.” I smiled. “I was just saying how much I like your braids.” I turned back to the woman. “My name is Collins Kingsley. I’m from Chicago, but I’m staying atManor at Sienna Sunsetfor the next few days.”
I reached into my purse and pulled out one of my business cards—an old habit. She took it from my hand.
“I owned a hair salon for years. Anyway, the owner of the lodge mentioned to me that she was thinking about maybe reopening the salon up there. She was saying that she would need a braider.”
“Oh, I don’t have a license or anything like that. Like I said, I just do my girls and a few of their friends and stuff.”
“Would you be willing to get one?”
“I doubt it. Seems like a lot of time and money for not a lot of benefit. This is the Pacific Northwest, baby. We’re an outdoorsy, nature-loving group of people. We own farms, ranches, and small businesses. We’re not going to galas or fundraisers. We don’t really have much need for getting all dolled up.”
I nodded slowly. “I get that. But do you know who does have a need for getting all dolled up? The Black women who can afford to have their weddings, honeymoons, baby moons, bridal showers, and bachelorette getaways atManor at Sienna Sunset Resort. They have money to spend and hair on their heads. These are typically upwardly mobile women that take their own self-care seriously and tip well. Just think about it. If you ever decide that you want to know more, you can call the number on the card, and I’ll put you in touch with Mrs. Beverly Strong, or you can call the resort directly yourself. Have a great rest of your day.”
The next day,Collins wasn’t scheduled for any adventures, which I thought was best. After falling while hiking and falling while fishing, a break from the wilderness was right on time. Since I still wanted to see her beautiful face, I met her for lunch in between tours.
