Parker City beauty salon expands with coffee bar
By BETH MOLAND
News-Gazette reporter
Parker City has a new business in town, Reflections. Open April 1, the new establishment is located on St. Rd. 32 in the former Thompson Insurance building and consists of several enterprises rolled into one. Clever hairstylists and co-owners Melissa Buis and Carissa Morris decided to add a coffee bar to their beauty shop. Husbands Tom and Michael, respectively, are also part owners.
“The idea started small from offering coffee, tea and milk,” Buis said. “Then it expanded to The Coffee Bar at Reflections. We thought a coffee bar would compliment our business.”
Since the women would be busy primping their customers, they needed someone to run the coffee shop. They did not have to look far, as Buis approached her retired mother, Carolyn Oren, who thought it was a good idea.
“There are restaurants in town, but no coffee shops,” Oren said.
She had some prior skill in serving the public, having worked in the county clerk's office and helping in her family's restaurant as a child.
“I have no experience really, but my folks had Hensley's Café in Farmland from the time I was 10 'till I was 17,” Oren said. “And I always worked in the restaurant. But we serve Main Street Coffees from Farmland and they have been instrumental in training us, in getting equipment and just mentoring. They have been excellent resources. He's (Main Street Coffee owner Don Wheeldon) a master roaster.”
Oren said people noticed as soon as the new sign went up and clientele has increased steadily since opening. Some customers already have chosen preferences from the menu.
“A lot of people like the Mocha, White Chocolate and Caramel,” she said. “Those seem to be the favorites.”
For the lady or gent waiting to get a shampoo and cut, the Coffee Bar boasts of 22 flavors to enhance their coffee of choice, whether it a latte, cappuccino, espresso, or simply brewed coffee. Other selections include Chai tea, sweet tea, Italian sodas, smoothies and steamers.
Besides the hair and coffee features, Reflections offers tanning and a gift shop with beauty and tanning supplies, candles, purses, Boyd's bear figurines and Farmhouse Creations lotions.
Buis and Morris have been in business together for six years at another beauty parlor, but had outgrown that space. When the insurance facility became available, the women jumped on the opportunity.
“It was a three-way move,” Morris said. “We bought Andy's (Thompson) place, he moved to the Armstrong building and another lady bought our salon, Traditions.”
Buis has 20 years experience in the stylist business and Morris has 8 years. It is evident they like what they do and the rapport with customers reflects a mutual admiration society.
“This is always what I've wanted to do,” Buis said. “It is a wonderful place to work. You make great bonds with family and friends. Everyone who comes in here becomes like family.
"We had a lot of friends and family support which is what made it happen."
One of those customers was responsible for naming the new location Reflections. Buis said she and partner Morris could not decide on a special moniker so they consulted a friend.
“We couldn't come up with a name, so we went to Roberta Puckett, a good friend and customer” Buis said. “We knew she would come up with something and she did. Reflections - it was something that worked with all aspects of our business.”
So, anyone wanting to sit back and reflect with a cup of specially brewed coffee or check out your reflection in the mirror while getting a new hair style, call (765) 468-6333 or stop by 401 West Jackson St. (St. Rd. 32) two blocks west of the ball park. Summer hours are Tuesday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
