GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A new beauty salon and spa has opened its doors in town, taking over another salon that has been in business for more than 20 years.
It was “shear” luck.
Loft 419, 230 E. Walnut Street, opened Jan. 2 in the same building that housed New Images by Mary, owned by Mary Bash. The new proprietors are Gina Powell and Penny Bigelow, who contacted Bash after they couldn’t find another location.
“I’m very excited for what we may be able to build here,” said Bigelow, a longtime Galion resident and friend of Powell’s. “We’ve been talking about this for years and it was the perfect opportunity. We just couldn’t pass it up.”
Powell, who is also friends with Bash, said their goal was to make Loft 419 – named after the local area code – a “one-stop shop” for hair, nails, massages, and other services. “We also wanted to do more upscale here.”
Sine purchasing the building in November, the two have transformed the space into an oasis of neutral colors with black accents. They added wainscoting and painted the walls, replaced the flooring, and installed new lighting throughout.
Three rooms have also been built in, Powell said, as well as new sinks, styling chairs, towel warmers, and a T.V. Even the restroom has had a facelift with fresh paneling. “Everything is more modern. That’s what our goal was.”
In addition to haircuts for men and women, Loft 419 offers an array of manicures and pedicures, Powell said. Facials, waxing, and other skin care treatments are provided by a licensed esthetician, she said.
Down the road, Powell said, the salon plans to offer additional cosmetic procedures, such as microblading, spray tanning, permanent make-up, and body jewelry. “We’re looking to hire. We have room to grow.”
Meanwhile, Bash is staying on at least through the end of the year. “It just kind of fell into place,” said the Galion native, who has been doing hair for 45 years, 23 years as the owner of her own beauty shop.
Madison Zeger, Powell’s granddaughter, is managing Loft 419, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Appointments can be made by calling 419-468-1681.