By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Tonya Lohr never planned on moving her business. In fact, she never thought about buying a building, renovating it, and bringing new businesses to town, either.
The best laid plans never go exactly how you thought they would, though. Lohr, owner of Tonya’s Hair Fashions, can attest to that.
“I’m relocating after 17 years,” Lohr confirmed.
It all began when Lohr, who kept her business as a traditional hair salon, decided to hire a nail technician to expand her services, but her Wanye Avenue business had poor ventilation. A causally asked question to one of her realtor customers about relocation had her business plan taking a sharp turn in a new direction.
“I came and looked at this building, my husband and I,” Lohr explained as she sat in one of the salon chairs holding her new grandson. “It was never a dream or aspiration. I love my little salon. I love the quaintness of it, the coziness of it. I never really wanted to do anything like this.”
Yellow coverings in the large front windows blocked the view into the renovated space at Warren Place as workers pounded away in a back room to get the finishing touches done in time for the grand opening on June 1. Lohr admitted that many of her customers were excited about the new salon, but she wanted to keep the final look a secret until the official opening.
“Everything fell into place. It’s worked out pretty flawless,” a proud Lohr said.
Lohr assured that she will still have the same atmosphere as her original cozy little shop. She will be expanding her services, however, by offering the whole salon experience from hair and nails to facials and makeup.
Lohr admitted adding on the services was a bit overwhelming – especially when she loved being a small salon – but she was excited about the prospect.
Tonya’s Hair Fashion will not be the only business in the building Lohr dubbed Warren Place. She will be joined by Massage Therapy at Warren Place, Air Force One, and Indoff Business Essentials.
“These are all businesses that weren’t businesses here in Bucyrus, other than myself,” Lohr said. “I feel like I touch lives on a daily basis by making people feel good about themselves, but maybe I needed to help better the community and bring a little more revenue to the community. Maybe this is what I’m supposed to be doing. It just fell in place that this is supposed to be what I’m doing.”
Tonya’s Hair Fashions will officially open during the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on June 1. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and by appointment on Saturday. The phone number is 419-562-1738. The salon will be located within Warren Place at 121 W. Warren St., Bucyrus.