HANGING UP HER SHEARS

Connie Hamilton Barnhouse is retiring! She has owned Scissors Hair Salon in Elkview located at 2 Reynolds Avenue, Suite B, since 1996. After 25 years at the salon, she is hanging up her shears!

Connie has been a hair stylist since 1983. She started Scissors Salon on her own in 1996 and has added 5 to 6 stylists over the years. Originally, there were four chairs and she added a fifth so that each stylist had their own chair. She and Tammy Calvert, who formerly had a shop at Youngs Bottom, were the original two stylists in the shop. Tammy said, “Connie called me one day and said I’m thinking about opening my own shop, what do you think?” I replied, ‘I think you should buy out my shop and I’m coming with you!’ Sure enough, that’s how Scissors came to be.”

Hair Stylist, Wanda Louden from Mink Shoals, joined them shortly after they opened. When you talk about experience, Scissors has it! Connie has 38 years, Tammy has 40 years, and Wanda has 35. Diana Huffman of Elkview also joined the salon and she has 53 years of styling experience. Stylists Heather Moore (24 years of experience) and Brea Anderson (18 years of experience) of Elk River have been with her for the last 8 years. The salon is indeed a powerhouse of expertise!

L-R Diana Huffman, Tammy Calvert, Wanda Louden, Brea Anderson and Heather Moore in front. Photo by April Curry.

Connie said she has had an amazing 25 years at the shop. Her husband, Danny, even created a special business logo for her. She said, “It was hard to leave the shop. That still makes me sad. I love them like family. In fact, I have spent more time with them than my family.” She added, “It’s been an awesome career, but I’m looking forward to spending time at home enjoying life with my husband, and taking care of our dogs.” She told Danny, “I guess I’m just a chameleon. I just blend into whatever are my surroundings.”

Connie is excited that Heather Moore, who has been with her for the last eight years, has bought the business. The new name of the salon is The Scissors Salon. Heather said the paperwork required a different name and they wanted to keep Scissors, so they just decided to call it The Scissors. “We want to offer the same great service and customer care as we did when Connie was here,” said Heather. All of the stylists remarked that they were more like family than coworkers.

“Connie may be gone but she’s not forgotten. We all love her.” Heather said they were looking to hire another hairdresser or nail technician in the near future.

If you want an appointment at The Scissors Salon, call 304.965.5904. COVID regulations are in effect for the safety of the customers and the staff.