Write a commentAnn Woodard has been in the business of hair for decades and recently celebrated her 10th year on her own at AnewU Salon in Minetto.
Prior to striking out on her own, Woodard spent many years at Sun Catchers in Fulton. “One of my clients helped me find this place when they closed,” she said. “I was lucky that many of my clients followed me here.”
Woodard also spends two days a week at Seneca Hill Nursing Home, cutting hair for the elderly. Her oldest client isn’t at the nursing home though, but a woman who comes to AnewU with her daughter. She just celebrated her 100th birthday.
“But I don’t just cut hair for the elderly,” Woodard said with a laugh. “My youngest client just turned 2.”
Woodard specializes in family hair care. She also does color, highlights, and perms, and waxing. “I won’t do nails anymore,” she noted, “because the fumes overpower the salon.”
For facial and skin care, she refers people next door to woman-owned Moonstone Skin and Soul. “Emily and everyone on this corner is fantastic. [Owner] Jeff Tonkin has made sure there’s no competition on the corner intentionally. We all refer clients to each other and collaborate. Minetto—especially my neighbors—welcomed me coming in here.”
The salon recently held a party to celebrate Woodard’s anniversary in the space. Woodard made sure to let her neighboring business owners know so they could attend and open their shops for customers. “Julie [from Confectionately Yours] brought a huge plate of home-made chocolates and told me, ‘This is for you.’ And the Sausage Shack cooked, which everyone loved.”
Woodard has one part-time booth renter, Kathy, who also handles clients at AnewU. “I like the quiet of the place,” Woodard said, “and my clients do too.”
The shop may be quiet, but it’s also incredibly welcoming, as evidenced by the dog treats sitting next to the door. “We have a lot of dog walkers in the area, and I love walk-ins,” Woodard said. “The dogs know that if they come in, I’ll give the dog a treat while their owner gets their hair done.” The situation is a win for everyone, and a solid business lesson in knowing your market.
We’re delighted to see such a huge concentration of women-owned business in Minetto all working together to help each other succeed. Out of 6 businesses on the corner, 4 are woman-owned and operated: AnewU Salon, Cat and the Kettle metaphysical shop, Confectionately Yours candy shop, and Moonstone Skin and Soul skincare. Of course, the spirit of collaboration also extends to the Sausage Shack and Stephenson’s Tax.
We wish Ann another 10 years of success and we look forward to seeing all of the great things this group of businesses continues to accomplish, individually and together! For more information about the salon’s offerings, give Ann a call at 315-216-4643, follow her on Facebook, or drop in during the salon’s open hours!
