Downtown businesses merge to form ‘one-stop beauty shop?

Two downtown Oxford businesses have joined forces to create the ultimate beauty destination for local ladies.
Sabrina’s Salon and Fancy Feet & Fingers are now located together under one roof at 40 S. Washington St. and operating under the new name Downtown Salon.
‘It’s your one-stop beauty shop. It’s got it all now,? said Amy Atkeson, who’s co-owned Fancy Feet & Fingers with her partner Bobby Johnson for nine years. ‘Sabrina and I have shared clients for years. They’re just totally pumped about being able to get everything done in one place.?
‘This opportunity came up and it really made sense to move over here so we could have everything under one roof,? said Sabrina Guzman, owner of Sabrina’s Salon for 12 years. ‘Most of our clients came here (to Fancy Feet & Fingers) anyway.?
For Guzman, moving her salon out of the historic Meriam building was an opportunity to greatly reduce her overhead.
‘My landlords weren’t very negotiable and we didn’t want to raise prices,? she explained.
For Atkeson, the merger was a chance to fulfill a dream.
‘It’s was my 10-year goal to have a full-service salon,? she said. ‘I was watching a show on the FOX network and they said businesses that take risks during a down economy usually succeed the most because they started in a bad situation and things can only get better. I thought why not just do it.?
Making the move with Guzman are her daughter Teddi, stylist Shelly Olson and receptionist Sarah Balkwell. ‘We’re still creating the same experience,? Guzman said.
However, Teddi will be leaving in June to go work for an upscale salon in New York City called Tela. More on that in a later story.
Overall, clients from both businesses seem pleased with the merger of hair stylists and nail experts.
‘So far, we’ve had a really positive reaction from a lot of our clients,? Atkeson said. ‘It’s cozy and beautiful in here. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere.?
However, because the merger took place on April 1, there was some initial skepticism.
‘All our clients thought it was an April Fools? joke,? Guzman said.
The hair and nail sides of the business are continuing to keep separate hours.
Those looking for manicures and pedicures can do so between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Ladies looking to get their hair cut, styled or colored can do so from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; or from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
For now, Guzman’s clients can make appointments by calling the old Sabrina’s Salon number (248) 628-3266.
Atkeson’s clients can continue calling the Fancy Feet & Fingers number (248) 236-9124.
Eventually, the latter phone number will be used as the main one for all clients.
Outstanding gift certificates from Sabrina’s Salon and Fancy Feet & Fingers will be honored at Downtown Salon.
The new shop will host a grand opening complete with refreshments, snacks, giveaways and drawings on Sunday, May 3 from 1-5 p.m.